The 7 Most Amazing Peaks around Hedgeley

For a challenging experience, consider Cochrane Pike, which offers fabulous views over empty moorland but requires a good level of fitness. Another demanding option is Long Crag Summit, known for its exposed rocky tracks that can be difficult to navigate, especially after rainfall.

Yes, Ros Castle Hill Fort is a significant historical landmark. It's a 3000-year-old Iron Age Hill Fort and the highest point in the Chillingham Hills at 315 meters, offering superb views. Another notable site is Brizlee Tower, a Grade 1 listed folly from the 18th century, which provides excellent views over Hulne Park and Northumberland, though it's not normally open to the public.

The elevated areas around Hedgeley offer diverse and rewarding views. From Cochrane Pike, you'll see vast, empty moorland. Ros Castle Hill Fort provides superb panoramic views, where on a clear day, you can reportedly see seven castles. Generally, you can expect vistas of Northumberland's varied landscapes, including hills, moors, and sometimes even the coast.

While Hedgeley itself is a village, the broader region of Northumberland features the Cheviot Hills. The highest point in Northumberland is The Cheviot, standing at 815 meters (2,674 feet).

Yes, while some peaks are challenging, there are easier options. For family-friendly walks, you can explore routes like the Branton Lakes Nature Reserve loop from Powburn, which is an easy 3.4 km hike. You can find more easy hikes around Hedgeley on our dedicated guide page: Easy hikes around Hedgeley.

Beyond hiking the peaks, the area around Hedgeley offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including moderate routes like the View of East Hill – Glanton Church loop from Powburn. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy routes such as the River Breamish loop from Powburn. For more details, explore our guides for Running Trails around Hedgeley and Cycling around Hedgeley.

Hiking conditions can vary. Trails like those to Long Crag Summit feature exposed rocky tracks that can become very muddy and challenging after rainfall. Some routes, such as Cochrane Pike, require a good level of fitness due to significant elevation gain. Always be prepared for varied terrain and potentially boggy sections, especially in wetter seasons.

The best time to visit generally depends on your preferred conditions. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the views and wildlife. However, some trails can be boggy after rainfall. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. Winter can be challenging due to colder temperatures and potentially icy or snowy conditions, especially on higher elevations.

The moorland and elevated areas are home to various bird species. On hikes like Cochrane Pike, you might hear curlews, oystercatchers, skylarks, and meadow pipits. Keep an eye out for birds of prey such as buzzards and kestrels soaring overhead.

Many trails in the Northumberland area are dog-friendly, but it's crucial to keep dogs under close control, especially in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage and follow the Countryside Code. In Northumberland National Park, dogs should be on a lead around livestock and during bird nesting season (March-July).

The nearby villages and towns offer amenities. Powburn, being close to many trailheads, has options for cafes and pubs. The larger town of Alnwick, a short drive from Hedgeley, provides a wider selection of cafes, pubs, and accommodation for visitors.

Yes, many of the hiking opportunities in the region are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the loop trail that includes Cochrane Pike is a popular circular option. Our guide to Easy hikes around Hedgeley also lists several circular routes, such as the Branton Lakes Nature Reserve loop.