The 20 Most Amazing Peaks in North Pennines AONB
Best mountain peaks in North Pennines AONB are found within a dramatic landscape of deep dales and expansive moorlands. This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty features notable peaks that offer diverse hiking experiences. The region is characterized by its high fells and unique natural features, providing a distinct environment for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore a variety of terrains, from high ground to boggy moorlands, across its many summits.
Best mountain peaks in North Pennines AONB
- The most popular mountain…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Nine Standards
Highlight • Monument
Nobody knows the meaning or benefit of the Nine standards. They are still cult!
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Cross Fell Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Cold Fell Summit and Trig Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Bolt's Law summit
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Mickle Fell Summit Cairn
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more peaks in North Pennines AONB.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around North Pennines AONB
Bothies of Britain: hiking and biking adventures to unique mountain shelters
National Cycle Network Route 7 – Sunderland to Inverness
Weardale Way — Hike from the North Sea to the wild Pennines
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
The Pennine Rally — Bikepacking Edinburgh to Manchester
GBDURO 2021 — Gravel racing Land's End to John O'Groats
Lake to Lake Walk — Windermere to Kielder across the beautiful North
Teesdale Way — A riverside hike from wild Pennines to the North Sea
Isaac's Tea Trail — Walk the wild serenity of the North Pennines
Pennine Cycleway – An epic adventure along the UK's toughest ride
Other adventures in North Pennines AONB
Tips from the Community
Fantastic views across open moorland in ever direction, definitely worth a visit.
0
0
Cold Fell, at 621 m (2,037 ft), is a rather remote and boggy mountain top just south of Tindale Tarn. It makes for a good hiking outing from Hallbankgate, taking in the Brunwath Viewpoint. Being a UK designated Nuttall and Marilyn, it is a popular hiking point offering expansive views over Cumbria and the Lake District.
0
0
James - sorry - just noticed the question; a number of options - the full route is from Consett - Hownsgill car park (Morrisons - but watch the duration - I think you have 7 hours before fines kick in); you can park at Rowley, Healeyfiled or Waskerley and work your way back to any of those reasonably easily; one thing to watch is that they've not put a sign up to stop you taking the link from the C3C to the bridleway that takes you over Bolt's Law - it was never really public access but cuts out a lot of riding; just bear in mind you might get turned round. Another option is to park up on Meadow's Edge where the bridleways cross the road.
0
0
The highest mountain in England outside of the Lake district, fantastic views if you can catch it on a clear day.
0
0
A beautiful hill to hike and a glorious summit to have a break on. It has a wide plateaued top with a number of impressive stone cairns, as well as a trig point and a great dry stone cross shelter. I hiked the Kirkland loop, and this was a particularly nice loop to do. There is not that much of a view from the summit itself because it is so big and flat, but the views to and from it are really nice, in particular over towards Little Dun Fell.
1
0
Mickle Fell is the highest peak in Yorkshire, depending on which list you look at. It is an imposing bulk of a mountain and difficult to get to as a large chunk of it is in the Warcop military training range and access is limited. Normally, 10–12 weekends are set aside annually by the military to allow hikers to walk one of two routes to its summit. There are two routes: the Northern Route and the Southern Route, and both require permits. I did the Southern Route, which is a linear route following a fence for most of the way. The middle section of this route is difficult and boggy. For further information, scheduled hiking days, and contact numbers, see the links below. Access Days — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/warcop-access-times General Information — https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a79714ce5274a2acd18cdf4/dte_info_leaflet_northwest.pdf Application procedure — https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66339f8e4d8bb7378fb6c172/WTA_Mickle_Fell_Access_Permit_Request_Procedures.pdf
3
0
This is actually the location of the topographic cairn, which is a really good view point out over the surrounding Dales, and of the Nine Standards, which sit nearby to the north within a few hundred metres. A bit further to the south is the actual summit point of Nine Standards Rigg itself, which is marked by a trig point.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest mountain peak in the North Pennines AONB?
The highest point in the North Pennines AONB, and indeed the entire Pennines, is Cross Fell Summit, standing at 893 meters (2,930 feet). It offers far-reaching views of the Lake District, the west coast, and on clear days, even the Southern Uplands of Scotland and the Cheviots.
Are there any mountain peaks with unique historical significance in the North Pennines AONB?
Yes, Cross Fell was historically known as 'Fiends Fell,' believed to be a haunt of evil spirits. Additionally, Nine Standards, a man-made monument, has a mysterious origin, with some believing they were constructed by the Romans.
Which mountain peaks offer panoramic views in the North Pennines AONB?
Many peaks offer excellent views. From Cross Fell Summit, you can see the Lake District and the west coast. Great Dun Fell also provides panoramic views over the Pennines and towards the Lake District on clear days. Cold Fell Summit is another great viewpoint.
What are some challenging mountain peaks for experienced hikers in the North Pennines AONB?
For experienced hikers, Cross Fell is a challenging ascent, often undertaken as part of the Pennine Way. Mickle Fell also offers a rewarding, albeit remote and often boggy, hiking experience.
Are there any mountain peaks that are good for cycling in the North Pennines AONB?
Great Dun Fell is particularly popular with cyclists. The road leading to its iconic radar station is the highest tarmacked road in England, offering a challenging and rewarding ascent. You can find more cycling routes in the area on the MTB Trails in North Pennines AONB guide or the Gravel biking in North Pennines AONB guide.
What unique natural phenomena can be experienced on the mountain peaks?
Cross Fell is renowned for its unique climatic conditions, including dense hill fog and the intense 'Helm Wind,' England's only named wind, which can create a characteristic shrieking sound. The area also retains snow cover longer than neighboring areas.
Are there any access restrictions or permits required for hiking certain peaks?
Yes, a significant portion of Mickle Fell is located within the Warcop military training range. Public access is limited to specific weekends and requires permits. It's essential to check access times and procedures before planning your visit.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain peaks in the North Pennines AONB?
The terrain varies across the peaks. You can expect high fells, expansive moorlands, and sometimes boggy ground, especially around Mickle Fell and Burnhope Seat. Some summits, like Cross Fell, have wide, flat plateaus.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks in the North Pennines AONB?
Visitors frequently praise the far-reaching views, the sense of accomplishment from challenging ascents, and the unique natural features. The distinctive dry-stone shelter on Cross Fell Summit and the mysterious Nine Standards are often highlighted as memorable landmarks.
Are there hiking routes near these mountain peaks for different difficulty levels?
Yes, the North Pennines AONB offers a range of hiking routes. For example, you can find moderate routes like the 'High Cup Nick loop from Dufton' or more difficult ones such as the 'Cow Green Reservoir & Cauldron Snout loop'. Explore more options in the Hiking in North Pennines AONB guide.
Which peak is known for its distinctive man-made structures?
Great Dun Fell is easily recognizable by the Civil Aviation Authority's air traffic control radar station, often referred to as a 'golf ball,' which is visible for miles around. Nine Standards is also a notable man-made monument.
What is the highest point in historic County Durham?
Burnhope Seat, a high moorland fell at 747 meters (2,451 feet), holds the distinction of being the highest spot in historic County Durham. Its summit is characterized by an extensive plateau of tussock grass and peat bog.
Most popular routes in North Pennines AONB
Most popular attractions in North Pennines AONB
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
