Best mountain peaks around Thirlwall are found within a dramatic landscape in Northumberland, England, characterized by the rugged terrain of Hadrian's Wall. This area features prominent elevated sections of the ancient frontier, offering historical interest and views. Notable examples include Walltown Crags and Winshield Crags, which are integral parts of the Hadrian's Wall experience. The region provides opportunities for exploring both natural elevations and historical sites.
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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Popular around Thirlwall
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.
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Highshield Crags 283m P35 (928ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 18981) [JNSA 14114] Northumberland National Park Definitive List summit. County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.
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Peel Crags East Top 276.8m P21.0 (908ft) (Hill ID: 504137) [JNSA 14494] Northumberland National Park Definitive List summit. County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.
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Peel Crags 278m P26 (912ft) (DoBIH Hill ID: 18704) [JNSA 14446] Northumberland National Park Definitive List summit. County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.
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Talkin Fell summit has a series of interesting cairns and a heart shaped windbreak as well as a trig point. It's not a huge fell at 381m but offers great views north and east.
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Cold Fell is the most northerly mountain in Cumbria. It's in the North Pennines range with an altitude of 621m. The local prominence also gives it Marilyn status (Marilyns have a prominence of at least 150 regardless of height or other features, as of 2020 there are 2011 Marilyns).
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Near Thirlwall, two of the most prominent elevated points directly on Hadrian's Wall are Walltown Crags and Winshield Crags. Walltown Crags offers dramatic landscapes with the Wall cutting across jagged cliffs and sweeping moorland, while Winshield Crags holds the distinction of being the highest point along the entire Hadrian's Wall Path, providing spectacular 360-degree views.
The region is rich in history. You can explore the well-preserved sections of Hadrian's Wall itself, including the remains of Milecastle 45 at Walltown Crags. Additionally, Thirlwall Castle, a 12th-century ruin built using stones from Hadrian's Wall, offers a glimpse into medieval history and elevated views of its surroundings.
Yes, komoot users appreciate several spots. Talkin Fell Summit Cairns and Trig Point is popular for its interesting cairns, a heart-shaped windbreak, and great views north and east from its 381-meter elevation. Another recommended spot is Highshield Crags 283m P35 (928ft), which offers views of a lake with ducks and swans.
From elevated points like Walltown Crags, you can enjoy panoramic views across the Northumberland countryside, showcasing the blend of natural terrain and Roman engineering. Winshield Crags, as the highest point on Hadrian's Wall Path, provides spectacular 360-degree vistas stretching across the Pennines to the south and into Scotland to the north on clear days.
The Hadrian's Wall Path in this area, particularly around Winshield Crags, is known for its 'up-and-down rollercoaster hiking.' It features some steep sections with stone steps, making it a rewarding challenge for walkers. There are also gentler walking trails available, such as those in Walltown Quarry Country Park.
Yes, Walltown Quarry Country Park, located below Walltown Crags, offers a gentler landscape with lakes and walking trails suitable for families. Additionally, there are easy circular routes available from the Walltown Visitor Centre and a picturesque circular route from Walltown Quarry Nature Reserve that includes Thirlwall Castle.
Beyond hiking, the Thirlwall area offers opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various routes, including those for touring bicycles like the 'Hadrian's Wall – Lanercost Priory loop from Thirlwall' or mountain bike trails such as the 'Scotchcoulthard – Viewpoint near Steel Rigg loop'. For more details, explore the cycling and MTB guides for Thirlwall.
The highest point along the entire Hadrian's Wall Path is Winshield Crags, reaching an elevation of 345 meters (1,132 ft) above sea level. It offers unparalleled vistas and a sense of achievement for those who reach its summit.
Absolutely. Thirlwall Castle is intimately connected with Hadrian's Wall, and its location makes it ideal for combining with walks. A picturesque circular route from Walltown Quarry Nature Reserve includes the castle, allowing you to explore both medieval history and the ancient Roman frontier.
In addition to the crags along Hadrian's Wall, the area features other Northumberland National Park Definitive List summits. These include Highshield Crags 283m P35 (928ft) and Peel Crags East Top — 276.8 m (908 ft), both offering elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
Komoot offers several detailed hiking routes in the area. For example, you can find routes like the 'Thirlwall Castle to Walltown Quarry loop' which is an easy 4.2 km walk, or more challenging options like the 'Hadrian's Wall Path Loop from Greenhead'. You can explore these and more in the hiking guide for Thirlwall.
Walltown Crags is unique for its dramatic landscape where Hadrian's Wall cuts across jagged cliffs and sweeping moorland. It's one of the largest whinstone outcrops along the Wall, showcasing the raw geology of the Whin Sill. Visitors can walk along the ridge path beside original Roman foundations and enjoy panoramic views, making it a blend of natural beauty and historical significance.


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