The Cheviot Hills

Situated in the north of the National Park less than an hour from Newcastle, the Cheviot Hills mark the border with Scotland; a wild, romantic landscape of rounded hills and valleys.

A picnic and a paddle in the Breamish valley or the Harthope valley is a traditional day out trip. You can share the shallow, clean rivers with dippers and otters, and even park your car and sit close by on the riverbank. The finds from the archaeological digs of the valley’s hillforts are on display at the National Park Centre, Ingram, where you can also get an ice cream and find out about other local attractions.

The distinctive rounded Cheviot Hills were formed when lava erupted from the earth’s core and flowed out over the area. The hills are criss-crossed with bridleways which allow mountain bikers to follow the routes of ancient cattle drovers. The dramatic waterfall of Linhope Spout is worth a visit for walkers as is the ascent to the highest point in Northumberland, Cheviot summit, from where the Pennine Way snakes along the border ridge. At the Cheviots’ northern edge, you can still trace the hut circles left within the pre-roman site of Yeavering Bell.