The CheviotAbout The Cheviot
The Cheviot is the highest hill in the Cheviot Hills and a prominent upland feature in Northumberland, England, lying within Northumberland National Park. Its summit reaches about 815 metres above sea level.
A broad, rounded summit plateau and heath-covered slopes characterise the mountain, with typical upland features such as peat, heather and grassy hollows. It is a popular objective for hillwalkers using established paths from surrounding valleys and car parks.
The Cheviot is an extinct volcanic dome, which gives the summit its broad form and geology that differs from surrounding sandstone hills. Walking routes of varying length and difficulty approach the summit from multiple directions.
The hill sits near the England-Scotland border in a sparsely populated upland area, with access from nearby towns and villages in Northumberland and marked trails across the national park.
- Elevation and status: Summit elevation is about 815 metres, making it the highest point in the Cheviot Hills and a prominent feature in Northumberland National Park.
- Geology: The mountain is an extinct volcano, giving it a distinctive rounded summit and thick peat and heathland on the plateau.
What to See#
- Summit plateau: The rounded summit and surrounding heather-covered moorland forming the Cheviot plateau, which is the mountain’s broad, grassy top and walking terrain.
- Approach routes and lower slopes: Lower slopes and boundary walls that mark historic sheep-farming land and provide access routes for hillwalkers, including paths from Wooler and surrounding glens.
Best Time to Visit The Cheviot
Late spring through early autumn provides the most reliable walking conditions; always expect wind and changeable hill weather.
Weather & Climate near The Cheviot
The Cheviot's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2069 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -3° - 2° | -8° | 241 mm | overcast | 91% | 12.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.6h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 2° | -8° | 169 mm | overcast | 90% | 11.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.4h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 4° | -6° | 184 mm | overcast | 88% | 10.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 7° | -3° | 124 mm | overcast | 86% | 8.6 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 11° | 2° | 122 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.9 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 16.0h |
| June | Poor | 5° - 14° | 6° | 115 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.1h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 127 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.6h |
| August | Poor | 7° - 15° | 11° | 150 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.8h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 12° | 4° | 175 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.4 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 2° - 8° | 0° | 222 mm | overcast | 89% | 10.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | -1° - 4° | -5° | 220 mm | overcast | 91% | 10.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.1h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 3° | -7° | 220 mm | overcast | 92% | 10.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.9h |
How to Get to The Cheviot
Access from several trailheads in Northumberland or the Scottish Borders. The village of Wooler and the town of Coldstream are common bases; drive to the appropriate car parks and follow marked walking trails. Check local guidance for access during lambing season.
Tips for Visiting The Cheviot
- The hill is best hiked from the Scottish Borders side for easier ascent routes; the path can be boggy in wet weather.
- Carry an OS map (UK Ordnance Survey) or GPS-some sections are open moorland without clear tracks.