Northumberland
Birnie Brae
508M
1667FT
About Birnie Brae
Tucked into the eastern flanks of Hedgehope Hill, this high Cheviot shoulder offers a quieter perspective of the Harthope Valley. Its grassy, often sodden slopes provide a steady climb from Langleeford, rewarding walkers with clear views across to the rounded bulk of The Cheviot and the distant Northumbrian coastline.
Key Statistics
Rank
35th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Cheviots
Prominence
?
31m
Nearest Town
Scottish Borders
Geology
You are walking on ancient volcanic lava flows called andesite. These rocks are part of the Cheviot Volcanic Formation.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT871206
Latitude
55.4790°N
Longitude
2.2056°W
Did You Know?
- •The name is rooted in Northumbrian dialect, likely combining 'birnie'—referring to birch trees or a small stream—with 'brae', the Scots and Northern English term for a steep hillside.
- •Though often overshadowed by the bulk of Hedgehope Hill, it is a significant high point in its own right, overlooking the rugged outcrops of Housey Crags and Long Crag to the north.
- •On a clear day, the summit offers a framed view down the Harthope Valley towards Wooler, with the North Sea and the Farne Islands visible on the eastern horizon.
- •It is the kind of hill where the 'brae' part of the name is felt most keenly in the calves, particularly if you have spent the afternoon navigating the saturated peat hags that define this part of the range.