North Pennines
Harwood Carrs
501M
1645FT
About Harwood Carrs
Situated in the quiet moorlands south of Hexham, this North Pennines height offers a solitary walking experience. The terrain is characterized by pathless heather and peat hags, typical of the Eastern Fells, rewarding those who navigate its undulating plateau with wide, unobstructed views of the Tyne Valley and the distant Cheviots.
Key Statistics
Rank
182nd Highest in Region
Parent Range
North Pennines
Prominence
?
26.3m
Nearest Town
Northumberland
Geology
Harwood Carrs is built upon the sandstone of the Stainmore Formation. This durable rock creates the solid, gritty ground you are walking on today.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY870505
Latitude
54.8491°N
Longitude
2.2040°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely derives from the Old English 'har' (grey) and 'wudu' (wood), while 'Carrs' is a Northern English term for marshy ground, originating from the Old Norse word 'kjarr'.
- •The summit provides a clear perspective of the Derwent Valley to the east and the high, rolling spine of the North Pennines stretching away towards the south.
- •Harwood Carrs is part of a vast area of managed grouse moorland, where the lack of formal trails means hikers often share the ground with nesting lapwings and curlews rather than other walkers.
- •The absence of a prominent summit marker or cairn often leads to the peculiar North Pennine ritual of wandering in small circles to ensure you have truly reached the highest point of the plateau.