Northumberland
High Knowes
395M
1296FT
About High Knowes
Rising above the Breamish Valley, High Knowes is a modest but archaeologically rich outlier of the Cheviots. Its grassy slopes are home to significant Bronze Age remains, offering a quiet, contemplative climb with expansive views across the Northumberland National Park towards the higher mass of The Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill.
Key Statistics
Rank
85th Highest in Region
Parent Range
The Cheviots
Prominence
?
40
Nearest Town
Northumberland
Geology
High Knowes is built from ancient lava flows called andesite. These volcanic rocks erupted to create the very foundation of the Cheviot hills.
Classifications
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NT968127
Latitude
55.4082°N
Longitude
2.0521°W
Did You Know?
- •The name 'Knowe' is a Northern English and Scots dialect term for a small hill or knoll, derived from the Old English 'cnoll'. High Knowes simply identifies the loftiest of these rounded features on the local ridge.
- •The hill is of significant interest to archaeologists due to the High Knowes palisaded settlements and cairnfield. These Iron Age and Bronze Age sites indicate that this ridge was a major settlement hub for prehistoric communities thousands of years ago.
- •The summit provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the 'Big Two' of the Cheviot range: the massive, flat-topped dome of The Cheviot itself and the more pointed profile of Hedgehope Hill to the north-east.
- •Walkers often include High Knowes as part of a circular route from Ingram, following the ancient tracks that skirt around Cochrane Pike and link into the Salters Road, a historic trade and peat-cutting route.
- •While it technically qualifies as a Tump, you are likely to spend more time scrutinising the ground for prehistoric hut circles than you will spend catching your breath on the gentle ascent.