Whittington Fell

About Whittington Fell

Whittington Fell is less of a peak and more of a polite suggestion of altitude north of Hexham. While it won't trouble your lungs, the views across the Tyne Valley are genuinely lovely, provided the Northumbrian mist hasn't decided to park itself there for the afternoon.

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Did You Know?

• •The fell overlooks the site of the Roman Portgate, where the Great North Road once pierced through Hadrian's Wall. It’s a place where modern commuters and ancient legionaries have shared the same long-distance frustrations.
• •Geologically, the area is defined by the Great Limestone member, which was heavily quarried here to build the stout, grey stone houses of Great Whittington. Without this hill, the local architecture would be significantly more drafty.
• •The nearby St Oswald’s Way commemorates the King of Northumbria who supposedly raised a wooden cross at Heavenfield before battle. Walking here feels suitably historic, as long as you can ignore the distinct sound of the modern A68.
• •It marks a distinct transition point in the landscape, sitting right on the edge between the lush, civilized farmland of Hexham and the start of the bleaker, wilder northern moors.
• •Calling this a 'fell' is an act of supreme optimism by the Ordnance Survey. Reaching the summit is less about conquering a mountain and more about realizing you have simply run out of field to walk up.