Map & Elevation
About this Route
This GPX is a direct 10.8 km out-and-back from Harthope Valley to The Cheviot via Scald Hill, gaining 607 m. From the roadside start near Langleeford, take the clear path climbing west-south-west onto Scald Hill, then continue across the saddle and up towards The Cheviot's broad summit plateau. Flagstones cross much of the notoriously wet upper peat to the trig point at 815 m, Northumberland's highest summit. Retrace the same line to return. There is no scrambling, but the sustained climb, boggy ground, exposed plateau and difficult navigation in cloud make this a strenuous mountain walk rather than an easy summit outing.
Scald Hill gives a clear approach in good visibility, but the broad peat plateau of The Cheviot is notorious in cloud. Flagstones protect the worst ground near the summit; leaving them can mean deep bog and damaged peat. The summit is the halfway point, and the return over Scald Hill includes a steep grassy descent. Harthope Valley parking is limited, so park considerately and keep turning areas and farm access clear. Mobile reception is unreliable in the upper valley and plateau.
From Langleeford, there is a steady climb up the Cheviot.
Northumberland National Park
Route Waypoints
Begin at the limited grassed roadside parking near Langleeford, grid NT 953 225. Leave gates and passing places clear, then take the direct signed path towards Scald Hill and The Cheviot.
At about 400 m elevation, continue on the obvious rising path across open grass and heather. The climb is sustained and can already be wet underfoot.
Reach Scald Hill at about 549 m. Continue west across the boggy saddle before climbing more steeply towards The Cheviot; do not drop into the Harthope Burn valley.
Around 700 m, the route steepens towards the broad plateau. Follow the GPX and established line, using the flagstones where provided to protect the peat and avoid the worst bog.
The 815 m summit trig point stands on the flat, peaty plateau. This is the GPX turnaround point. In cloud, take a careful bearing before beginning the return.
Leave the plateau and cross Scald Hill again. The grassy descent becomes slippery after rain and needs care when tired.
Follow the outward track back into the valley. Keep to the public line through grazing ground and close gates.
Retrace the route over Scald Hill to the roadside start. Wet peat and steep grassy sections can be slippery on descent, so keep following the GPX rather than drifting into the valley.
Essential Tips
The summit plateau is very wet peat. Use the flagstone path where it exists, expect mud elsewhere and avoid widening the line by walking on fragile ground beside the slabs.
The broad summit becomes difficult to read in mist and the path can disappear into peat. Carry OS Explorer OL16, a compass and the skills to use them; do not rely on a phone alone.
The upper mountain is exposed to wind, rain, cloud and winter conditions. Check the forecast, carry warm waterproof layers and turn back if visibility or footing becomes unsafe.
Parking near Langleeford is limited and the approach is a long single-track road. Park only on suitable grassed areas, leave gates and passing places clear and take all litter home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is The Cheviot route via Scald Hill?
This GPX is a 10.8 km out-and-back with 607 m of ascent. The calculated walking-time estimate is about 3 hours 10 minutes before stops; wet peat, weather and your group's pace may make it longer.
How difficult is The Cheviot from Harthope Valley?
TrailTrack grades it Strenuous. There is no scrambling, but the climb is sustained and the broad upper mountain is exposed, boggy and difficult to navigate in cloud.
Where does the walk start and which OS map covers it?
Start from the limited grassed roadside parking near Langleeford in Harthope Valley, grid NT 953 225. Carry OS Explorer OL16, The Cheviot Hills, Jedburgh & Wooler, plus a compass.