Harthope Burn round up The Cheviot: route map, distance and time
816 m · Pennines
The Cheviot is the highest hill in Northumberland, a broad peat-topped summit near the Scottish border climbed from the Harthope Valley.
A valley path follows the Harthope Burn past Harthope Linn to the head of the valley, then climbs to Cairn Hill and the summit.
Harthope Burn round at a glance
| Distance | 7.3 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 569 m |
| Time up | 2h 25m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 50m, down the same way |
| Grade | Moderate |
| Start | Langleeford, Harthope Valley (roadside parking) |
| Start grid reference | NT 946 218 |
| Summit grid reference | NT 907 205 |
Harthope Burn round map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
How long the Harthope Burn round takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 0m | 3h 10m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 25m | 3h 50m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 0m | 4h 45m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:45, sunset 18:02. Start by 13:12 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:47, sunset 17:59. Start by 13:09 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 50m for the walk and an hour for stops.
The Cheviot summit weather for this route
-
Good Today Sunday 18 October
Overcast, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -4°C, summit wind 11 mph gusting 17 mph, 0% chance of rain. Rated Good. Sunrise 07:45, sunset 18:02.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Monday 19 October
Moderate drizzle, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -2°C, summit wind 30 mph gusting 38 mph, 80% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:47, sunset 17:59.
Best day of the next seven for the Harthope Burn round: Sunday 18 October, with summit gusts around 17 mph and a 0% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour The Cheviot forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb The Cheviot?
Before you go, also check: MWIS Southern Uplands forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -4°C on top.
- A waterproof jacket. It can rain on the tops in any forecast.
- Microspikes for icy paths. In snow, an ice axe and crampons and the skills to use them.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About The Cheviot
The Cheviot is the highest hill in Northumberland, a broad peat-topped summit near the Scottish border climbed from the Harthope Valley. More about The Cheviot, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Hewitt, Nuttall, Marilyn, historic county top, county top.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Comb Fell (653 m), 2.4 km south-east
Challenges that include The Cheviot
More walks from Langleeford, Harthope Valley
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Harthope Valley via Housey Crags up Hedgehope Hill
Other routes up The Cheviot
| Route | Distance | Ascent | Time up | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Langleeford via Scald Hill | 5.8 km one way | 587 m | 2h 10m | Moderate |
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NT 946 218, the summit at NT 907 205), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Harthope Burn round: questions and answers
How far is the Harthope Burn round?
The Harthope Burn round is 7.3 km one way to the summit of The Cheviot, with 569 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 14.6 km.
How long does the Harthope Burn round take?
About 2h 25m to the summit of The Cheviot and 3h 50m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 45m for the round trip.
Where do you park for the Harthope Burn round?
The Harthope Burn round starts from Langleeford, Harthope Valley (roadside parking). The grid reference is NT 946 218.
Is the Harthope Burn round suitable for beginners?
Yes, for fit walkers on a clear day. Peakify grades it Moderate: a long climb on a made path, but the top is high, exposed and colder than the start. Turn back if the cloud comes down and you can't navigate.
What time should I start the Harthope Burn round today?
By 13:12 at the latest. Sunset on The Cheviot today is 18:02, The Harthope Burn round takes about 3h 50m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for the Harthope Burn round?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).