Birkenside

Birkenside

Birkenside Group Walks | Join a Walk

235m Elevation
32m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

200-299m Tump

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Birkenside together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

235m

770 ft

Prominence

32m

Coordinates

55.4387, -2.5142

NT675162

OS Map

80

Explorer: OL16W

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn and a wooden post with a sign identifying the peak, offering a fine spot for a well-deserved snack.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy slopes with rocky outcrops.

Birkenside is primarily composed of sandstone with some layers of shale, making it an interesting site for geology enthusiasts who appreciate the layers of history embedded in the rock.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, one can enjoy views of Weardale, the Lake District in the distance, and on a clear day, even the North Pennines.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Birkenside' is believed to derive from 'Birch-side', referring to the birch trees that were once prevalent in the area.

Historical Significance

Birkenside, while not the highest peak, offers a significant local hiking destination, cherished by the community for its accessibility.

Popular Routes

Birkenside Trail

Moderate

A scenic loop starting from the village of Stanhope, taking you through wooded areas and up to the summit with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

8.5 km 3.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is free parking available in Stanhope, just a few minutes' walk from the trailhead.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service operates from Bishop Auckland, which connects to Stanhope.

Nearby Facilities

Stanhope offers a few pubs, cafes, and toilets, making it a handy spot for refreshments before or after your trek.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Occasional slippery grass and uneven rocky terrain; be wary of sudden changes in weather conditions.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Birkenside?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Birkenside through the maps

Are there other walkers around Birkenside?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Birkenside search or of course create your own walk for Birkenside

Can I organise a walk to Birkenside?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Birkenside.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Birkenside?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Birkenside here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible