NZ3354 : Penshaw Monument

Penshaw Hill

136m Elevation
52m Prominence
England Country
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NZ3354 : Penshaw Monument

Alexander P Kapp Photo source

Explore routes near Penshaw Hill

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Jesmond Dene (extended) circular

9.4 km ~3h Moderate

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Jesmond Dene and Armstrong Park Circular

5.6 km ~2h Easy

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Briardenne car park to tynemouth priory

5.1 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Northumberlandia, the lady of the north (Cramlington)

2.6 km ~1h 30m Easy

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Penshaw Monument Circular Walk

A circular route that takes you around the hill and up to the notable Penshaw Monument.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

136m

446 ft

Prominence

52m

Coordinates

54.8830, -1.4812

NZ333543

OS Map

88

Explorer: 308

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find the impressive Penshaw Monument, a folly dedicated to the 1st Earl of Durham, resembling the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens.

Terrain & Geology

Mainly grassy with some rocky outcrops and well-maintained paths.

The hill is primarily composed of limestone, with areas of sandstone, which has shaped its distinct atmosphere and appearance. The underlying geology contributes to a rich diversity of flora and fauna.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Wear Valley and the distant North Pennines.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Penshaw' is derived from 'Pen' meaning hill in Old English and 'Shaw,' which refers to a small wood or grove.

Historical Significance

The monument, erected in 1844, serves as a tribute to the Earl of Durham and is a popular historical landmark that attracts local visitors and tourists alike.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Free parking available at the Penshaw Monument car park, located off the A183.

Public Transport

Regular bus services operate from Sunderland and other nearby areas, stopping close to the hill.

Nearby Facilities

There are public toilets near the monument, and local cafes can be found a short drive away in Houghton-le-Spring.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The paths can become slippery when wet, so do take care.

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

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Penshaw Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Penshaw Hill?

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 Penshaw Hill search or of course create your own walk for Penshaw Hill

Can I organise a walk to Penshaw Hill?

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 Penshaw Hill.

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 Penshaw Hill?

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 Penshaw Hill 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

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: NZ333543

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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