Penshaw Hill
Penshaw Hill Group Walks | Join a Walk
Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!
Classifications
Looking for walking companions?
Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Penshaw Hill together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.
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
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.
Photo Gallery
View allPopular Routes
Penshaw Monument Circular Walk
EasyA circular route that takes you around the hill and up to the notable Penshaw Monument.
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
Find Walking Companions
Join friendly walkers exploring Penshaw Hill and surrounding area
Walks Near Penshaw Hill
More walks starting close to this area
Jesmond Dene and Armstrong Park Circular
Briardenne car park to tynemouth priory
Northumberlandia, the lady of the north (Cramlington)
Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!
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
Community Discussion
Comments
Location
Grid Ref: NZ333543
Nearby Hills
Buckden Pike
702m
The Cheviot
816m
Nine Standards Rigg
662m
Cross Fell
893m
Rombalds Moor [Ilkley Moor]
402m
+ 5 more nearby hills
More Walks Nearby
Find more walking companions in the area
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!