ND0327 : Summit area of Smean

Smean

511m Elevation
212m Prominence
Scotland Country
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ND0327 : Summit area of Smean

Trevor Littlewood Photo source

Explore routes near Smean

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

Ben Klibreck

16.9 km ~8h 20m Moderate

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Loch Migdale from Torroy: Spinningdale pinewood and loch shore walk

7.6 km ~2h 30m Moderate

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Culbin Forest: Hill 99, Gravel Pit Ponds and Dragonfly Pool

5.3 km ~2h Moderate

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Route planning notes

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

Smean Circular Walk

A scenic circular route that takes you up to the summit and back down through picturesque valleys.

8.5 km ~3.5 hours Moderate

Smean via Harthope Burn

A direct ascent following the Harthope Burn, offering a nice challenge and charming streams along the way.

6 km ~2.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Highland Five

Elevation

511m

1,677 ft

Prominence

212m

Coordinates

58.2268, -3.6488

ND032276

OS Map

17

Explorer: 444E

At the Summit

The summit features a small stone cairn that serves as a delightful resting spot to enjoy the surrounding views, and a trig point that pokes its head above the heather.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with rocky outcrops and some boggy patches particularly after rainfall.

Smean is primarily composed of ancient granite and schist, which have weathered dramatically over the millennia to create its rugged landscape. The combination of these rock types gives rise to striking features, including crags and rugged valleys.

Views & Scenery

On a clear day, you can spot the rolling Cheviot hills, the Northumberland valleys, and even the distant Edinburgh skyline if you squint hard enough.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Smean' is thought to derive from Old Norse, meaning 'crest' or 'ridge', which aptly describes its position amongst the Cheviots.

Historical Significance

Smean holds historical significance as a vantage point for ancient travellers and has ties to local folklore surrounding the Cheviot Hills.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small car park at the Harthope Burn trailhead, which accommodates about 10 vehicles; arrive early to secure a spot on busy weekends.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service runs from Wooler to the Harthope Valley, but be prepared for a bit of a walk to reach the trailhead.

Nearby Facilities

The nearest toilet facilities are located in Wooler, along with a handful of pubs and cafes to fuel up before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of slippery paths especially in wet conditions. The boggy patches can be tricky; one minute you’re walking, the next you might be in knee-deep muck!

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 Smean?

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

Are there other walkers around Smean?

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 Smean search or of course create your own walk for Smean

Can I organise a walk to Smean?

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 Smean.

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 Smean?

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 Smean 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: ND032276

View on OpenStreetMap

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

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