NZ3954 : Easter cross on Tunstall Hills, Sunderland

Tunstall Hills

112m Elevation
53m Prominence
England Country

Good walks are even better shared.

NZ3954 : Easter cross on Tunstall Hills, Sunderland

Malc McDonald Photo source

Explore routes near Tunstall Hills

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

Route planning notes

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

B6297 Approach

A gentle ascent along a well-defined path leading from the B6297 road, suitable for families and beginners.

2.5 km ~1 hours Easy

Tunstall to Crowley Hill Loop

A circular route that offers a mix of scenic views and gentle climbs, perfect for a leisurely day out.

5 km ~2.5 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

112m

367 ft

Prominence

53m

Coordinates

54.8835, -1.3910

NZ391544

OS Map

88

Explorer: 308

At the Summit

At the summit, there's a prominent trig point marking the highest point, which can serve as a great backdrop for selfies. Be sure to check your compass readings here, as you’ll be needing them for those 'oh-so-fun' navigation quizzes!

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with occasional rocky outcrops interspersed with patches of wildflowers.

Tunstall Hills are primarily formed from Carboniferous sandstone, which provides a sturdy and reliable footing. The area features layers of mudstone and coal seams reflecting the geological history of the region. It's a bit like nature's very own geological scrapbook.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the distant North Pennines to the southwest, the City of Sunderland to the east, and on clear days, you might catch a glimpse of the North Sea.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name Tunstall is derived from the Old English for 'farmstead', indicative of the area's agricultural roots.

Historical Significance

Historically significant as a lookout point during the Industrial Revolution, Tunstall Hills provided vantage points for monitoring the surrounding smoke and din of industry.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a small free car park located near the entrance of the B6297, providing access to the main trails.

Public Transport

Regular buses run from Gateshead and Sunderland to the vicinity; check the local schedules for the best timings.

Nearby Facilities

There are no facilities directly on the hills, but local cafes and shops can be found in nearby Gateshead.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Be cautious of the occasional muddy patches after rain. Watch your step, especially if you fancy a slip and slide!

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 Tunstall Hills?

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

Are there other walkers around Tunstall Hills?

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 Tunstall Hills search or of course create your own walk for Tunstall Hills

Can I organise a walk to Tunstall Hills?

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 Tunstall Hills.

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 Tunstall Hills?

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 Tunstall Hills 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: NZ391544

View on OpenStreetMap

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