Wether Hill

533m Elevation
245m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Wether Hill Circular Walk

A delightful circular route starting from Hartside Pass, offering an engaging trek through beautiful moorland and scenic views across the North Pennines.

8 km ~3 hours Moderate
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Dodd Donald Dewey

Elevation

533m

1,749 ft

Prominence

245m

Coordinates

55.2249, -4.0509

NX696942

OS Map

77

Explorer: 328S

At the Summit

At the summit, you'll find a stone cairn marking the highest point, offering a perfect perch for your celebratory snack (and a well-deserved breather!).

Terrain & Geology

Moorland with rocky outcrops and heather-covered slopes ideal for rugged hiking aficionados.

Wether Hill is primarily composed of sandstone and limestone, which contribute to its rugged terrain and distinctive cliffs. The geology reveals a history of sedimentation processes that took place millions of years ago when this area was submerged under a prehistoric sea.

Views & Scenery

The summit offers panoramic views of the North Pennines, including sights of the distinctive Simonside Hills and the distant Lake District fells.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Wether' is derived from Old Norse, meaning 'rams', which perhaps harkens back to the sheep farming that characterises much of the region.

Historical Significance

Historically, the North Pennines were a vital area for lead mining, and remnants of this industrial past can still be found scattered along the hills.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a layby parking area on Hartside Pass (B6299), which provides convenient access to the walking routes.

Public Transport

Buses run to Alston from Penrith, from where a taxi service could be arranged to reach Hartside Pass.

Nearby Facilities

Alston has a few cafes and shops, and there's a public toilet at the local car park.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • The terrain can be boggy in wetter months, so proper footwear is essential. Additionally, weather can change rapidly, so be prepared for a sudden shift from sun to rain.

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 Wether Hill?

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

Are there other walkers around Wether 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 Wether Hill search or of course create your own walk for Wether Hill

Can I organise a walk to Wether 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 Wether 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 Wether 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 Wether 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: NX696942

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