Walkmates
Route by PaulWalkmates
Tucked into the southern side of Hedgehope Hill, Great Standrop and Little Standrop are two of those Cheviot features that feel half-hidden until you are properly up among them. From below they look like isolated rocky interruptions in a broad sweep of heather and grass, and that contrast is what makes this route worth doing. You get a proper hill walk, but with a finish that feels a bit more unusual than simply touching a summit cairn and turning back.
This walk starts from the Hartside area near Linhope and heads in towards the lower slopes beneath Hedgehope. The most direct line is to work up from near Linhope rather than making the summit of Hedgehope the main objective, which keeps the route shorter and more focused on the two crags themselves. The approach is not technical, but it is very much Cheviot ground: rough grass, heather, wet patches, and sections where the path is clearer as you get closer to the outcrops.
Little Standrop usually comes first if you are approaching from the slope above, even though Great Standrop is the more dramatic of the pair. The names are slightly misleading because Little Standrop actually sits a little higher on the hillside, while Great Standrop is lower but far more striking in profile. The two are only a few hundred metres apart, so it makes sense to visit both on the same outing.
What makes this one memorable is the setting. These rocky outcrops sit on the flank of Hedgehope Hill rather than neatly on top of it, so the whole place feels a bit off-script compared with a standard summit walk. There is a sense of stepping out of the usual line of travel to visit something people often only notice from a distance, especially from around Linhope Spout and the valley below.
There is no obvious path to the Stanstrops, so you'll need to carefully pick your way over open terrain. Good footwear and navigation is essential.
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Other routes starting close to this one
Explore more: More walks in Linhope Walks in Northumberland
A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.
The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.
Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.
Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.
Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.
