Northumberland Sandstone Hills facts for kids
The Northumberland Sandstone Hills are a special natural area found entirely within the English county of Northumberland. These hills are made of sandstone, which gives them a unique look with flat tops and rocky cliffs. From these cliffs, you can see amazing views, especially towards the Cheviots hills further west.
This region is close to the coast of Northumberland. It's recognized as an important natural area by Natural England, which advises the UK government on nature. The Northumberland Sandstone Hills cover a large area of about 72,694 hectares (280.67 sq mi). They start near Kyloe in the north and stretch south in a strip about 10 to 15 kilometres wide. This strip runs alongside the coastal plain all the way to Alnwick. From Alnwick, the hills turn southwest, passing through places like Thrunton Wood and Harwood Forest. They continue towards Throckington and the River Rede. Along this path, you'll find the highest peaks in the area, including Tosson Hill (1,444 feet (440 m)) in the Simonside Hills.
The area is home to many different natural places. You can find moorland with heather and rough, grassy areas on the thin, sandy soil of the higher slopes. As you go down the hills, you'll see bushes, oak, or birch trees, and then farmland. There are also wet, peaty areas, mires, small lakes (called loughs), and reservoirs. Many caves are hidden here too, like St Cuthbert's Cave and Cateran Hole.
A part of the Northumberland Sandstone Hills, about 15%, is inside the Northumberland National Park. This shows how important it is for nature! The area also has one special place called Holburn Lake & Moss, which is protected for birds. There are three other special areas for nature: Simonside Hills, Harbottle Moors, and the River Tweed. Plus, there are 18 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, which cover a total of 3,771 hectares. The main rivers flowing through this region are the Aln, Till, Coquet, Fallowlees Burn, Font, and Rede.
Exploring the Hill Ranges
Within the larger Northumberland Sandstone Hills, there are smaller groups of hills. In the south, you'll find the Simonside Hills and Harbottle Hills. Further north, there are areas like Alnwick Moor, Chillingham Ridge, and the Doddington Moors. Generally, the hills get a bit lower in height as you go towards the north.
