21m-high Victorian folly, replica of an ancient Greek temple, with panoramic countryside views.
Really nice walk up to Penshaw Monument, it was steeper than we thought and was warm at the top. It's dog friendly, lots of poop bins for all responsible owners! Parking was good, lots of space so not to worry about my car & it was free! Stunning views & photos at the top, lovely wildlife spot. A very very nice tea room at the bottom which had a bakery, butchers and nurseries. The bakery is amazing! I wish I could buy one of everything! The cafe had the most delicious food too. The staff were so friendly and everything was so cheap for such an amazing quality!
Lovely walk. The steps are rather in need of repair as you can see where water has eroded them. Definitely not for unsteady walkers. Worth the effort to get up there. Also if no one has told you, there is a gentle spiral path, longer but much flatter.
What a fantastic trek! Visited here on a Sunday afternoon and must say it was quite busy! Used the free parking at Herrington Country Park where there are also free public toilets, not the best but acceptable. The parking area we used was on the grass so if weather is bad I'd imagine it would get very muddy. It was quite pitted and churned up, however if I'd followed the road further round, there was a proper concrete parking area. I think I may have actually been in the overflow car park. So the first thing I have to say about the monument is that it is up quite a steep hill. I have dodgy knees which aren't great handling normal stairs There are lots of steps here and the second half appears a lot steeper than the first half. There's also no hand rail so your climb is totally leg powered. Halfway up, however, there is a bench and also a path that leads off towards Penshaw Woods. That's the way I headed. This path was much quieter, still takes you up to the top, still has lots of steps, but as it's through the woods, I was able to huff and puff my way to the top without people seeing me and it was worth it, fantastic views, I can say I've done it and the way down is so much easier and didn't require me to go and hide on the woodland path. My advice; Do it on a cooler day, couldn't imagine doing this on a hotter day. Take some water with you. There's an ice cream van at the bottom but then nothing until you get back down again. Take the easier route if you think you may struggle, there's absolutely no shame in doing so... and enjoy.
Always passed this beautiful looking monument, as we would visit family in the N.East. Finally got the chance to see it up close today & the views are incredible. Penshaw Monument is even visible from the A1058 Coast Road on Tyneside and I'm just so pleased I took out an hour to climb up & enjoy the views. Free to park, but I would recommend a warm coat/hat on a cold day. The views of the distant Cheviot Hills in the NW and the view looking South are fantastic.
it's a short hike up the stairs, even if you're unfit (like me), you can still make it to the top, awesome view all around with multiple paths and trails to walk if you're lucky you may see some cows and horses hanging around do stop by Penshaw farm shop right next door for fresh produce, bakeries, and tea time only thing i would prefer if there are more detailed maps on the trails that are available to walk around the area
Excellent place for a walk around with a wood to walk through just next to the monument. It is a lot bigger when you get up to the site. The views at the top are brilliant!
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Good for kids
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Really nice walk up to Penshaw Monument, it was steeper than we thought and was warm at the top. It's dog friendly, lots of poop bins for all responsible owners! Parking was good, lots of space so not to worry about my car & it was free! Stunning views & photos at the top, lovely wildlife spot. A very very nice tea room at the bottom which had a bakery, butchers and nurseries. The bakery is amazing! I wish I could buy one of everything! The cafe had the most delicious food too. The staff were so friendly and everything was so cheap for such an amazing quality!
Lovely walk. The steps are rather in need of repair as you can see where water has eroded them. Definitely not for unsteady walkers. Worth the effort to get up there. Also if no one has told you, there is a gentle spiral path, longer but much flatter.
What a fantastic trek! Visited here on a Sunday afternoon and must say it was quite busy! Used the free parking at Herrington Country Park where there are also free public toilets, not the best but acceptable. The parking area we used was on the grass so if weather is bad I'd imagine it would get very muddy. It was quite pitted and churned up, however if I'd followed the road further round, there was a proper concrete parking area. I think I may have actually been in the overflow car park. So the first thing I have to say about the monument is that it is up quite a steep hill. I have dodgy knees which aren't great handling normal stairs There are lots of steps here and the second half appears a lot steeper than the first half. There's also no hand rail so your climb is totally leg powered. Halfway up, however, there is a bench and also a path that leads off towards Penshaw Woods. That's the way I headed. This path was much quieter, still takes you up to the top, still has lots of steps, but as it's through the woods, I was able to huff and puff my way to the top without people seeing me and it was worth it, fantastic views, I can say I've done it and the way down is so much easier and didn't require me to go and hide on the woodland path. My advice; Do it on a cooler day, couldn't imagine doing this on a hotter day. Take some water with you. There's an ice cream van at the bottom but then nothing until you get back down again. Take the easier route if you think you may struggle, there's absolutely no shame in doing so... and enjoy.
Always passed this beautiful looking monument, as we would visit family in the N.East. Finally got the chance to see it up close today & the views are incredible. Penshaw Monument is even visible from the A1058 Coast Road on Tyneside and I'm just so pleased I took out an hour to climb up & enjoy the views. Free to park, but I would recommend a warm coat/hat on a cold day. The views of the distant Cheviot Hills in the NW and the view looking South are fantastic.
it's a short hike up the stairs, even if you're unfit (like me), you can still make it to the top, awesome view all around with multiple paths and trails to walk if you're lucky you may see some cows and horses hanging around do stop by Penshaw farm shop right next door for fresh produce, bakeries, and tea time only thing i would prefer if there are more detailed maps on the trails that are available to walk around the area
Excellent place for a walk around with a wood to walk through just next to the monument. It is a lot bigger when you get up to the site. The views at the top are brilliant!
