Darden Pike lies midway between Rothbury and Otterburn. It is an innocuous looking peak, in fact the climb is simply a straightforward path through the heather, similar to any walk in the moors. However the summit is area is full of interest, the trig point detached from the highest point. In addition the summit tarn adds a lot of personality to the hill.
Darden Pike is a part of a line of high moorland that starts with Simonside to the north east and ends with Landshot Hill to the south west. The vast forest of Harwood dominates to the south east but north and west is open moorland with splendid views from the higher moors. Darden Pike is midway along the ridge and offers a straightforward climb and descent. The summit is marked by a large cairn, broken fence and 30m distance a shiny new trig point. A further 200m to the north is Darden Lough, a large but peaceful tarn surrounded by heather. It is a fine place for bird watchers, swimmers and ramblers alike.
There is very convenient parking for the walk, a large lay by and map which I cannot believe ever gets full. The only other decision is which way to do the circular. I chose to go anti clockwise which made sense to me only because I wanted to visit the tarn after the summit. There is nothing outstanding about either the climb or descent except the peace, tranquility and ever improving views the higher I climbed. That was enough.
There appears to be only one small beach/access to Darden Lough at its north end. Away from here the heather is overhangs the tarn at a metre of height. From the overhang is a straight jump in to the water. However the beach is easily accessible and a fine spot for a swim, picnic or simple view of the wildlife.
It really is important to keep to the path. Leaving any path in the heather and bracken would be purgatory.
The white posts which mark the path up and down are a great help.
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