Hilltop Christmas Tree Draws Numerous Climbers Annually

A group responsible for annually transporting a Christmas tree to a hilltop reports that this practice has become a significant element of holiday celebrations for numerous families. For nearly 30 years, members of the Northumberland Fell Runners have ensured the presence of a decorated tree along the course of the Simonside Cairns Fell Race. This event takes place on the second Sunday in December, and the tree was initially intended to uplift participants as they traversed the Simonside Hills near Rothbury. Organizer Peter Reed stated: “It has become so much more than that with many people climbing the hills every year to see it.” He further mentioned encountering “people who climbed as children and are now taking their children to see the tree.” The inaugural Simonside Cairns Fell Race was conducted on 17 December 1995, with only a small number of runners commencing in Rothbury and covering an 11-mile (18km) route through the adjacent Simonside Hills. Mr Reed explained: “We wanted to have something festive on the route so we decorated a Christmas tree.” He added: “Eventually it got cut down so we started carrying one up each year for the runners, which we decorate.” Paul Appleby, another organizer of the event, also assists with its annual installation. He commented: “People go up and add a decoration in memory of a loved-one.” He also noted: “It’s part of our Christmas too, we generally have a mince pie and a whisky after.” The tree is secured, and despite the highly exposed nature of the Simonside Hills, none have been permanently lost thus far. Mr Reed remarked: “We’ve had one or two blown over, and we have to go up quite regularly to put the decorations back on.” He concluded: “It’s part of many people’s Christmas going up to see the tree.” He further characterized it as: “It’s a tradition that seems to be really important to a lot of people.”