Northern England – Cheviots, Northumberland
Distance: 25km/15½ miles
Time: 7–8hrs
Type: Hill
Where: Circular ridge walk from Wedder Leap car park in Upper Coquetdale.
Start/End: Wedder Leap car park (NT866104).
Terrain: Classic Cheviot ridge walking along the Pennine Way for much of the route on grassy paths. Quiet valley roads to start/end.
Maps: OS Explorer OL16; Landranger 80.
Of the several valleys that rise in and dissect the Cheviots, none is more charming than the Coquet, through which runs one of England’s loveliest rivers. It’s a bit of a journey up delightful Coquetdale, but well worth it. South of the river is the Otterburn Training Area live firing range, where access is restricted. Thankfully, though, not to the north, where a variety of routes combining ridges, valleys and the beautiful Border Ridge – the finest of the long ridges – can be devised. “In Northumberland alone, both heaven and earth are seen; we walk all day on long ridges, high enough to give far views of moor and valley, and the sense of solitude far below… It is the land of far horizons,” said Northumberlandborn historian and rambler GM Trevelyan. It’s apt indeed, especially for the English-Scottish border ridge, from which the far-reaching views are superb.
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