My Northumbrian Trail - Day 2
Northumberland
Distance 21km Climb 850m
Friday 5 August 2016
Following on from Day 1 of my Northumbrian Trail, this was certainly turning into a challenge as I woke early and packed my kit. I was ready to go again for 04.30. I followed the fence line back up to Steel Crag (350m). Moving north westerly I followed the fence line towards Langlee Crags. The path by the fence was fairly easy to follow with the odd bog to clear.
As the fence turned west then north westerly again the path I was on joined a track and I walked down hill I could see across the valley.
It was as I was walking down towards Harthope Burn I stopped and had a think about my options. Time was turning against me, the ferns on the previous day had took a lot out of me.
I continued down hill to Harthope Burn (230m) where I spent a few minutes filling my water bottles and as soon as I was ready I moved up onto the road. I followed the road westerly for a few hundred meters to where the footpath heads towards Scald Hill.
The footpath heads almost directly west as it climbs.
It does not take too long to reach a height with good views back along the valley and the way I had walked down. A small helicopter started buzzing to the south east, a farmer counting his sheep I presumed.
I continued climbing and as usual found Scald Hill boggy. The small helicopter came back and buzzed around the valley again.
As usual the higher I climbed The Cheviot the more mist appeared. It was still warm and although there was a hint of rain nothing persistent.
I reached The Cheviot (815m) and after a photo continued south west along the stone path.
Following the path down and the small climb up to Cairn Hill.
From Cairn Hill (777m) I continued west to join the Pennine Way. Mist still obscured the views.
I continued west along The Pennine Way.
Moving down hill the mist cleared a little as I passed the plaque in memory of Stan Hudson. The peat was slippery in places, time to get some new boots I think. It was also time to put my coat on as it turned colder and the rain was trying to make a point.
I continued following The Pennine Way looking out for the wild Northumbrian goats but did not see any today. Passing Kings Seat I took a few photos.
Until I reached the crossroads cairn (542m). From here I turned left, south east and headed down hill.
Following the path between two large woods it turned south and after a small rise took me down on the west side of Hazely Law. On my way I saw a young deer in the long grass, she was away before I could get another photo.
Walking to the south of Hazely Law I crossed the track and continued south into a field of young bulls, some pushing and banging heads. Hope they did not want to push and shove me like that.
They parted as I approached and started following for a few meters as I walked up the centre of The Middle (399m). It was then a short drop down to the style into the wood on Middle Hill.
A short steep climb on Middle Hill and I turned right onto the footpath that narrows. The footpath sign through the trees is nearly hidden. The sign leads to a vehicle track that continues south to a gate.
Over the style the grass path continues south, dropping down then rising near a small wood. This was the path I turned off yesterday to climb Shillhope Law.
Passed the Barrowburn camping barns I continued on the footpath outside of the buildings south down by a broken wall through the gate turn right, west and over the footbridge back to Wedder Leap car park.
It had not been the route I had wanted to take but under the circumstances the most sensible and safest. I had been walking about 6.5 hours, covering 21 km with 850m climb.
Over both days this was 64 km and 2560 m climb.
Still I had enjoyed the walk, now it was time to go home have a long soak and a nice cup of tea. With a few beers later.
More to follow
Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.
If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done in Northumberland or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.
Follow link to My Northumbrian Trail Day 1.
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