Davidson's Linn from Breamish Valley and Return
Northumberland
Distance 23.4km Climb 650m
Tuesday 21 March 2017
I parked the car on the side of the road near Hartside (242m) and walked west passed the farm. A very cold, strong wind was blowing from the west, although the sky was bright and sunny. The forecast was for showers turning to snow on high ground.
The cold strong wind was directly in my face as I walked down the road towards Linhope (230m). I was glad of my new woolly hat and gloves. The cold air made my teeth and gums sore.
The air was sheltered, still and warm at the bottom of the bank at Linhope. I followed the footpath signs left, south as I moved round west over a grass path as it climbs by some private land. The grass footpath joins a track as it continues to climb up through an open gate to follow the edge of the wood north west.
Following a footpath sign left, north west from the track up a grassy climb, I was walking to the north of Ritto Hill. I was again back in the full force of the strong cold wind as I headed west. To my front right, north west I could see Great Staindrop. Follow link to my walk in the opposite direction to this just last week.
The ground was very wet in places, there was still small patches of snow and ice, I fought the wind to reach Rig Cairn (460m). I could not hear any birds due to the high wind.
Dropping down from Rig Cairn crossing the open ground I was forcing my way against the wind. There was no rest, which was a shame as the views were clear and it would have been nice to stop and have a look about.
There was a little relief as I dropped into the small lee of the hill before the next climb. Crossing a style I followed the footpath round the north side of High Cantle.
Through a gate then a step descent, south west, to cross a fence, all the way down I felt the wind was trying to push me back up the hill. Finally at the bottom I crossed a field to join a bridleway Salter's Road (340m). It was nice and sheltered here.
Turning right on Salter's Road I headed north west for a short while as I followed the path over a footbridge over the River Breamish.
Follow the River Breamish west for a few hundred meters, Salter's Road turns south westerly as it climbs from the River along a fence line. After a steep climb, with the wind once again in my face, the path levels as it passes through a couple of gates then turn to climb steeply again.
After crossing a couple of streams it levels to head towards a forest.
It was cold and snow had formed on the other side of the gate posts (468m). Continuing west I was looking forward to finding some shelter from the cold wind, that I had had to push myself against nearly all of the way.
On finally reaching the shelter of the trees I had to take care not to take the wrong track. A forest track comes in from the left, as Salter's Road bends a little right, a little further on a forest track heads straight on, Salter's Road is marked with a big boulder that leads down through trees on the left. It was quiet and peaceful along here, and although cold I was out of the wind.
The forest opens a little and a footpath drops down to the left to follow Clay Burn. I spotted a couple of white patches moving along the tree line. As usual I took a few photos but this was the best. I am not sure if I spooked them as I moved along the track as they just turned and walked off into the trees without any sigh of alarm.
Continuing along Salter's Road, near an area of felled trees, I spotted this little chap who was quite happy to stay and have his photo taken. Looking it up when I got home it appears to have been a Red Crossbill. I again in my excitement took too many blurred photos.
After a gentle climb the road bends almost 90 degrees heading north west. Opening up to my left, after a few meters I could see Davidson's Linn below me. From here it did not look that impressive however closer too it does. I walked down the path over the footbridge and walked along the burn to have a closer look at the waterfall (400m).
After a few photos I walked back to the bridge to cross over and dropped down the side to the bottom of the falls, where it was warm and sheltered and I had my sandwiches.
It was lovely and warm a proper sun trap. The rocks, waterfalls and deep pools were interesting. None of my photos have done it justice. I could have stayed there longer, but as always time was moving on.
I left Davidson's Linn and moved south, keeping the Burn to my right.
Following the Burn I reached a fence where I was looking south towards Uswayford. Looking at my map and doing a little time appreciation I was deciding where I would go next. As I was thinking and planning a few heavy flurries of snow came and made up my mind. I could see to the west large, heavy dark clouds were forming. I knew the weather forecast was for showers turning to snow on high ground, so rather than be too ambitious I decided to return to Salter's Road.
Turning north I walked along a footpath into the forest until I reached Salter's Road. Snow was falling, I was thinking I had made the right decision.
Turning right I continued along Salter's Road to the boulder and turned right again. You can see the sun was bright again now and the snow had turned into nothing.
Turning left following the Road I was climbing back towards the gate when another heavy bout of snow blew horizontal to the ground. Fortunately the wind was now at my back, again this soon stopped.
Reaching the gate I was now in open country and although the strong wind was now mainly behind me. It would change direction and strength knocking me all over.
Moving down Salter's Road towards the River Breamish I could see Coldlaw Cairn to my left, dropping down to Shielcleugh Edge and High Cantle. Where I had walked last week.
Follow link to a previous walk down this part of Salter's Road.
Today I would continue along Salter's Road.
On reaching the River Breamish I continued south east along the bridleway, towards High Bleakhope.
It was lovely and warm along The River Breamish, the snow had not come to anything. Passing through High Bleakhope I continued south east towards Low Bleakhope (300m), disturbing a pair of Oystercatchers. Who took to the air flying in large circles around the area, with their distinctive cries and black and white V.
At Low Bleakhope I could turn left, north east towards Alnhammoor, or continue south east on Salter's Road. I choose Salter's Road.
As I was climbing steady from Low Bleakhope along Salter's Road the sky turned dark and another heavy flurry of snow fell. As before this did not last long and the sun was soon out, although still very cold.
At the top (423m) the path soon drops.
Just before Little Dod, there is a fence not shown on my map. I took the footpath (370m) north east towards Alnhammoor.
In places it was wet and boggy. Turning to a wide grass path as it drops down towards Alnhammoor.
Eventually it drops down to a narrow footbridge over a stream before climbing up to a gate. The path contours the edge of the slope before joining a track next to the farm.
At the bottom of the bank I turned left and took the footpath in front of the farm.
Turning right at the road, that drops down to cross the River Breamish.
Crossing the River Breamish I continued to follow the road left, north as it turns right, east and climbs a steep bank. As the road levels I could see across to Dunmoor Hill behind Hartside with Cunyan Crags to the right.
A short walk following the road east then north brought me back to my car. A very cold blowy days walk, fortunately the snow had not yet appeared. I had covered 23.4km with 650m climb.
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 other walks in this area
Cushat Law, Bloodybush Edge from Breamish Valley
Hedgehope Hill via Threestoneburn Wood
