www.northofthetyne.co.uk
Cheviot from Langleeford
Via Harthope Burn
8.1 miles 5 hrs
OS Landranger Sheet 75 Start point NT9535 2255
How to get there From south on the A697. Turn left into Wooler and at the top of the hill take the road left (Cheviot Street) and follow the signposts to Langleeford. Follow the single track road to a sign advising vehicles are prohibited beyond it. There is room here to park.
START The walk commences from this bridge and follows the roadway past Langleeford (1Km) which is seen down to your left. Having gone around the cottages at Langleeford Hope some 2Km further on it follows the Harthope Burn for about another 2.5Km before making its right turn up Cheviot.
The Harthope Burn When the burn is first encountered, the walk is on the right of the Burn but as the path climbs you will be crossing and recrossing from bank to bank. Some of the banks are slippy and in places liable to crumble. So be careful !
The direction is always towards the nick in the hills ahead. Harthope Linn a small but attractive waterfall, is 1Km beyond the sheepfold
Towards the head of the Harthope Burn (don’t turn too soon) the walk makes its way up a grassy valley to the right heading towards the fence which eventually will be seen on the horizon. There is a way post near what looks like a gateway.
Having reached the fence ( NT909205) don't cross it but staying with the fence on your left set off up Cairn Hill. This is a CLIMB!
Having reached Scotsman's Cairn for which the hill is named you will find the remarkable pavement leading to the summit cairn of Cheviot on the other side of the border fence and some 1Km away .
2
To continue the circular walk, continue on along the pavement and cross, the fence right, over a ladder stile.
Set off down and left with the fence as a guide. as it levels off after about 2 Km you will be on the ridge of Scald Hill. The fence is still your guide through a gate way and straight on.
Where the fence turns left there is a "much weathered " signpost. Take the pathway to the right. You will see a line of shooting butts. The pathway on the left of the butts offers the easier walking.
Follow this line down the hill it will lead over two stiles back to the to the minor road on which you started. Turn left and 500M will see you back at the start.
End.
Notes
When considering this walk
You are heading to the highest point in Northumberland so dress accordingly :- Walking boots, Gaiters, Waterproofs. I found my walking poles saved my knees.
I set off on a sunny early morning along the burn and at the summit the temperature had dropped 10degC and it was raining, wind speed 35MPH.
I was prepared having checked the night before.
Coming down was very hard on my old knees but I passed a number of walkers on my descent on what is the direct route to the top. It looked a long slog to me and I was pleased I had had come via the Harthope Burn.
Take your Os Map. Cheviot sits in bottom the corner of OS74
If you enjoyed the walk or have any observations that you think might benefit other walkers please leave a message on my website guestbook or email me at