Category Archives: Northumberland

The Wall Years – Two Men’s Competitive Obsession on the High Section of Hadrian’s Wall

Posted on January 19, 2017 by MART IN THE HILLS

Everyone loves the high section of Hadrian’s Wall, all that spectacular scenery, a great place for a stroll, maybe visit Sycamore Gap, have a picnic, see what the Romans did for us. That’s what normal people do isn’t it? For … Continue reading →

Posted in Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland | Tagged Hadrian's Wall, Housesteads to Winshields, Northumberland, racing, running, Winshield Crags | Leave a comment

Probably the best route up the Cheviot from Langleeford – via Lambden Valley, College Valley and the Hen Hole – (13 miles)

Posted on September 9, 2016 by MART IN THE HILLS

For many of us the Cheviot often seems a big boring lump of soggy Northumberland peat. But at 2,674ft this is England’s highest point outside the Lakes & Pennines. It’s few interesting features are hidden away on the remote north western edges (best accessed … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheviot Hills, Northumberland | Tagged Cheviot Hills, Cheviots routes, College Valley, Dunsdale, Goldscleugh, Harthope Valley, Hawsen Burn, Hen Hole, hiking, Lambden Burn, Lambden Valley, Langleeford routes, Northumberland walks, Social Hiking, The Cheviot | 17 Comments

How to access the Coquet Valley and Cheviot Hills by car through Otterburn Military Ranges, via Dere Street

Posted on August 20, 2016 by MART IN THE HILLS

Until recently I’d assumed there was only one permissible way to reach Barrowburn and Coquet Valley by car. Along the twisty single track road from the east through Alwinton, there’s even a T sign outside the village! Then I heard of a twisty … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheviot Hills, Northumberland | Tagged Barrowburn, Cheviot Hills, Cheviots routes, Chew Green, Coquet Valley car access from the west and Otterburn, Dere Street access, Otterburn Ranges Access, Otterburn routes, Upper Coquet, Upper Coquetdale | 4 Comments

Adder Encounter in the Cheviots, Northumberland

Posted on May 26, 2016 by MART IN THE HILLS

Thirty-five years I’ve been slogging up hills in the Lakes, Highlands and Cheviots; yet I’ve NEVER seen one of these. Always been very high on my tick list, yep I’m weird that way:-) Last weekend driving back through the Cheviot … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheviot Hills, Northumberland, Random Stuff | Tagged Adder, British snakes, Nature, Northumberland, reptiles | 8 Comments

The Cheviots in winter – a walk in the snow

Posted on March 11, 2016 by MART IN THE HILLS

A quick return to the Cheviots after last weekends return to hillwalking. I’d hardly seen any snow this winter, but now the hills were glistening brightly. Whilst others were enjoying epic days in the Lakes and Highlands, this might be my … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheviot Hills, Northumberland | Tagged Barrowburn, Border Gate, Buffalo Mitts, Cheviot Hills, Cheviots routes, hiking, Kyloe Shin, Northumberland, Shillhope Law, Social Hiking, Trows Rd End, Upper Coquetdale, Windy Gyle route, Windy Gyle view | 10 Comments

A return to hillwalking, featuring the Cheviots, new gloves and 50 men trained to kill

Posted on March 4, 2016 by MART IN THE HILLS

Ten weeks ago whilst driving back from the Cheviot hills my trusty old Mondeo lost power up the steep road out of Rothbury. Repair would be expensive especially with an impending MOT, so the hills were out of bounds until a replacement was found. … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheviot Hills, Northumberland | Tagged Barrowburn, Border Gate, Buffalo Mitts, Cheviot Hills, Cheviots routes, Fairhaugh, hiking, Hindside Knowe, routes from wedder Leap, Social Hiking, The Street bridleway, Trows Rd End, Upper Coquet, Upper Coquetdale, Windy Gyle route, Windy Gyle view | 2 Comments

A Night on the Toon – Newcastle Late Shows May 2015

Posted on May 28, 2015 by MART IN THE HILLS

An evening in Newcastle at the annual Late Shows. Fantastic free shows hosted at many venues usually closed in the evenings. There’s a fascinating diary of events with an atmosphere like a mini Edinburgh Festival. It all started in 2007 yet I … Continue reading →

Posted in Northumberland, Random Stuff | Tagged Newcastle Castle, Newcastle Mining Institute, The Late Shows, Tyne & Wear attractions | 2 Comments

The Cheviot from Langleeford via a northern detour – Lambden Burn, Dunsdale and the Bizzle – (Cheviots 12 miles)

Posted on April 21, 2015 by MART IN THE HILLS

Long ago the Cheviot was an exciting volcano which unfortunately evolved into today’s peaty boggy upland plateau. Summit views are disappointing and there’s few features, yet at 2,674ft this is England’s highest point outside the Lakes & Pennines so a draw for … Continue reading →

Posted in Cheviot Hills, Northumberland | Tagged Cheviot Hills, Cheviots routes, Dunsdale, Goldscleugh, Harthope Valley, hiking, Lambden Burn, Lambden Valley, Langleeford routes, Northumberland walks, Social Hiking, The Bizzle, The Cheviot | 5 Comments

A Whitley Bay Walk – 5 miles around the coast- Seaton Burn, Seaton Sluice and St Marys Island

Posted on April 14, 2015 by MART IN THE HILLS

A 5 mile circular walk which starts from Whitley Bay crematorium then follows the Seaton Burn to Seaton Sluice, heading back south along the coastal cliffs to St Marys Island (check the tide times). You’ll see plenty of sea, lots … Continue reading →

Posted in Northumberland | Tagged North East coast, Northumberland walks, Seaton Burn path, Seaton Sluice, St Marys Island, St Marys Island walk, St Marys Lighthouse, travel, Tyne & Wear attractions, Whitley Bay walk | 3 Comments

A wintry weekend walk up Windy Gyle from Wedder Leap – (Cheviots 9 miles)

Posted on February 13, 2015 by MART IN THE HILLS

Another weekend Windy Gyle walk, a slightly new route and a chance to play in the snow! What could go possibly wrong, well actually nothing, it was an excellent adventure. Also the chance to show a friend the Upper Coquet … Continue reading →