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Walk Overview
This remote horseshoe walk explores the wild hills of the Anglo-Scottish border and bags the summit of The Cheviot – Northumberland’s highest point.
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Starting in the Harthope Valley and taking in the peaks of Hedgehope Hill, Comb Fell, Cairn Hill, The Cheviot and Scald Hill, this is a strenuous route across terrain that’s often wet and boggy.
But don’t let that put you off – these are exciting hills full of history and intrigue. From aircraft wreckage to ominously named landscape features like the Hanging Stone and Bloodybush Edge, every footstep feels laced with peril and hints at a violent past when reivers and rebels roamed the borderlands.
Mostly, though, this is just a great walk in an underrated and seldom visited part of Britain. A steady stream of Pennine Way traffic passes close to the Cheviot’s grand summit cairn on the way to the end of the famous long-distance trail at nearby Kirk Yetholm – but otherwise you could have the hills all to yourself.
IMPORTANT: Beware low cloud. The Cheviot hills can feel very featureless very quickly in low visibility, so make sure you carry the correct navigation equipment and know how to use it.
This route was voted 48th in a 2017 ITV poll to find Britain’s Favourite Walk.
TOG VERDICT:
These remote and lonely hills are a great pace to escape for a few days of carefree walking on the historic border of England and Scotland.
Nearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Newcastle
