Inland and the Cheviots

Sandwiched between Wooler and the Scottish border is the Ford and Etail estate. Linking them makes for a pleasant, mixed terrain walk full of historical interest. Any walk bookended by two castles has to be interesting! The Walk I prefer to start the Ford & Etal historical walk at the northerly castle at Etal. Then

Thrunton Wood and Long Crag make a very enjoyable walk from the east (just off the A697). The myriad of forestry tracks are straightforward to follow and the views from Croe Crags and ultimately Long Crag are very impressive. The Walk This is a walk through the forest, much of it desolate. At the start

Linhope Spout is a popular shore walk from Hartside. However a much more enjoyable, and admittedly harder option, is to combine Dunmoor Hill and Linhope Spout is one walk of 7 miles. The views from Dunmoor Hill are excellent, dominated by the impressive Hedgehope Hill to the west. The Walk The Breamish Valley, heading west

Alwinton provides the base for an exploration of the moors, hills and valleys of Upper Coquetdale. The views are far reaching but I most enjoyed the walk alongside Usway Burn, hemmed in by the steep slopes on either side. The Walk There is nothing I enjoy more than planning a walk through an unexplored landscape.

The Cheviot is the highest mountain in Northumberland (815m). It is part of a high generally featureless plateau, typical of much of the area. The summit has fortunately been partially paved on its upper slopes, a benefit of being on the Pennine Way. The return is via the Harthope Valley or a more arduous crossing

The rolling hills near Wooler make for some excellent walking. The tracks are good and the views outstanding. On this walk there is woodland, rivers and easy moorland walking capped off with the sharp climb to the Iron Age fort on Humbleton Hill. The Walk Wooler is usually seen as the kicking off place for