Dunmoor Hill and Linhope Spout

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 from Powburn, is popular (at least in rural Northumberland terms). In particular the remains of ancient settlements adorn the countryside. However the most popular site is the waterfall at Linhope. It is a tranquil spot, great for picnic and a mere 3 mile round trip. To the north lie some of the highest mountains of Northumbria including Hedgehope Hill and the mighty Cheviot itself.

I prefer heading anti clockwise, thereby finishing at Linhope Spout. From the parking at Hartside head east to a farm at Greenside Farm. A bridleway ambles its way up the open countryside heading in a rough way towards Cunyan Crags. The crags can be clearly seen and best approached from the wide ridge to the east. The bridlepath is not clear so use the Willow Burn as a guide to the ridge. Cunyan Crags is a series of grit outcrops breaking up the steady climb to Dunmoor Hill.

Dunmoor Hill is a rounded summit with very good views in all directions. Keep to the fence line as you drop towards the col with Hedgehope Hill. At the col cross the stile and contour to your left to meet a wide farm track heading off the slopes of Hedgehope Hill. This is all typical Cheviot walking, wet after rains, just a bit peaty otherwise. The reward though is to approach Linhope Spout from the ‘not traditional’ route.

Linhope Spout is 60 feet hight and although not wide it is deep. 16 feet I am told. It looked cold when I visited so I was not tempted in to what in high summer is a popular plunge pool. It is an easy walk through Linhope hamlet back to the start.