Heart of the Cheviots – 21-06-09
Following an obligatory group shot and brief history of Wooler Common, we set off to discover the Heart of the Cheviots. The group were given one rule for the walk, to stop and look behind them! Many fantastic views are missed by focussing on what’s ahead and certainly in this case, so much would be missed. Stopping briefly we indeed looked behind us and through a V in the hills, Millfield Plain could be clearly seen, an area of geological and economic importance. Following the ice age the area was covered by a huge lake that eventually drained away leaving exposed vast areas of silt, sand and gravel that had been deposited over a long period of time. The sand and gravel have been extensively quarried and the fertile silt still yields heavy crops of grain.
We continued along the well defined track before passing through a wicket gate onto the ominously named Hellpath. Fortunately this beautiful broom and wild flower lined track led to the valley bottom and not to Hell and we were treated to tremendous views of the steep-sided valley of the Carey Burn as we made our way down. Upon reaching the valley bottom we took the opportunity to have a breather by the side of the Carey Burn. We could have stayed there all day but the hills beckoned and we continued our journey towards the confluence of Broadstruthers Burn where it joins the Common Burn to flow on as the Carey Burn. Thee Burns in one spot – absolutely magic! On the far bank of Broadstruthers Burn is Luckenarks Wood which is one of the oldest semi-natural woodland in the National Park and contains Alder, Hazel, Birch, Rowan and Willow.
Crossing moorland with tufts of cotton grass swaying in the gentle breeze we crossed the Common Burn and made our way across fields to Commonburn House and onto the metalled road which would eventually lead us back to the car park. But not before a brief explanation was proffered on the practice of muir or heather burning which usually takes place in October or March. It is illegal to burn heather between 15 April and 31 August and small patches of heather are burnt over a 15 year cycle to provide a good supply of young tender shoots for grouse and livestock to feed on. The chequer board square patches on the hillsides are so characteristic of the Cheviots.
Another characteristic of the Cheviots is The Trows – glacier meltwater channels that were carved out by water flowing beneath a blanket of ice 10,000 years ago. Although appearing inhospitable, 3,000 years ago Bronze Age farming communities worked this land and the remains of field systems and burial cairns are still visible on the moor.
This is one of my all time favourite walks with such variety that’s not normally seen during one walk, and I had the immense pleasure of sharing this experience with a delightful group.
You can view more pictures taken on this walk by clicking here.
- To find out more about the guided walks in Northumberland that are coming up please click here.
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