A Perfect Summer Day on the Border Ridge

Some days in the hills remind you exactly why you love being there, and yesterday was certainly one of them.

I had the pleasure of leading a fantastic group of ten hikers from Barrowburn, climbing via Wedder's Leap and The Street to the magnificent Border Ridge. From there we followed the ridge to the summit of Windy Gyle, where we stopped to enjoy a leisurely lunch with panoramic views stretching in every direction. Visibility was exceptional—we could see deep into the Scottish Borders to the north and all the way to the Lake District in the south-west.

Our return route took us along the ancient drovers' road of Clennell Street before turning through Murder Cleugh, crossing The Middle and making our way back to Barrowburn. Bathed in warm sunshine from start to finish, it was one of those rare days when the weather, the company and the scenery all came together perfectly.

Northumberland is often described as England's best-kept secret, and days like this make it easy to see why. If you're looking to experience one of the county's finest walks, the Border Ridge on a clear summer's day is hard to beat.