From Hartside to Linhope Spout – A Walk of Two Halves!

It was a rather grim start to yesterday’s walk as we set off from Hartside in the Breamish Valley. Despite a pleasant drive north, the heavens opened almost as soon as we headed out across Alnham Moor towards Little Dod!

Thankfully, things soon began to improve. By the time we reached the famous Salter’s Road, the rain had stopped and there were even signs that the sun might make an appearance.

Heading north along Salter’s Road towards Low Bleakhope, we were rewarded with some wonderful views across this quieter, lesser-visited corner of the Breamish Valley. It’s one of those places where you really feel like you’ve left the crowds behind, in fact, you hardly ever see anyone venture this far from civilisation!

After a welcome lunch stop at the farm, we continued north past High Bleakhope before taking on the short but steep climb to High Cantle. The effort was well worth it, with superb views opening up across Comb Fell, Hedehope and Great Standrop.

A brief rest at Rig Cairn gave us the chance to take in the scenery before we descended towards Linhope Spout. By now the weather had completely transformed, with warm sunshine making this beautiful waterfall and its surroundings look quite different from the soggy landscape we’d started out in that morning.

It was another fantastic day in the Northumberland hills, with varied scenery, a great route and, as always, excellent company. And proof, perhaps, that it’s always worth heading out even when the weather doesn’t look particularly promising!