Ring Chesters - 2020
Driving up to Wooler on the A697 the weather looked awful for a walk in the hills – a constant drizzle, chilly and low cloud/mist covering even the smaller hills. Fortunately on arrival at our starting point at Hethpool visibility was greatly improved and it was dry and so it remained for the rest of the day.
Mark welcomed everyone and outlined the walk which was a first for Shepherds Walks. We followed St Cuthbert’s Way initially before heading on to the hills and working our way up to the iron age hillfort of Ring Chesters. This was our first coffee stop and gave Mark the opportunity to give a brief outline of the hill forts in the Cheviots and in particular those at Humbleton Hill and Yeavering Bell
Our route continued on a slight incline up to the Border ridge and whilst there was still low cloud on the higher hills, superb panoramic views were enjoyed and the Eildon Hills at Melrose were clearly visible. This was our lunch stop and Mark gave a potted history of Josephine Butler (the Victorian Social reformer born in Kirknewton), Ad Gefrin (the Saxon Palace), and the Battle of Humbleton Hill.
The remainder of the walk was on well defined grassy paths surrounded by heather almost in full bloom down to Trowupburn farm where it was decided that rather than take the strenuous route up Little and Great Hetha we would follow the College valley back to the cars at Hethpool.
The consensus amongst the walkers that this was a delightful walk and one that should be repeated in the future.
Mark 19 August 2020
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