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Northumberland-Walks.co.uk - photographic walks in Northumberland.Harthope Valley and Scald Hill, Cheviot Hills.Introduction This walk starts at the car park in the Harthope Valley near Langleeford and follows the popular route towards the Cheviot. At the top of Scald Hill, we walked back down to the valley floor at Langleeford Hope to form a circular walk. We did this walk on a beautiful clear day in November providing tremendous views. Distance - Just under 5 miles. Parking - In the valley near Langleeford. Toilets - None, nearest in Wooler.
Walk 1) From the grassy car parking area we followed the road over Hawsen Burn and New Burn along the valley towards Langleeford. Golden bracken and trees glistened in the autumn sunshine below blue skies.
2) Shortly after the New burn we followed a path to the right that immediately started to climb up from the valley. This is the well trodden route to the Cheviot and is a relentless climb for most of the way to the top of Scald Hill.
3) The path soon became a wider track, visible ahead towards the skyline. We stopped often along this track to enjoy the views back across and down the valley (and for rests!).
4) After awhile we passed through a gate and stile before continuing onwards and upwards out of the valley.
5) A bit further on we reached another gate and fence. At this point there were two choices - follow a direct route to Scald Hill or follow a route keeping closer to the New Burn. We chose the route parallel to the New Burn, parts of which were rough going through deep heather and boggy underfoot.
6) This path eventually meets another path from Broadhope Hill and at that point we turned left and followed the new distinct and sometimes boggy path alongside the fence up to the top of Scald Hill. Ahead as always are views of the Cheviot, but the best views are back down the valley and across the hills in all directions. Good excuses to stop for rests and take photos.
7) The path finally levels off at the top of Scald Hill giving fantastic views in all directions. A great place to stop for lunch.
8) For those heading to the Cheviot the relentless uphill path can be seen after a slight reprieve. Past experience is that it is a hard slog. Our route though, was easy from now on and we turned sharp left at the gate to follow a path straight and steeply downhill into the valley.
9) Ahead are fine views to Hedgehope across the valley and to Langlee Crags along the ridge. In the distance the Northumberland Coast could be seen.
10) We reached the valley floor near Langleeford Hope where we turned left onto the track from Langleeford.
11) From here we enjoyed the pleasant walk along the track and then road back to the car parking area.
Notes
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