SCW - Day 4 - MASARNEN RAMBLERS

Day 4 - Monday 5 October 2020

Kirk Yetholm to Wooler (13.7 miles)

After the superb walking conditions of yesterday we awoke to a somewhat dreary day of low cloud & dull skies. To be honest this is how it is when you plan a long distance walk and you just have to get used to the fact that on occasion the weather will not always be in your favour. No matter, at least we were able to actually be out enjoying the beautiful countryside that this walk has to offer.

After another hearty "fuelling" breakfast at Templehall, Chris picked us up at 0915 and took us the short drive over to Kirk Yetholm. It was still dreary but thankfully the rain had stopped as we departed The Border Hotel and made our way on The Pennine Way/St Cuthbert's Way up the steep hill out of the village. The route departs from The Pennine Way near The Stob Stones and, after crossing the border into England heads for Eccles Cairn where we made a short diversion off route to visit the summit. From the summit the route to the farm at Elsdonburn was a tad squelchy and we were pleased to join the farm track which took us all the way to Hethpool where we were greeted by a downpour unfortunately.

Approaching Yeavering Bell the cloud once more descended to leave us heading through the clag which eventually lifted near Tom Tallon's Crag. On this section the ground was quite saturated and was not helped by another downpour which lasted until just before Wooler. As we crossed Wooler Common we encountered more bolshy Bovines which was sadly now becoming a daily occurrence although to be fair each time we had been able to divert around them. There then followed an overly convoluted route into Wooler and we eventually arrived in the town just after 1600. After purchasing our evening meal from the Co-op, Chris picked us up at 1700 and took us back to Morebattle. Despite the poor weather this was still a good days walking.

A damp and overcast Kirk Yetholm - a tad different from when we arrived here yesterday

The Gypsy Memorial erected in 2003 on the green in Kirk Yetholm. The inscription on the stone reads:

"This Memorial reminds us of the Gypsy Tribe who inhabited this village from the 17th Century onwards. Their customs and traditions influenced many aspects of village life. The late Vic Tokely who researched and related their history throughout the Borders inspired this permanent reminder of their legacy."

The last king of the Gypsies, Charles Faa Blyth, was crowned in 1898 and The "Gypsy Palace" building is still in existence.

The starting point of The Pennine Way and the point where it meets The St Cuthbert's Way.
The liaison between the two routes does not last that long - about 1.7 miles to be fairly exact.

We passed this cute little chap heading out of Kirk Yetholm and admired his rather fetching apparel.

After leaving Kirk Yetholm the route arrives at the point where the Pennine Way Low & High routes converge to the north of Halterburn. The High Route passes over the small footbridge to the left and handrails the wall whilst the Low Route comes in from the right. The High & Low routes converge to the west of Black Hag approximately 3 miles away.

As we gained height so the clag came down and visibility therefore deteriorated

The point near the Stob Stones where the St Cuthbert's Way & Pennine Way part company

Crossing the border fence about 400 yards south west of Eccles Cairn.
Fudge is in England whilst I am half in and half out.

The summit of Eccles Cairn which is only 200 yards off route - no views from here today.
The cairn is possibly erected on the site of a Bronze Age burial cairn or tumulus.

Crossing farmland near Elsdonburn.
This stile was one of a couple which was a real test of dexterity to get through with rucksack & dog!

Nearing Elsdonburn - the hill to the right is Ell's Knowe with Ring Chesters to the left

The farm at Elsdonburn.
The route passes through the farm buildings and heads along the access road at the base of the treeline.

Back to the tarmac as we leave Elsdonburn for Hethpool

Great Hetha

Approaching Hethpool we pass the junction with the road descending from the farm at Trowupburn

The cottages at Hethpool in the College Valley
The cottages were designed by Robert Mauchlin in the Arts & Crafts style and were built in the mid 1920s. The road ahead proceeds up through the delightful College Valley however motor traffic is restricted to 12 cars per day.

Crossing the bridge over the College Burn

After crossing the College Burn the path continues towards Torleehouse with Easter Tor to the right and Yeavering Bell centre

Looking across to the Collingwood Oaks on the eastern flank of The Bell.
The oaks were planted by Admiral the Lord Collingwood, Horatio Nelson's second in command at the Battle of Trafalgar and continued by his widow Sarah following Collingwood's death in 1810. The trees were planted in order to provide timber to build warships. Unfortunately the poor soil and strong Cheviot winds meant that the trees became stunted, however by the time the trees matured the Navy had begun to build iron-clad ships.