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Posted: Thursday 31 July 2008
North East Associates
"Ascent of Humbleton Hill"
- July 30th -
The bunting and the sun were both out in Wooler when thirty-seven Associates met up for a regular walk in the vicinity of this north Northumberland market town.
After preparing and assembling a little way out of town our two groups set off northwards on these eastern slopes of the Cheviot Hills.
Up we went, and then down again within the first mile.
“Today’s objective is to the left.” This was Humbleton Hill, its summit at 298m making the necessary height gain for us 170m.
A catch-up stop before the final ascent stage
“We’re going up the easier way” we were told, only a steep ascent being visible at that time. Circling the hill with a gradual climb, a little steeper for the last section, we all reached the top.
Tom & Brian show how it's done - with a smile
Meanwhile those on the longer walk at 6½ miles had taken another path to extend their walk to include nearby Harehope Hill instead.
On the top we saw the “Currick” – a chambered cairn – built during the Bronze Age in about 300BC and surrounded by stone defences.
Time to continue the conversations
The panoramic view on this clear day included the valley of the River Till (a tributary of the Tweed on it’s way to the border with Scotland), the town of Wooler below, and 'The Cheviot' at 816m with some cloud at the summit.
After taking refreshment, and a breather, we descended by the steep route, walking poles proving their worth.
Over the edge!
Down again, with Humbleton Hill and the descent path behind us
Humbleton Hill was the site of an important battle in Northumberland’s bloody history. Way back in 1402 a Scottish army ventured south, reaching as far as Newcastle (or possibly Durham). On their return, laden with their spoils, the Scots were intercepted by an army led by the legendary Harry Hotspur, who achieved a significant victory.
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"On Holy-rood day, the gallant Hotspur there,
Young Harry Percy, and brave Archibald,
That ever-valiant and approved Scot,
At Holmedon met,
Where they did spend a sad and bloody hour". |
Up again, and then down, as we started our return across and then “through” new ground, the ferns were tame enough but the gorse had a habit of fighting back.
The final section of the five miles was through territory occupied by some of the many locals in the area. Someone whispered “mint sauce” and they all disappeared quickly.
A convivial lunch followed for most back in Wooler at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, prior to a pleasant drive home.
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Wooler, nestling in the valley
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Taking in the view
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The cairn and defence wall
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"The Cheviot"
lurks in the background
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Wooler, The Wheatsheaf
and a little helper!
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ph 31/07/2008
pictures: ph
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