Who let the dogs out

 Who let the dogs out, the return. August 16th

It's  a long time since we walked from Wooler Common. That's where today's  wander begins. Head north to Wooler, small town in Northumberland, and once on the main street follow the signpost for Wooler Common and make use of the large carpark, free too, bliss. (But have breakfast first in the Terrace cafe on Wooler High Street)

Team for the day: Brian, Margaret, Harry, John H., Dave and me

The map for the walk is OS OL 16 The Cheviot Hills

On one occasion, finishing a walk at the car park, an ice cream van announced its  arrival by playing "Who let the dogs out?" The name stuck.

The car park at Wooler Common. Contender?

We left the car park at the east end, near the shelter which can serve as a bench for booting up but it's a bit uncomfortable. Crossing a stream and walking a short distance in the wood we came to the footpath on the left that goes uphill for a short distance on St. Cuthbert's Way. Entering a field we turned north, contouring around Humbleton Hill .

The Battle of Humbleton Hill September 14th 1402. England v Scotland, again. This time England won, thanks in part to Harry Hotspur, 

There are two paths, one climbs the hill, the other goes round it. We went round it on a narrow footpath with ferns on either side and a slight chance of seeing an adder, which we didn't.

Eventually we reached Gleadscleugh Farm and a firm track.

                            Gleadscleugh

Humbleton Hill. There are the remains of a hillfort on the top.

The track climbed slowly, as did some of us and it wandered for a couple of miles over the moorland until we reached Commonburn House.

Much to Dave's delight there was a fair sized pack of large dogs safely kenneled in the yard.

Commonburn House

Heading south round the side of the farm we crossed a field and a stream, climbed up onto the moors and stopped for a Herbie. (mile 6)  (Apple pies, lemon slices, cookies and, of course, sweet and savoury from Mrs A)

Looking back at Commonburn from Herbie Spot. We watched two farmers riding quad bikes rounding up a small herd. Eat your heart out Clint Eastwood.

The footpath across the moor from Commonburn to Broadstruther is narrow and suffers from Lauder grass, you need to watch your feet. It is however clearly marked and if you want there is a track for a slightly longer walk.

Broadstruther. Once a farm, then a bit of a ruin, now a shooting lodge. Nobody out shooting today.

We left Broadstruther on a good track heading north east, crossed a stream and joined the footpath that runs alongside Carey Burn to a footbridge. The footpath was hemmed in by high ferns and bushes, usually it's very clear. Eventually we reached the marker offering choices. Go right to Carey Bridge or left up "Hell's Path." We chose the latter, climbed out of the valley, crossed Wooler Common on a good path, took the footpath downhill and arrived back at the cars. But there was no ice cream van today.

On the way home we stopped at The Ridley Arms in Stannington. Black Sheep, Guinness zero or tea.

Contains OS data, copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2024.

The walk is about 10 miles with some climbs but not difficult.

                                                                 ?