Making the most of the sun

We saw the sun for the first time since our French ski trip, so we were off out to reccie a walk for the group.

We headed up the Breamish Valley till we reached a private road, so parked up and took the track to Linhope Spout, a pretty waterfall which had a good lot of water in it with the snow melt from the Cheviots. However the last bit of the track was through Access Land and had a sign 'No Dogs". Some of the group have dogs, so we then headed steeply up a bridle track with the intention of getting a view then carrying on up the valley. However the path disappeared, so we headed back to the car, ate our sandwich and studied the map for an alternative route. This was across the river, past Alnhammoor, a remote farm, and then did a circuit to an abandoned farm, before returning. However half way round there was another sign banning dogs. We enjoyed the walk and did 9-10 miles, the most I've done painfree for a year.

The hill with snow is Cheviot, the highest hill around here, abou 2674ft, right on the Border with Scotland. It was to the left of this, on Windy Gyle, another favourite walk of ours, that 10 people were rescued on Sunday night. Two rescue teams from both sides of the border were involved, and it took 10 hours to get the people to safety. Help was called when 2 got hypothermia, and the rescue teams had 4 ft snow drifts to get through. The weather was too bad for the helicopter to be used, but a farmer with his all terrain vehicle was able to help. I understand the walkers were experienced and well-equipped. We must never underestimate the weather in these remote areas.