A Cheviot Hill and Hen Hole

ChrisJB · #1 (**permalink**) 28-07-2010, 09:53 AM

I'm off to Northumberland for a few days soon and fancy climbing a hill in the Cheviots. I've done The Cheviot, Windy Gyle and The Schil when I did the Pennine Way and was thinking of Hedgehope Hill this time round. If folks have have other suggestions though I'd look into them. Also, has anyone ever ventured into the ravine of Hen Hole in the Cheviots? I've heard that it is botanically rich and may consider that as an alternative dalliance.

Regards, Chris

ChrisJB · #2 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 08:48 PM

Are the Cheviots not very popular hills then?

Regards, Chris

pammosley · #3 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 08:51 PM

Sorry Chris, never been. Have a great trip

ChrisJB · #4 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pammosley

Sorry Chris, never been. Have a great trip

I've been and they seem very nice hills, but I did only scratch the surface.

Regards, Chris

Harry Eales · #5 (**permalink**) 30-07-2010, 12:15 PM

The Cheviots are a magnificent range of hills providing some really magnificent views if the weather is clear, over northern England and Southern Scotland. The ridge of these hills forms the northern and final part of the Pennine Way Walk, as well as part of the English/Scottish Border.

There are Ravens to be seen in these hills, especially on crags, I have seen them once on Hen Hole, but I'm no birder, I was there for insects. Ravens are very distinctive birds though. Hen Hole is interesting botanically. Be aware that this land is not in public ownership, so you will have to stick to public rights of way and bridlepaths.

Northumberland is Englands last wilderness, with a very varied wildlife, there's something for everyone. Anyone who likes crowds, dont bother coming here, two people per square mile in this region, is a crowd.

The Cheviots are today, just a series volcanic plugs left over from tremendous upheavals some 380 million years ago. The volcanic slopes have long eroded away leaving vary large domed mounds. There is very little true climbing to be had. The overlying soils and vegetation are predominantly peat soils with typical vegetation usually found in assosiation with such soils.

Wear waterproof footwear and carry foul weather clothing, the weather can change very quickly indeed. Just because the sun is shining when you set off, doesn't mean that it will stay like that all day.

There are plenty of things to do and places to go in North Northumberland, enjoy your holiday.

Harry

ChrisJB · #6 (**permalink**) 30-07-2010, 09:29 PM

Brilliant info', cheers Harry. My only experience is when I walked from Byrness to Kirk Yetholm on my final day of the Pennine Way twenty years ago (crivvens, it seems like yesterday). We did manage a quick jog up The Cheviot en route, but it was a long day and we didn't really have time to appreciate our surroundings. As an enthusiastic geologist as well, I shall examine the volcanics you describe at any outcrops also.
I don't suppose you know where in the Cheviots I can find the plant Dwarf Cornel? I've only ever seen it in Norway and the Cheviots are a bit nearer than The Cairngorms.

Regards, Chris

Harry Eales · #7 (**permalink**) 31-07-2010, 06:14 AM

Hello Chris,

Dwarf Cornell is a very rare plant in N'land with only one record in VC67 and seven known sites in VC68. (Swan,G.A. The Flora of Northumberland. 1993). In VC68 it is mainly in the Cheviot area. It is in Hen Hole Corrie, it grows in north facing hollows under Bilberry (Vaccinium sp.). You have to be in the 600m altitude range to find it. It's been known in the county since the 1500's. Good Luck, you may need it.

The area is interesting geololgically, in the past 400 million years that area has been under the sea several times and there are bands of Limestone on which plants that are not expected to be in this area can be found. This accounts for the strange assosiation of two butterflies in two restricted areas, 1.The Green Hairstreak which feeds on Bilberry, an acidic soil plant. 2. The Northern Brown Argus which feeds here on Rockrose a limestone loving plant. Both occur within a few yards of each other.

If your familiar with the red chippings used widely on road surfaces throughout the country, they all come from a quarry in the Cheviots and as far as I am aware it's the only place in Britain where this colour of volcanic rock is to be found.

Harry