Carey Burn Waterfall

Inspired by a great route by Geoff Holland, we headed over to the Cheviots on a lovely crisp and bright October Saturday. This route is full of the things we like, and at around 10km we found the stunning Carey Burn Waterfall. However if you just fancy seeing the waterfall without the hike, you can park near Carey Burn bridge and the waterfall is around 1km from the parking spot.

Curiously, it isn't marked on the OS map, which only adds to the thrill of the hunt. As you approach it, the path narrows and turns rocky—a manageable scramble for experienced walkers, though it requires a bit of care. The falls are impossible to miss right beside the path, and after a quick clamber down to the base you can get the money shots.

The waterfall is in a beautiful location and there are stunning views of The Cheviots all around, with only sheep and ravens to keep you company. The falls are made up of two larger drops and a smaller one at the bottom, and the ancient volcanic rocks surrounding them are andesite lava dating back 400 million years. While the rock was formed millions of years ago, the waterfall itself was probably formed at the end of the last ice age around 15,000 years ago, so it's a relative youngster.

This is a great place to stop and refuel after hiking in the Cheviots and I have seen pictures of people having a dip here - rather them than me though. When Simon visited and paused here for some fruity malt, he also sent Red5 up for some fabulous shots of the waterfall from the air.

A true hidden gem, we gave this walk and the waterfalls a solid 9.5 out of 10 - worth the aching calves and knees the next day.

More fantastic photos from Red5 - amazing to see the surrounding countryside from above.