Auchope Cairn And Cheviot Summit From Mounthooly

I'm a bit new to the party on walking in Northumberland, so am very much playing catch up with all the fabulous places there are to see in the Northumberland National Park.

As I am still finding my feet I am revisting an area I am a little familiar with and then extending my walks from there. Today I am looking to park at the Mounthooly bunkhouse and then head around the top of the Hen Hole (saving climbing up it for another day), then along to Auchope Cairn, Cheviot Summit and then down Bellyside Hill.

Todays forcast was looking good over the week, so I purchased a day pass and headed for Mounthooly. Sun was shining when I arrived so set off for first stop, Auchope rescue hut. Beautiful day, so peaceful walking along and the sun shining on the water.

I follow the road south from the bunkhouse and then the onto the permissive path that then took me around the back of the Hen Hole. This little crevice in the Cheviot is Braydon Clough and is one of the many little streams that runs down the Cheviot including the College Burn (Hen Hole) and the Bellyside Burn.

I started my ascent admiring the spectacular views on all sides. This is the first time I see the Hen Hole so definitely thinking about going up it on my next visit. I snap a few pictures, but not too close to the edge for me though! Arrived at the hut and obviously signed in before a quick cuppa and biscuits. Fuel for the next leg up to Auchope Cairn.

Up on the top it can be quite boggy in places, but it's all part of the fun. Fortunately over the top of the Cheviot, there is a pavement for me to follow. It's also a bit windy up here, but at least the sun is still out!

A quick breather now before making my way over to the summit and the Cheviot trig point. The moody skies along the way felt very appropriate.

Now to make my way to Bellyside Crags. I have never been there before and involves a little off-roading. Was a bit of a plodge, but so pretty with thick frost in places.

Beautiful views from the top and I believe that is Braydon Crag in the distance.

Heading down now to get onto Bellyside Hill, I got a bit carried as it was so picturesque and went a bit too far down Bellyside Burn. So bit of a climb again to get back up onto route. Once back on track it was straight down to Dunsdale for the final leg back to the start.

Intended to go to Fawcett Shank another first, but somehow managed to completely miss that. A lot of mud along this area but all part of the fun!

Now to find the footbridge. I had been reliably informed it was DEFINITELY here, as last visit involved a plodge across when I couldn't locate it. Didn't fancy a possible swim across today so was pleased to find it this time.

Perfect end to a perfect day, but just as I got back to the car, the heavens opened. Talk about luck!

Thanks for joining me on this virtual walk. See you next time.

This walk was written by our new Fabulous North friend Allyson Mccourt.