Cold Law And The Carey Burn Waterfall Walk

If you are looking for a nice climb, amazing views, a beautiful saunter and then finishing on a waterfall, then this could be the hike you're looking for!

I've always wanted to visit the Carey Burn Waterfall, but every time I head along the Harthope Valley I get easily distracted by Housey Crags and Hedgehope Hill.

But today I'm going to stay firm and head up Cold Law, along to Broadstruther and then down to the waterfall.

There is a decent grassy area for parking just before you get to Carey Burn Bridge and this is where I'll end up popping out on the ay back from the waterfall. So heading along the valley floor for just over 1km I spot a fingerpost pointing the way to the top of Cold Law and I begin my ascent.

Around halfway up I look over the valley and there are the Langlee Crags, Housey Crags and Hedgehope Hill teasing me from afar.

But something else has caught my eye not far from the path and like a cat spying a shiny thing, I head over and have a look.

At first glance it looks like an old sheephold, but there is nothing on the map for it. I continue up to the top of Cold Law where I am greeted by the wonderful sight of the Cold Law trig point.

If you are into your trig bagging, then don't forget to tap the top to properly bag it. There are over 20 more trig points within the Cheviot Hills if the excitement of bagging this one has got you hooked.

But Cold Law gives you a double treat as there is also a cairn adorning its peak.

Leaving the exhilaration behind I descend from Cold Law, but there is more elation to come as on its banks are Hawsen Crags. The views from here are simply spectacular looking out towards Hedgehope Hill and The Cheviot itself.

Time for a short break and taking way too many photographs before I continue down the grassy track with the Cheviot looming in the distance.

This huge scar on the edge of Blackseat Hill is caused by the Hawsen Burn running down it.

Unfortunately my path takes me north and away from it, so I will investigate this one another day. However the disappointment was rewarded with a cute boundary stone.

Now if you're not used to walking in the Cheviots there are two things to be aware of.

One, there aren't really any clear paths. You might get a faint path in the grass or follow some quad bike tracks. But it's nothing like the Lake District where there are solid paths everywhere. And two, you probably won't see anyone else. Bonus!

Following the permissive path north I finally start to approach Broadstruther which is a formerly ruined shepherd's cottage, now restored as a private hunting/shooting lodge.

Now I am spoilt for choice on paths, but I need to get over the Carey Burn so I follow a clear one before I get to Broadstruther which takes me behind it and down to the burn.

Once I am on the north side of the Carey Burn, the route is super easy. Just follow the burn all the way to the Carey Burn Waterfall. There are even some smaller waterfalls to find.

Then after 3km I finally hear a little rumble and after a little clambering down the bank I make it to the Carey Burn Waterfall. And to be honest, it's magnificent.

The main problem is trying to step back enough to get a really good photograph.

Fortunately I have a little pal who can zoom up into the air and get some tremendous aerial photos.

After a snack (more fruity malt) I start the trek back to the car. Fortunately it's only 1.5km from here so just a quick stroll. I do get one more photo of the waterfall and valley.

20 minutes later and the path drops me right out at the parking area ending a lovely walk with some climbs, crags, a trig point and a waterfall. I wonder if I still have time to head to Housey Crags!