Section | Terrain |
Wallsend to Hedden-on-the-Wall |
The first two thirds is on tarred walkways or footpaths. This
is very level and only sometimes is there the chance to deviate off the
hard surface to walk on the grass verge. It may be worth considering
having a good set of lighter boots or trainers for this part of the
walk. The last third is onto grass, riverside track and country lane.
Dependant on weather conditions this could be muddy in some places and
boots are recommended in such conditions. |
Hedden-on-the-Wall to Chollerford |
Starting on pavement the walk soon reaches grass paths often
created from a strip of field or on occasions woodland. This is
relatively easy walking but it is frequently interrupted by stile or
gate. We would recommend walking boots although this section should not
be muddy in general. |
Chollerford to Steel Rigg |
This starts with a short section on pavement before reverting
to field and moorland walking. This is now on slightly higher and
exposed land and you need to be prepared with weather protection and
walking boots. Towards the last third of the section the ground can be
rougher underfoot and there are some short steep ascents and descents
where the additional steadying of a walking pool could be useful. |
Bowness on Solway to Carlisle |
Very level walking on a mixture of road, road verge, field and
woodland ending with a section on urban footpath. There are the odd
occasion when the road or road verge could be under sea water making
the route impassible. This is very unusual but indicates that the grass
verges can be wet underfoot. Be careful of the wide marsh areas to the
north, this is not recommended for walking due to the frequent and
sometimes unseen water channels.
As this is open to the Solway for more than half the length be
prepared with good waterproof and wind breaking clothes. |
Carlisle to Banks |
Starts on tracks and parkland the section then has some limited
lengths of road or pavement before heading into the rural landscape.
The way is now mainly on the edge of fields and some woodland
rising gradually as the way heads east. Walking boots would be the
recommended footware especially as the route progresses. |
Banks to Steel Rigg |
This section resumes on pathways along the edges of field but
rising onto more exposed moorland fields. After Gilsand the terrain
starts to change with harder walking over sections that are rougher
with exposed rocks underfoot and steep ascents and descents.
Boots are essential and be prepared with good clothing as the route
is now more exposed. Walking pools are for many a useful addition. |
Steel Rigg to Bellingham |
There is initially some continuing walking along the top of the
crags with sometimes rough and rocky terrain. The section then takes
to mainly moorland and forest tracks and paths before a short section
of country road. Parts of the grass paths can be liable to being wet
and even boggy, so boots are essential and a pool could be helpful.
This section has some more variations in height especially as the way
nears the end. The final 3Km are all with Bellingham in sight, taking
rough ground along a parallel line to the roadway before a final short
section on pavement over the bridge and into the community.
|
Bellingham to Byrness |
This is on grass and moorland paths on what is now much more
exposed countryside. Walking boots are an essential part of the
equipment and good quality clothing is needed as there is no shelter
readily acccessible.
One section before entering the Kielder Forest involves a very
steep descent then ascent, this is a particulary wet section underfoot
and can be slow and demanding. From here the section is on generally
good forest paths or tracks.
|
Byrness to Crailinghall |
This is the section with the highest and most expose areas.
Starting with a forest walk that includes a very steep climb it then
remains on undulating and open hills along the NW corner of the
Cheviots. The paths are on grass, hill track and for about 2 Km on
narrow roads. This can be wet in part and there is a section over
marshy land on elevated wooden walkway. The section leaving Pennymuir
can be difficult to walk due to the damage caused by quad bikes, but
soon reverting back to hill fields and tracks.
The walk is generally a descent following Whitton Edge, becoming
relative straight as is passes along a narrow strip of track between
agricultural fields.
Only with the appropriate clothing, footwear, refreshments, and
navigational equipment should this be
undertaken. |
Crailinghall to Melrose |
This starts off on farm tracks that are very straight although
undulating as the section heads to the River Teviot. These paths can be
rough in parts due to farm machinary churning up the ground when wet.
There then follows grass track along the side of rivers or fields
before the section enters woodland adjacent to the A 68 road. There is
only a short section of road before a riverside walk along a narrow
track next to the Tweed. The route then leaves the river to use tracks along a disused railway to arrive at the fields that form the Trimontium Fort site. The final leg into Melrose is a combination of grass paths and narrow roads
This is a relatively easy section with only a more strenuous end
to the walk if one chooses to take the alternative option over the Eildon Hills.
We recommend good walking gear and the use of a walking
pool as some of the grass tracks and paths could be slippy |
