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As the highest point in North East England you would have thought The Cheviot was a natural target for any hill walker from the region. Perhaps it is for many but from my own point of view it has never really appealed, the draw of the lakes and the Dales far outweighing trips to Northumberland. That's not to say I haven't been to the Cheviot Hills previously but my wanderings have only taken in Windy Gyle and Hedgehope Hill. From these tops the great looming flat topped pudding that stands above everything else in these parts never enticed me.
Now I realise there are certainly more interesting routes to the top than what I took but the logistics and distance made them not suitable for the time I had available. Also there was an even less inviting lump that I needed to climb should I ever fulfil my vague ambition to complete the English Hewitts, namely Comb Fell. A hill I once heard an experienced hill walker who lived in the North Pennines describe as containing the worst ground he'd ever encountered.
Mainly for this reason and partly because of the grouse moors for much of the route I left Hughie at home once again, a decision I was to be thankful for later.
The drive up the beautiful Harthope Valley revealed just what devastation had been caused by the recent horrific storms with countless trees felled, many of which were no doubt blocking the road for a while. By the time I pulled into the parking area the more sheltered nature of the terrain ensured far less damage had occurred, which was nice to see.
In order to avoid what I read was an eroded treadmill up the hill I headed off up Hawsen Burn from the car for the initial part of the climb. It was an atmospheric morning with hazy sunshine breaking through making for some some good photographic conditions.
Housey Crags on the skyline
Path up by Hawsen burn
Hawsen Burn
View back down the Burn to Housey Crags
Some drama in the morning skies
Typical Cheviot views at the top of the BurnThe path by the burn had been a little rough in places but practicable enough and it was a pleasant journey to the higher ground which was the typical denuded landscape created by forced grouse shooting. A bit of wet ground was encountered on the way to Scald Hill but nothing too bad and soon the massive bulk of of The Cheviot was in view and getting closer.
The great mass of the Cheviot ahead
Scald Hill Hill Mono
Towards Broadhope Hill
On the main eroded path up The Cheviot
Across to Hedgehope
Layers
Fine views back along the Harthope valleyAlthough the path is eroded this is a nice section with great views behind and a multitude of hills to be seen even on a day as hazy as this. Soon I came across a sign of what was to come in shape of the flag stones on the route. Thankfully they would take me over what would otherwise be very difficult terrain with the minimum of fuss, all the way to the trig point which stands proud on a huge plinth. I stopped at the summit, as is customary, and consumed some overdue breakfast. I can't imagine the views are up to much on a clear day to be fair but today with the haze obscuring anything long distance I can see nothing apart from The Cheviots own boggy plateau. A little time thinking about the legends of trig points and horses disappearing into this bog passed the time before heading off along the flags which are probably even more welcome south of the summit.
Start of the flags
Heejup from the ladder stile
Closing in on the "summit"
Summit
Views as I descend
Some Cheviot boggageSoon enough a sign post was reached and I headed off past Scotsman's Cairn down to Col with Comb Fell. The ground was wet in places but largely fine. The 'real fun' doesn't start until a succession of very deep Groughs are encountered. The first one I managed to totter over using the rickety fence but given I was on my own and the fall wouldn't be pleasant I decided it was better to clamber down and back up the other side for the remainder.
By the time I was done with them I was knackered, filthy and somewhat grumpy. Even given these frankly awful obstacles were behind me my mood wasn't improved by the remainder of the traverse which, even given the occasional helping hand from some make shift bridges, contained far too much boot sucking bog which increased my growing sense of exhaustion.
Signpost on Cairn Hill
Scotsman's Cairn
Descending to Scotsman's Knowe
Hedghope Hill and Comb Fell
Scotsman's Knowe
Most helpfulThe top, such as it is, unmarked and crossed by the fence, was passed before more squdging led me to the col with Hegehope Hill and wearily upwards once again to the final target of the day. These were hard yards but soon the relief of firm ground and the huge summit cairn/shelter warranted a rest on this fine summit which is everything The Cheviot and Comb Fell were not.
Top of Comb Fell
Great Standrop
Some succulent bog
A last look back at Comb Fell, I won't be returning 
Trig on Hegdhope
Heejup Summit
Across to The CheviotDelighted that the ascent was over for the day I made my way down the steep path to be greated by the slightly alarming sign of heather burning. I had no idea what I would do if my way down was blocked so it came as a relief that this ecological vandalism was being carried out efficiently and my way down was unhindered.
This is a nice section of route, smell of acrid smoke aside, and it passes the impressive Housey crags on the way back down to the most welcome waiting car.
On the way down with added burning
The Cheviot from Long Crags
Housey Crags and some burnt ground
Housey Crags
Langlee Crags
The CheviotI was 'done in' by this walk, but satisfied that I finally had a couple of Hewitts which had sat on my to do list for far too long in the bag. I only have the two Hewitts left in the Cheviots now neither of which appeals but I suppose I'll get around to them eventually. One thing I am sure of is I won't be returning to Comb fell in a hurry, if ever.
