Bloodybush Edge & Cushat Law

[colinwatson]

Stayed overnight at the interesting Wooler YHA. The building was originally a Land Army camp and there are lots of information boards inside about the people who lived there at that time, along with some great murals of the area.

Awake to a misty morning as the North Sea haar extended inland.

Wooler YHA

A short drive down the A697, then along the minor road leading to Hartside Farm, where there is adequate roadside parking.

A sharp breeze greeted me as I got out of the car, but there was some brightness behind the cloud that bode well for the day ahead. I followed the track that follows the River Breamish. Although a private road, it is metaled and allows quick progress to be made. Heard a cuckoo and saw a number of displaying lapwings as I walked along past a number of farms. The sun was breaking through just where I was - all around me the hills were shrouded in mist, but my tops were clear.

Mist clearing over the River Beamish

Heading towards Low Bleakhope Farm

The weather was improving all the time and I was enjoying some warm sunshine.

The hard road ends at High Bleakhope and the track/path takes over.

Looking from High to Low Bleakhope

I had a tea break at Nagshead Knowe, then pressed on up the Salter's Road. At last, Bloodybush Edge was in sight!

Bloodybush Edge from Nagshead Knowe

It was quite heavy going on the way to the top of Bloodybush Edge - heather, bog and peat. I was glad that it had been a dry spring - after heavy rain this section would be tortuous. Got to the wide summit from where Cushat Law looks much further away than it actually is.

Cushat Law from Bloodybush Edge

At the top of Bloodybush Edge

The going from here to Cushat Law was easy and straightforward.

Mist clearing to the north east of Cushat Law

From Cushat Law, I took a fairly direct descent to Low Bleakhope and the road out.

The Beamish Valley on the return walk

Another good day in Northumbria - not another person met on the hill!

[OpenC]

Nice route, I've never even considered approaching those hills from that direction. Will have to give it a go You're right - after rain, that route between the two is purgatorially muddy.

[ChrisW]

Good stuff CW, empty hills area always the best hills Loved that misty morning shot