Halterburn circuit & the Schil, nr Kirk Yetholm

Summary

Combine the two alternatives for the final stretch of the Pennine Way on this fine hill round above and through the Halterburn valley. The ascent of the Schil itself can be omitted, but it's rocky outcrops make it the most distinctive in the Cheviots.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Grassy hill paths and tracks, tarmac minor road to finish.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Off Halterburn road on left after cattle grid.

Public Transport

None; nearest bus is Town Yetholm.

Start Grid Ref

NT839276

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14km / 8.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 6 hours
Ascent: 662m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Take the road towards Halterburn from Kirk Yetholm; after crossing a low hill it descends into the valley. It is usually possible to park on the grassy area on the left just after the cattle grid. Start the walk from the track that begins here crossing the Halter Burn, forking right (footpath sign) and then leaving the track when it heads through a gate to instead follow the path that heads uphill on the near side of the wall. Soon the path bears right (marked as both the Pennine Way and St Cuthbert's Way) and climbs across the flank of the hill.

Stage 2

There are great views back over the valley as height is gained. Eventually a signpost indicates where St Cuthbert's Way goes off left; our route continues uphill on the Pennine Way ahead.

Stage 3

Eventually a stone dyke is reached with a gate; don't pass through, but stay on the grassy trod that continues to the right of the wall. The path climbs over a low rise (or avoids it on the right) before making a steeper ascent to a col between White Law and point 410m. Here cross a stile and then turn left, now with a fence on your left.

Stage 4

Don't pass through the gate when a fence corner on White Law is reached, instead keeping along the near side of the fence. The grassy ridge soon dips slightly before the route rises along Steer Rigg. Ignore another gate by a junction of fences, and continue ahead still with the England / Scotland border fence on your left. Go through a pedestrian gate to continue by the border fence, then finally after another pedestrian gate the route leaves the fence, bearing slightly right (Pennine Way acorn symbol).

Stage 5

The route now descends slightly across the SW side of Black Hag, continuing until a signed path junction. The Schil is the hill with the rocks on the summit seen ahead from here; you can make a detour to climb it by continuing on the Pennine Way ahead (bearing left). It is a good viewpoint and its outcrops give it a character that most of the grassy Cheviots lack. Return to this point and this time take the broad grassy path signed as the Pennine Way low level alternative to Kirk Yetholm (a right turn if you omit the Schil, straight ahead if returning from the Schil).

Stage 6

The path leads to the col between Black Hag and the Curr, where it goes through a gate. Beyond this the path makes a delightful descent across the lower slopes of Black Hag, zig-zagging down at one point. At a signpost ignore a path off left and continue on the Pennine Way towards a gate in a stone dyke.

Stage 7

Pass through the gate and continue, with a fenced area of regenerating native woodland on your right. This is one of the very few areas of native trees in all the Cheviots, which are very heavily grazed; it was set up as part of a flood prevention scheme.

Stage 8

Continue along above it, eventually reaching the ruins of Halterburn Head - once the highest farm in the valley. Pass to the right of these, then bear left at the signpost. Head down the track towards Burnhead, but before reaching it turn right onto a marked path, aiming for a footbridge over the burn. Cross this and then bear left, heading through a gate in a wall and then keeping another wall on your left. Further on go through a gate on your left to reach the road below Burnhead, having bypassed the farm. Now simply turn right along the quiet road to return to the start.

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