Cheviot Challenge Riding Routes Project
Breamish ValleyThere are five valleys – four in Northumberland and one over the Border in Scotland.
- The Coquet Valley (Alwinton)
- The Breamish Valley (Ingram)
- The Harthope Valley (Wooler)
- The College Valley (Kirknewton)
- The Bowmont Valley (Yetholm)
The aim of the Cheviot Challenge Riding Routes Project is to promote a ‘there and back’ route between each adjacent valley with an accommodation provider in each valley. In addition, it is hoped to have short circular rides in each valley.
This will produce a flexible network that can provide equally well for those who want a long weekend away with their horses and for those who prefer a longer holiday of a week or more. Rest days can be inserted at any point which could give riders the opportunity to enjoy the many tourist attractions of the area, ranging from Alnwick Castle and Garden and the National Trust property at Cragside to the Northumberland Coast and Holy Island or one of the many castles or abbeys of the Scottish Borders.
These routes are challenging! The long valley to valley routes will take you across open hill country on historic tracks used for centuries for trade and for theft and plunder during the time of the Border Reivers. Much of this is remote country. You will meet plenty of sheep and grouse and will see wonderful views, but you are unlikely to see many people and you may find you have the place to yourselves!
These bridleways have been restored and improved by the Northumberland National Park and the Tweed Trails Trust on the Scottish side, so, as long as you keep to the tracks, which are mostly grassy, you will not encounter bogs or gates that are a struggle to open. But you will need to be able to map read and you and your horse will need to be fit to cope with the hills and the distance. Even in high summer, you will need to carry warm clothing and waterproofs as when the wind blows or the rain sheets down it can be distinctly cold!
However, when you reach your destination, you will be welcomed into a warm farmhouse with good facilities for your horse and even better food for yourselves!
This project, initiated by local British Horse Society representative, Susan Rogers, has been developed in partnership with Northumberland National Park Authority and others to offer a series of sustainable riding routes within the Cheviot Hills. For further information and details on riding these routes and accommodation providers, please contact Sue on 01665 578 885.
Information courtesy of the Ride-UK The National Bridleroute Network
