Walk 2251 - printer friendly version

Yearning Saddle & Brownhart Law Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 7.8 miles / 12.7 km

Ascent - 950 feet / 288 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference NT824107
Lat 55.3899400 + Long -2.2793789
Postcode NE65 7BX (approx. location only)

Starting from Buckham's Bridge in Upper Coquetdale, this walk explores an area of hills and moorland close to the Scottish border. The route includes a section of the Pennine Way. The area is remote and wild, providing a taste of this beautiful landscape. After initially following Blind Burn into the hills, the route reaches the Pennine Way. Turning south the walk offers excellent views of the sea of hills across the border fence in Scotland. From the Roman Signal Station by Brownhart Law, the walk crosses the flank of Deel's Hill to descend to the start.

Th walk starts from the small car park at Buckham's Bridge (grid ref. NT824107), which lies about 10 miles up the Coquet Valley from Alwinton. After parking, walk down to the group of houses at Blindburn. Just before the bridge turn left onto the signed footpath through a wooden gate. The path crosses a field, to a small bridge over the Blind Burn and then continues up stream with the Burn on your left. Over to your left rises Yearning Law. Cross a stream coming down on the right (grid ref. NT820124) and then start to climb soon passing the ruins of Yearning Hall.

After 600 metres you pass between ancient circular enclosures. Head northwest on a grassy path to reach a more distinct grassy track. Bear left and continue to the Mountain Refuge Hut on the Pennine Way at Yearning Saddle (grid ref. NT804129). The view into Scotland is superb. Turn left along the Pennine Way and cross wild moorland (with no views). The path is generally clear on the ground with occasional way posts. As you approach the Roman Signal Station with Brownhart Law rising ahead, the path briefly enters Scotland although there are no signs to indicate this.

Reaching a gate (grid ref. NT791096), do not pass through the gate but leave the Pennine Way and turn left. Using the fence on your right as a guide, continue slightly downhill to reach The Dodd. Maintain direction towards Deel's Hill ahead from where a grassy track provides a descent down the hill's eastern ridge to return to the car park at Buckham's Bridge. This section offers a fine view into Upper Coquetdale and across the surrounding hills.

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