The highest hill in Northumberland, The Cheviot, dominates the Lambden Valley. This monster of a hill rises dramatically from the tiny, twisting Lambden Burn and forms a formidable barrier southwards. As a consequence of its relative remoteness, the valley is one of the area`s best kept secrets. The Harthope Valley, much loved and often visited by Northumbrians, lies at the opposite side of The Cheviot and is one of the finest valleys in the county. Both valleys are flanked by an array of other, less imposing hills, the majority of which are rarely visited by walkers. They stand in the shadow of the mighty Cheviot, but a circuit of Cold Law, Broadhope Hill, Preston Hill, Coldburn Hill and Blackseat Hill is a must for those in pursuit of the total Cheviot experience. Start your journey now and add this testing `little` round of hills to your walking C.V.

2. To regular walkers, triangulation pillars are like old friends. They have been a familiar feature of our landscape since the Director General of the Ordnance Survey launched the re-triangulation of Great Britain in 1935. Surveyors then began the Olympian task of building these concrete pillars on scores of remote hilltops. Deep foundations were dug by hand and staff dragged heavy loads of materials over isolated and often difficult terrain by lorry, packhorse and, in some instances, sheer brute force. This gargantuan task was not completed until 1962. What a shame, therefore, that the majority of these trig points should have now fallen into disuse. Such is progress! Continue the very short distance northwards to the post and wire fence where you will need to turn left to begin your journey downhill. Away to your right lie the Broadstruther and Common Burns which converge, below the southern flanks of Watch Hill, to form the Carey Burn. This, in turn, flows into the Harthope Burn at the base of the earlier descended Skirl Naked. This is definitely red grouse territory so, as you happily wander along deep in your own thoughts, be prepared to be startled from time to time. After ¾ mile of steady walking you will reach the col between Cold Law and Broadhope Hill, your next objective. You will also cross over the bridleway running between the former dwelling of Broadstruther, away to your right, and the Harthope Valley, to your left. Notice the old boundary stone carved with the letters `SH` on one side and `S` on the other.

4. With miles of empty moorland, except for the lonely former farmstead of Commonburn House, stretching away to your right, continue to follow the line of the fence as it passes above Foulburn Gair and then turns downhill towards the corner of a plantation. Remaining with the fence, continue beyond the plantation edge until you reach an old metal gate (GR NT908241) and, on the other side, the green track which winds its way down the south eastern side of Coldburn Hill. This is your eventual route to the Lambden Valley, but first you must leave the `security` of the fence and head towards the row of 12 small wooden shooting butts which climb towards the summit of Coldburn Hill. Aim for the sixth butt from the right along a track cut through the heather. When this is reached, turn left in front of the butts and climb to the twin cairned summit (GR NT902241). Standing at a height of 485 metres, this hill enjoys splendid views, particularly to the College Valley, the Schil and the impressive rocky cleft in the north face of The Cheviot. This is where the Bizzle Burn flows from its source, high on the summit plateau of Northumberland`s highest mountain, down to the Lambden Burn. It is the region`s premier winter climbing venue where the most notable feature, the `Bizzle Chimney`, was first climbed on the 5^th March 1899. It is also part of a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest. Now return back to the metal gate, pass through crossing over some old railway sleepers, and follow the green track down to the valley. As you go, the views are superb with the white walled Goldscleugh `pretty as a picture`. Once on flatter ground, cross over the Lambden Burn via a shin deep ford and onto the tarmac road. Turn right for 100 metres and then leave the road and follow the public footpath signposted “Goldscleugh ¼ m Harthope Valley 2¾m”. Cut across the field and head around the back of the farm buildings (GR NT914233).

6. Now it is time to tear yourself away from this airy summit and to start your descent back to the Harthope Valley. So rejoin the track, turn right and continue downhill on the delightful green route which heads all the way back to the valley, crossing the New Burn along the way. Once the tarmac road is reached, turn left and begin a gentle ½ mile stroll through the Harthope Valley, a firm favourite of walkers, birdwatchers and weekend picnicers. As you near the end of your day in the shadow of Cheviot, you will already be planning your next trip into these peaceful, northern hills.