The vast green blanket of the Kidland Forest sweeps across the slopes of the high lonely hills which rise to the north of Alwinton, deep in Upper Coquet Dale. A plethora of burns twist and turn through the sheltered forest before converging to form the meandering River Alwin. This walk follows a horseshoe route high above the forest with clear views to the Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill. You will look down into remote valleys and across the wide open spaces that stretch mile after mile to the Scottish border and beyond. For the most part you will be utterly alone.

2. Follow this track as it makes its way alongside the river, crossing two small concrete bridges and then a cattle grid. After a further 200 metres leave the track on the right, immediately after the burn (NT 924084), and climb the obvious path up the end of the Dodd to its 333 metre top. Continue in a northerly direction, with good views down into the Alwin Valley, and on reaching a slight depression turn north eastwards, aiming for the corrugated animal food store and onwards towards Puncherton Hill (NT 931099). Continue in the same general direction up and over the top of the hill, initially with a fence to your left, and then gradually downhill along a faint quad track towards a five bar gate. Once through the gate you will need to focus on the north easterly edge of the forest which dominates the view to your left and to Wether Cairn immediately beyond.  Whilst there are some sheep traces and quad tracks across the open hillside, none of these lead directly to the ultimate goal and, therefore, you will need to choose your own route. Once the brow of the hill is reached head towards the fence which marks the edge of the forest and follow this until a second fence is reached (NT 941115). Cross over the stile, turning left, and head past the shelter cairn to the trig point which marks the top of Wether Cairn. 

4. Follow the fence as it drops downhill over an area of mat grass until you reach a clear track (NT 879128). As you turn left, over the stile, and enter the forest you are once again on Clennell Street, as it heads back towards Alwinton. Continue in this direction until you reach another track (NT 883125), on your right, and follow this, over level ground at first and then steeply downhill, to the former shepherds cottage of Fairhaugh, now refurbished. Turn right behind the cottage and cross the delightful Usway Burn, by the wooden footbridge, before turning left to follow the track as it climbs away from the burn and into the forest. On reaching and crossing the ladder stile at the forest edge (NT 873120) your route heads south eastwards up a clear green path towards the 433 metre high Kyloe Shin (NT 877113). Whilst there is no obvious path over the top of this hill there is a green quad track across the grassy col towards Shillhope Law. So strike generally south westwards at first and then southwards, with the valleys of the Usway Burn and the River Coquet below you on either side. On reaching the gate (NT 873101), cross over and follow the path which climbs steeply, over rough wet ground, alongside a fence to emerge at the trig point and small lough on the summit of Shillhope Law. Walk 100 metres north westwards for spectacular views of Upper Coquet Dale and the Border Ridge.

6.  This is known as the Pass Peth and is the sting in the tail of this interesting days walk. On reaching the top (NT 897068), you will understand why. It was on these exposed heights, some four centuries ago, that the men of Upper Coquet Dale kept watch, night and day, guarding against the incursions of the Scottish freebooters. The going is now almost all downhill, firstly across the south western end of Green Side and then on the valley road for the final easy mile back to Alwinton. Perhaps it is now time to quench  your thirst in the tiny Rose and Thistle, first seen at the very beginning of your walk, which has been welcoming weary travellers since 1750. You deserve it.