Guide presents all you need to know about '˜underrated' hills

The latest book from an Alnwick publisher specialising in the county's history and landscape turns its attention to the Cheviots.
An interesting sign, near Barrowburn, looking up the Hepden Burn.An interesting sign, near Barrowburn, looking up the Hepden Burn.
An interesting sign, near Barrowburn, looking up the Hepden Burn.

Ian Hall, who runs Wanney Books, and Brian Doyle have co-authored Our Northern Hills – Exploring the English Cheviots, a celebration of these very Northumbrian hills.

As the blurb explains: ‘Often in the shadow of their westerly neighbours, the Lakeland Fells, they provide a refreshing alternative for the discerning hill walker.

Our Northern Hills, by Brian Doyle and Ian Hall.Our Northern Hills, by Brian Doyle and Ian Hall.
Our Northern Hills, by Brian Doyle and Ian Hall.
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‘More accessible, yet less frequented, the Cheviots provide solitude that is rare today, with breath-taking views, both to the Northumberland coast and across the Scottish Borders.

‘Every walk in the Cheviots brings you into contact with many layers of history in this wild, yet inhabited, part of England.

‘This guide gives a taster to many aspects of these hills that will increase the enjoyment of any visitor, with photographs that will evoke memories for those who have walked these hills in past years’.

The publication is more than a guidebook, taking in many aspects, such as history, geology, landscape features and wildlife.

Our Northern Hills, by Brian Doyle and Ian Hall.Our Northern Hills, by Brian Doyle and Ian Hall.
Our Northern Hills, by Brian Doyle and Ian Hall.
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There are also sections on various tragedies which have taken place on the hills and the illicit whisky trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Ian said: “Brian and I have been walking in the Cheviots for many years and we have enjoyed finding aspects to act as a focus to our walks, such as archaeology, geology, etc. We felt that others might well be interested too so we decided to write it all down.

“We also think that the Cheviots are much underrated and are in the shadow of the Lake District fells.”

Our Northern Hills, priced at £5.50 including postage and package in the UK, is available from www.wildsofwanney.co.uk using PayPal or by sending a cheque to Wanney Books, 15 Fairfields, Alnwick, NE66 1BT.