Walking BritainNorthumberland Walk
Windy Gyle from Coquet Valley
Maps 
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL16 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL16 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 80 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 80 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
Walk Route Description
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The upper reaches of the Coquet valley in the Northumberland National park provide a great feeling of remoteness. This walk takes to the high ground and starts roughly half a mile west of Windylaugh where ample parking is available on the grass verge near the confluence of Trows Burn with the River Coquet (grid ref. NT860114).
Head up the valley containing Trows Burn on the metalled lane that leads to the lonely farmsteads of Rowthorpe and Trows. Shortly after the latter farm a side track forks left off the valley track and immediately starts to climb quite steeply. After a short way the gradient eases and ahead you can see the large rounded shape of Windy Gyle although the summit will not come into view for some time yet.
Stay with the track with ever improving retrospective views back into Coquetdale. After just short of two miles the track meets a bridleway/footpath (grid ref. 860148). turn left (just north of west) for the final climb to summit of Windy Gyle, which is marked by a large cairn. There are superb views in all directions especially over Scotland.
If the visibility is good, Windy Gyle is a pleasant place to spend some time. All good things must end and you retrace your steps to the fence to pick up the Pennine Way as it heads south. The going is pleasantly easy as the path undulates along the ridge. Reaching a small col just before Mozie Law take the clear path that goes south over Black Braes. Stay with this ridge, choosing the best path for the conditions, over the flanks of Swineside Law. Known as "the Street" this ridge path leads you back to where you have parked.
Although this walk includes a two thousand foot summit the going, apart from a few boggy sections, is remarkably easy. The summit of Windy Gyle is reached without too much exertion and you have plenty of energy to enjoy the "deafening" silence so typical of this part of Britain. Whatever happens the landscape will captivate your imagination and you will certainly return to enjoy more of the Cheviots.
Other walks nearby
| Walk 1763 | Mozie Law & Windy Gyle from Coquet Valley | moderate | 8.2 miles |
| Walk 3353 | The Roman Camp at Chew Green | easy/mod | 5.8 miles |
| Walk 3085 | The Dodd & Wether Cairn from Alwinton | moderate | 9.5 miles |
| Walk 2299 | The Cheviot from College Valley | moderate | 9.0 miles |
| Walk 1766 | Cushat Law and Bloodybush Edge from Hartside | mod/hard | 12.5 miles |
Recommended Books & eBooks
Walking in Northumberland
This guidebook contains detailed route descriptions for 36 day walks in Northumberland including the Cheviot Hills. The terrain varies from wild walks and craggy ascents to gentle riverside strolls. Each route ranges from 4 to 16 miles in length and there is the opportunity to link several walks together to create longer treks.
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Pennine Way Map Booklet
Map of the 270 miles (435km) Pennine Way National Trail, between Edale in the Peak District and Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. This booklet is included with the Cicerone guidebook to the trail, and shows the full route on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps. This popular long-distance route typically takes three weeks to complete.
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The National Trails
This inspirational guidebook looks at each of the UK's 19 National Trails, with information that allows ease of comparison and contrast, inspiring you to find out more and to take up a long-distance challenge. Some Trails are short and easy, others much longer, many have strong themes - they may follow a coastline, or traverse ranges of hills.
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Further Information
Walk Location Map
Northumberland Walking
The Northumberland National Park covers a diverse area of landscape between the Tyne and the Scotland England border. The highest point within the National Park is the Cheviot and besides this famous hill there are many other notable summits. The valleys are also of interest to walkers, although some have restricted access. More Information
Walk grading - Learn how each walk is assessed and select a walk to suit your ability and experience by going to Walk Grading Details.
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