Reaveley_farm

About trip

Heddon Hill – The parallel lines of earthworks running across the face of the hill are thought to be cultivation terraces dating back to Anglian times before the Norman Conquest. Faced with a shortage of well drained flat land, people went to considerable effort digging into the hillside to create level areas on which to grow crops of barley and oats.

Roadside hedges,made up from 'thorny' species such as hawthorn, blackthorn and dog rose, are a valuable habitat for small birds and animals.They provide food, shelter and for many species somewhere to nest.

You are likely to see a variety of wildlife on this walk. Bird life includes buzzard, kestrel and heron and during the summer months curlew and oyster catchers.

Dipper

Red squirrels can be seen scurrying around the trees at the visitor centre.The River Breamish also provides a home to dippers, grey wagtails and otters.

Local facilities

The Poacher's Rest at Hedgeley Services just north of Powburn on the A697 serves food and drink all day.

The services has a petrol station and farm shop/ butchers - Meat of Excellence. Located in Powburn village,The Plough Inn is a family-run pub serving home-cooked dishes such as fresh trout & game pie.

Refreshments, gifts and an information service is available at our National Park Centre, Ingram which is an ideal base for starting out on a number of walks or for just spending a day exploring the valley. The centre is home to a fascinating display of local archaeology with interactive exhibits and examples of Bronze Age pottery.