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.
Hike
The Great OutDoors on scottexservices.com