Christianbury Crag

[cessna152towser]

Kielder Forest is an uninhabited area of northern England in the Counties of Cumbria and Northumberland, near the Scottish Border. Formerly sheep pastures, the land was planted with commercial forestry and a large reservoir known as Kielder Water built during the twentieth century. Today's walk is about ten miles (five miles each way) and takes us from Cuddy's Hall picnic site on the western edge of the forest to the summit of Christianbury Crag, approximately five miles, marked on the red line.

There are thousands of rowan trees planted along the edges of the conifer plantations.

Along the trail

The trail is rough in places, but is waymarked.

A peacock butterfly feeding on a thistle.

Breasting the first summit, we get the first glimpse of our destination, that rocky outcrop in the distance.
But first we need to descend to cross the valley of the Black Lyne.

The Black Lyne, with water the colour of tea, caused by the peat bogs higher up.

Kilt Onward and Upward

This is not a trail for the faint hearted.
Plenty of heather growing in the gaps between the tree plantations.
More to follow shortly.

[cessna152towser]

Reaching the top of the tree line, a view of the summit.

I reached the top of the ridge, 1,600 feet above sea level.

The view eastward into Northumberland. On a clear day you would see into Kielder Water from here, on left, but there is a mist over it today.

Looking back westwards. On a clearer day you could see the distant Solway Coast from up here.

Outcrop of rock

Looking out over the rocks.

The rocky ridge comprises a large collection of big rocks and boulders with fissures, caves and passages between them, totally unlike any of the surrounding scenery.

One of the many narrow passages through the ridge.

Another big towering rock.
More to come shortly.

[cessna152towser]

A view along the ridge

A pass through the ridge

Water filled gap between the rocks

Another narrow pass

Interesting rock formation

Water hole - containing black water of unknown depth!

Another fissure of unknown depth with water lying in the bottom.

A view along the ridge.

Balanced Rock.
One more batch to come.

[cessna152towser]

Boulder strewn landscape

Kilted among the boulders.

Another narrow pass

Daylight on the other side of this cave entrance.

Another narrow passage

Down among the grikes

Tight squeeze. If I had not been so fat and so claustrophobic I might have gone through here - I could see the daylight on the other side.

I conclude with a last look at the chaotic scenery of Christianbury Crag.

[Sheep In Wolf's Clothing]

Wow how pretty!! I must get to Scotland some day soon.
Thanks Alex for the pics,
Sara

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

What beautiful scenery!

[Livingston]

Such a beautiful area. Thanks for the pictures.

[David Dalglish]

Great set of picture's Alex

[SFCRick]

Another set of fine photos Alex

[turpin]

Alex, I so enjoy your nature hike travelogues. You do a fine job of mixing the kilt in with the scenery, while truly showcasing the scenery itself. Thanks for sharing.