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View of the Cheviot Hills. Courtesy of Andrea Roberts

Cheviots © Simon Fraser Sun set in the Cheviots © Simon Fraser
Cheviots Challenge
History and Purpose
Cliff Sore. Originator of the Cheviots Challenge.
In 1979, I stumbled upon the idea of organising a walk to raise funds the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team. Looking for a theme I considered a route taking in as many Tors as possible in the Cheviot Hills. Whilst of geological interest, their position did not facilitate a good route.
Nevertheless, they were an important feature of the first walk, which started and finished at what was once the main field rescue post at Ingram in the Breamish valley. Had the Tors been viable, then the Challenge would have been known as the "Cheviot Tors Walk". The name finally selected encompassed what the Challenge was all about - a Challenge in the Cheviot Hills.
I wanted the event to be a two way affair, to raise funds for the Team and in return to organise a challenge, scenic, varied and interesting walk which people would want to return to.
Alwinton Village Copyright Northumberland National Park Authority.
We take participants into areas not many would otherwise see including important historical, archeological and geological sites, although these are not obvious as you walk by.
The start and finish has for many years been at Alwinton. This allows a greater variety of walks possible and so far we have never used the same route twice but some points have been regularly visited. Although, this is now becoming nearly impossible. Strangely enough, 1991 was the first time Cheviot summit was visited.
The Henhole. South of the Tors Cheviots Challenge. Copyright Nigel Hollier
Our Millennium event was a bit special. The route took in all the Cheviot hills' 2000ft summits in the year 2000! Foot and Mouth caused the cancellation of the 2001 event but we were back for 2002,about 22+ miles and 5000ft of ascent.
Although Cliff Sore and Pete Roberts have now retired from organising the Cheviots Challenge I feel that as they put so much effort into the organising the first 20 events, this page has remained as a tribute to their organisational, professional abilities and contribution to the Team. Pete Roberts is still an active member of the Team, with much of his time now spent in mountain rescue research. Click   here to learn more.

If you would like further information regarding 2009, then please contact us for further information.

 
Copyright Cheviots Challenge © 2007