Newton Tors

From Wikishire
Jump to: navigation, search
Newton Tors
Northumberland
Newton tors looking towards the cheviot.jpg
From Harelaw south towards the Cheviot
Range: Cheviot Hills
Summit: 1,762 feet NT908269
55°32’9"N, 2°8’50"W

The Newton Tors are a large fell in the northernmost part of the Cheviots, in Northumberland, characterised by several free-standing rock outcrops that form the western rim of the Great Moor which runs from the market town of Wooler into the Cheviot Hills.

The torrs look down on the College Valley.

The main summit of the hill is 1,762 feet above sea level (which, with its relative height, classifies it as a 'Marilyn') and it is marked with a trig point. There are three separate outliers are known as Easter Tor, Wester Tor and Hare Law. Hare Law and Wester Tor are both measured at 1,699 feet whilst Easter Tor is 1,437 feet above sea level.

Ascent

The most common access point is from the northern end. The three main starting points are from Kirknewton, Old Yeavering by way of St Cuthbert's Way or within the College Valley itself. These routes end up at the same point with a steep walk from Torleehouse between Yeavering Bell on one side and Easter Tor on the other side. Both access points follow the path of St Cuthberts Way for a short time.

The route down from the Tors at the southern end is usually taken before Coldburn Hill. The path descends to the floor of College Valley at Southernknowe. A third route east to Commonburn House and thence towards Wooler and lower ground. A third alternative descends by the plantation at Foulburn Gair and into Lambden Valley.

Flora and fauna

The higher ground of the Tors is thick peat and used for grouse shooting. You can see the Grouse butts and the heather burning, which is undertaken to encourage grouse to breed and flourish. The red grouse is the predominant bird but there have been attempts to introduce the Black Grouse. The Tors are also a habitat for feral goats.

Outside links