Snakes, Shrieks and scenery.
As I come around to my first anniversary of running with the WRC, I was given a special treat of the Carey Burn route.
Up the road from the car park, yes all runs start with an “up”, then hang a left at Fords, cross the Common and continue through the open moor, taking in the scenic views of Hedgehope, until you’re at Carey Burn. From there head towards Earle Hill, with care!
Through the bracken, with our ever-vigilant snake warden at front, we gingerly ran over stones, scree and twigs, occasionally providing reassurances: “no Rose that’s not a snake”, bracken “nope still not a snake”, bailing twine, “could be a snake known as the Northern Frayed Blue”. A dip in the Carey Burn swimming hole is turned down by the men folk – too overcast. The snake alarm fails to go off as Rose unwittingly passes an actual one. We all slog up the never-ending hill till we glimpse the homeward stretch. Through the farm yard, bounce down the sheep cropped meadows to the car park.
7km circuit which I’ll definitely be trying to find again. Might even try a dip in the burn next time.
So many routes to explore spoilt for choice – all on Wooler’s doorstep.
Looking forward to the Cateran Hole discovery route next week, taking in the Blawearie haunted house. (by Peter, with bits added by RL)
Wooler Running Club 