Toria, Simon and Charlotte ventured out to The Curfew Run in Berwick last night, the first time for all of them. A great atmosphere, a 1.28mile sprint (for some) to complete before the church bells end. Simon was home first, followed by Toria then Charlotte. Of course, in true WRC style, followed by a trip to Coxon & Coxon on Bridge Street for a glass of wine!
Our route was like running through the literary greats from Jules Verne, to Tolkien, to Brontë.
Parking at Botany, a nice spot to grab an ice cream on sale there if the weather’s right, six intrepid WRC members set off east through the mist, or was it fog or even low cloud? Perhaps mizzle – a topical discussion as we were led by Tim to the mysterious Cateran Hole.
We descended the moss-covered steps, to what was looking more like an underground passageway than a hole, but not before reading the ominous poem left at the entrance. Were we entering Tolkien’s “Mines of Moria”, hoping not to disturb the Balrog? Or following Mr Verne’s footsteps, Journeying to the Centre of the Earth? It certainly felt a lot longer than its purported 35m as we inched along the ever-narrowing stone walls, using our phone torches.
Back out and onto the mist-shrouded landscape, we were guided to the other-worldly ruins at Blawearie where Cathy wandering about looking for Heathcliff would not have been altogether strange. Sheltering from the worst of the rain, as Pam held court at the head of a random table and chairs under a lean-to, some discussed the upcoming Chevy Chase run whilst others explored the grounds of what was the Rogerson Family’s home, set in an enchanted fairy dell-like landscape with ancient trees and mossy stone outcrops.
A big “Thank you” to Tim for recceing a very hospitable, bracken-free route. A refreshing run with the cooler weather and the rain didn’t dampen the fun of exploring somewhere new.
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)
Weetwood Moor circuit from Wooler. We ran up Brewery Rd to the Radio Mast; it’s a brutal uphill slog but there is a bypass: Nick, in his wisdom, took the first left off the hill onto St Cuthbert’s Way, leaving him with energy reserves in the end to cover more distance than the rest of us. He cut across the Moor and met the gasping gang at the Trig Point for a classic rock-album photo shoot, a match for Who’s Next. The rest of the run was wonderfully on the flat or downhill, with manageable bracken (for now) – all perfect for nattering and taking in the vistas of Wooler and beyond.
We are exploring new routes so check the WRC website or Facebook to confirm the location of the Tue 6:30pm meeting point.
Yes, it was windy but it certainly blew the office-induced cobwebs away.
Thanks guys. A lovely evening out still, discovering new routes through the beautiful countryside.
Route from the ponds’ car park, bit of a lung-buster start up onto the base of Hambleton, round the bottom then up again onto the open moorland where the views and 360-degree vistas open up. Few breather-stops to gather back up then down a lovely track to the road and back to the cars. Short but sweet. Just what the doctor should have ordered for a Tuesday evening.
They really should prescribe trail running on the NHS. For anyone wondering if it helps mental well-being, come along to a Tuesday night Wooler running club trot out – it really does work!
The Muddy Track is not all mud but it never fails to yield rich swampy muck in parts, regardless of the weather. Nevertheless, it is another favourite – up through Wooler Common, then with Watch Hill and Fredden Hill on the right, the route offers options of a 3, 5 or 6-mile loop, coming back via Gains Law. There was plenty of running chatter against a scenic evening skyline, punctuated by a few yelps and gags from a clumsy knee-crushing tumble and a legendary fly-swallowing mishap.
Yet another glorious run in the evening sun! At training tonight, Tim guided us to the ‘mast’ (Hart Heugh hill) via Bell’s Valley and back through Earle Hill Farm – less than 5 miles, but a tough one. Views to die for which made all the hill running worthwhile! Peter joined us but he was photographer tonight.
No racing this week, and several members on holiday / injured, but 4 of us had a lovely run out on what we call the ‘Glendale Gallop’ with an extra loop over Humbleton Hill – 6 glorious miles with plenty of chat! Panoramic views but unfortunately slightly hazy tonight. We didn’t see a sole until the summit – perfect timing for taking our photo!
Two events in 1 week! This time it was a (slightly) less competitive event – the annual ‘find the picture’ tour hosted by Tweed Striders around Berwick Upon Tweed. Teams were made up of Wooler Running Club, Alnwick Harriers and Tweed Striders and we picked either the 3 mile or 5 mile route, searching for up to 16 features around the town including statues, signs and cannons. In the end, we all did so well that it came down to a prize draw to win seaside related trinkets, but more importantly; the night was topped off with fish and chips for everyone at Coull’s in Castlegate!
A long-running annual event for the club. Six members ran on Tuesday night around a sun-drenched road / trail route within Hulne Park.
There was a slight hitch with the marshalling, leading us up a steep hill and then down again, but we’re used to the gradients around Wooler!
Everyone ran well and Saul was first in his age group. But of course, the highlight of the night – pizza at Di Sopra afterwards!
Wooler Running Club 