Wooler

Wooler is a small attractive market town on the edge of the Cheviot Hills in the Northumberland National Park. It is situated on the A697 between Morpeth and the Scottish Borders. Wooler is a bustling town with many restaurants and coffee shops to sit and relax after a tiring days walking. Wooler is a popular base for walkers and hikers and is a good starting point to explore the Cheviot Hills.

A short drive or walk from the town is Wooler Common. Whether it is a short walk or a few days hiking, its woodland and gentle rolling hills make Wooler common the ideal place to start exploring the Cheviot Hills and the Northumberland National Park.

The origin of the town’s name is uncertain, possibly derived from the name Welnfver, recorded in 1186, which comes from the Old English words “Wella”, meaning well or spring and “Ofer”, meaning ridge or hill. Another possibility is from the the name ‘Wulfa’s hillside, which comes from the Old English personal name Wulfa )Wolf) and Ora (hillside or slope). The name Wulloir was recorded in 1232.


History

The town of Wooler dates back to at least the 11th century although the presence of o nearby Iron Age Hill Fort on Yeavering Bell and smaller Bronze Age settlements suggests that there were settlements in the area long before then. In 1107 the town was said to be "ill cultivated and subjected to a lot of rain" due to its proximity to the neighbouring hills. However, despite its location the town expanded and prospered and in 1199 was granted a licence to hold a market every Thursday.  Wooler Castle, a wooden fort was built on a small hill known today as “Tower Hill” to defend the town from raids by neighbouring Scots. 

Despite the many skirmishes and battles during the border wars the town continued to flourish and towards the end of the 13th century the St Mary Magdalene Hospital was established. In 1402 Scottish soldiers were defeated on nearby Humbleton Hill by an English Knight, Sir Henry Percy (Hotspur). In the 16th century the old wooden fort was replaced with a stone tower. Unfortunately very little remains today and the site is now occupied by the War Memorial. In 1722 much of the town was destroyed by fire, however rebuilding took place and the town improved becoming larger and better. The population increased ,markets selling agricultural produce and livestock grew. and the town thrived. 

War Memorial On Tower Hill

Cheviot Hills From Wooler Common

St Mary's Church

St Mary’s church dates from 1764, although evidence of 12th century stonework suggests that it may have been built on the site of a medieval building. Stained glass windows were added during the Victorian era and In 1913 the church was extended . The chancel added in addition to new furnishings such as, a pulpit, choir stalls and organ. 

St Mary's Church

http://www.yournorthumberland.co.uk/area-guides/wooler

Other Places Nearby

Breamish Valley

College Valley

Harthope Valley

Kelso

Town Square

Kelso is an attractive market town situated on the banks of the River Tweed. In addition to its picturesque market square Kelso is also home to the impressive ruinous Kelso Abbey and is close to both the historic Floors Castle and Dryburgh Abbey. Sitting peacefully beside the River Tweed adds to the towns quaint charm.

On the banks of the River Tweed about 15 - 20 minutes walk from the town centre is the magnificent Floors Castle.  Home to the 10th Duke of Roxburghe Floors Castle is the largest inhabited house in Scotland and was once visited by Queen Victoria. Set in the Roxburghe Estate and surrounded by beautiful woodland the castle is a wonderful place to visit. 

Kelso Racecourse is situated on the eastern edge of the town and the historic border town of Melrose is only 14 miles away. Sir Walter Scott, who attended Kelso Grammar School in 1783 felt that the town was the most beautiful and romantic in Scotland.

History

It is thought that the earliest settlement  at Kelso stood on a chalky outcrop and was known as Calkou. Before Kelso Abbey was complete in 1128 a small hamlet existed . Kelso and its sister hamlet of Water Kelso were connected to the royal burgh of Roxburgh on the opposite bank of the River Tweed by a ferry.  With the completion of the abbey and the arrival of the monks the village grew and  started to flourish. 

The Border Wars brought devastation to the area and on the opposite banks of the river Roxburgh was much fought over. Eventually its castle was destroyed and the town abandoned. However, although Kelso also suffered during these turbulent times, and in 1545 during the “Rough Wooing” much of the abbey was destroyed, the town survived and continued to thrive. 

Kelso was originally controlled by the abbey but after the reformation and subsequent decline  of the power and wealth of the abbey the barony and many of the abbey’s properties were taken over by the Kerr family. By the mid 18th century the town was flourishing, serving the local rural community. The town became known for its production of leather shoes, fishing and horse racing and In 1754 the ferry service was replaced by a bridge. 

In the 18th and 19th centuries much of the town was rebuilt, including the old bridge that was destroyed during a storm.  Many grand homes and large country houses were built, including the magnificent Floors castle.

River Tweed

Riverside Walk

Floors Castle

Kelso Racecourse

Kelso Abbey

Kelso Abbey was founded in the early part of the 12th century by Tironensian monks at the invitation of King David I. The first 200 years were a turbulent time for the abbey and the monks. Although from about 1460 life became more settled by the early 16th century the abbey was again under attack and by 1587 it was declared derelict. The abbey slowly fell into ruins and all that remains today are the west tower and part of the infirmary.

The West Tower, Kelso Abbey

River Tweed

Kelso sits quietly on the banks of the River Tweed, at a junction with the Teviot River. The river is spanned by Kelso Bridge, built at the beginning of the 19h century and flows gently past from Floors Castle on its way to Coldstream. there are many walks along the banks of the Tweed and if you are lucky you may see salmon leaping.

River Tweed

Other Places Nearby

Jedburgh Abbey

Smailholm Tower

Melrose Abbey

Paxton To Loanend And The River Tweed Loop Cycle

This picturesque cycle takes you on a circular route from Paxton to the hamlet of Loanend along the banks of the River Tweed at West Ord and back to Paxton. A stop at the river is highly recommended, either to walk or sit and picnic with the sheep. The cycle is 10.7 miles and will take about 1hr. Allow extra time for a stop by the river.

1. From Paxton village turn right onto the B6461 towards Kelso passing Paxton House. Continue along this road for a while before turning left towards the Chain Bridge Honey Farm, signposted to Horncliffe and Tweedhill. After a while the road descends the hill towards the River Tweed.

Union Chain Bridge

River Tweed From The Union Chain Bridge

2. Cycle across the Union Chain Bridge into Northumberland, Turn right at the end to ascend the hill past the honey farm. Stop at the top to admire the wonderful view of the River Tweed and the bridge. Continue  along this road, passing a large house on the right before turning left toward the hamlet of Loanend. Continue on this road past Loanend until the road bends to the right. Turn left at the bend and head towards West Ord. 

River Tweed And The Union Chain Bridge

3. Proceed along this road passing a farm and some cottages until you reach river below. Continue along this road with wonderful views of the River Tweed on your right and proceed down a fairly steep hill before reaching the banks of the river at the bottom. This is a beautiful spot to sit and relax, watching the river as it meanders slowly past. Continue along the road as it bears to the left and up a hill before reaching the hamlet of Loanend. 

Looking Back Up The Hill

4. Turn right and continue along this road before taking a turning on the right toward the Chain Bridge Honey Farm. Proceed downhill past the Honey Farm to the Union Chain Bridge.

5. Cycle over the bridge and back into Scotland. Proceed up the hill and at the end of the road turn right onto the B6461. Continue along this road turning left at Paxton House and then right back into Paxton village. 

Ingram

The small picturesque village of Ingram is located in the Cheviot Hills on the edge of the Northumberland National Park. The village is situated on a minor road about 3 miles from the A697, sitting beside the River Breamish in the Breamish Valley. Ingram is thought to date from pre Saxon times with evidence on the hills of habitation dating back to the Iron Age. Several Iron Age Hillforts are not far from the village, the most intact being on the top of Brough Law.

Ingram sits beside the pretty River Breamish and consists of village hall, a cafe, which is also an information point and an ancient 11th century church. There are several properties scattered around the village, many of which offer holiday accommodation. The village is a popular place with walkers and hikers and the car park and visitor centre are an ideal place to start a walk up the hills or along the valley. About 1.5 miles from Ingram is Linhope Spout a spectacular waterfall. An excellent walk is from Ingram to Brough Law along the valley. 

River Breamish

Cheviot Hills

Brough Law

St Michael and All Angels Church
This ancient church dates back to the 11th century although it is thought that it was probably busy on the site of a much older pre-Norman church. The border wars and fires saw the church fall into serious disrepair before being restored in the late 19th century. The oldest surviving part of this old church is the bottom half of the tower. 

St Michael And All Angels Church