Middle Dean & Cochrane Pike hillforts from Ingram

The hike is approximately 6.8 km (4.2 miles) long and generally takes around 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend exploring the hillforts.

This is considered a moderate hike. It requires good fitness and some country walking experience due to steep paths, open country, and potentially rough or boggy sections. Sure-footedness is advisable.

You'll traverse a varied landscape including rolling hills, expansive meadows, and open moorland. While much of the path is good on grass, some sections can be rougher or boggy. There are ascents to the hillforts and descents into valleys.

The trail features significant historical sites. You'll encounter the striking ramparts of Middle Dean Hillfort and the faint outlines of prehistoric hut circles at Cochrane Pike. The route also passes through the picturesque Ingram Village and St Michael and All Angels Church.

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trail. However, as the area is classic sheep-grazing country, it's essential to keep dogs under close control, preferably on a lead, especially during lambing season or near livestock.

Spring and summer offer pleasant conditions with wildflowers and lambs, though some paths might be overgrown with bracken in summer. Autumn provides beautiful colours. Winter hiking is possible, but be prepared for potentially difficult navigation in poor visibility and colder, possibly snowy, conditions.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within Northumberland National Park, including this route. However, please respect the Countryside Code and any local regulations.

The trail typically starts from Ingram. There is parking available in Ingram village, which serves as a convenient starting point for this and other local walks.

The area is rich in birdlife. You might spot curlew, oystercatcher, skylark, and meadow pipit. Buzzards, kestrels, and even red kites are sometimes seen overhead, and herons along the River Breamish. In spring, lambs are a common sight.

Given the moderate difficulty and exposed sections, sturdy walking boots are essential. Warm, waterproof clothing is highly recommended, regardless of the season, as weather can change quickly. Bringing water, snacks, and a map/navigation device is also advisable.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with other paths. Approximately 3% of the trail follows the Pennine Cycleway, and a significant portion, about 39%, is part of the Prendwick - Ingram path.

Be aware that navigation can be difficult in poor visibility, so a reliable map or GPS is recommended. During summer, some paths, particularly those descending to stiles from Middle Dean Hillfort, might be difficult to find due to overgrown bracken.