Hogdon Law

About Hogdon Law

Located in the quieter southern reaches of the Cheviots near Alwinton, this is a rounded, grassy dome typical of Northumberland’s border country. The ascent across rolling moorland offers a sense of deep isolation, leading to a summit where the expansive peat hags give way to clear views over the winding Coquet Valley.

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Did You Know?

• •The name 'Law' is a classic Northumbrian and Scots term derived from the Old English hlāw, meaning a rounded hill or burial mound, while 'Hogdon' likely refers to 'hogs' or yearling sheep, reflecting the long history of upland farming in the region.
• •Hogdon Law serves as a prominent landmark along the path of Clennell Street, an ancient cross-border drove road and trade route that has been used by travellers between Alwinton and the Scottish Borders since at least the 13th century.
• •The summit offers a commanding view of the high Cheviots to the north, specifically the massive bulk of The Cheviot itself and the sharp profile of Hedgehope Hill, which often appear more impressive from this southern angle than from closer range.
• •This area was historically part of the Kidland lordship, a remote territory gifted to the Cistercian monks of Newminster Abbey in 1181 for use as summer sheep pasture, a tradition that continues with the hardy Cheviot sheep today.
• •Should you encounter another walker on these quiet slopes, it is customary to offer a look of mutual surprise, as most visitors to the area rarely venture this far from the well-trodden paths of the Coquet Valley.