The Tongue

Downs, Moorland in Northumberland

England

The Tongue

Cairn, Coldsmouth Hill There are three cairns on the summit of Coldsmouth Hill and which are relatively modern additions to the landscape. However, they distract the attention away from the remains of two large Bronze Age burial cairns which have occupied this place for nigh on 3,000 years, and a 1929 excavation of this, the northern most cairn, uncovered cremated bone, a flint knife and a bronze dagger. In the background, from left to right, lie Yeavering Bell, Easter Tor and Wester Tor. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit <span class="nowrap"><a title="www.cheviotwalks.co.uk" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cheviotwalks.co.uk">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Cairn, Coldsmouth Hill Credit: Geoff Holland

The Tongue is a prominent geographical feature located in Northumberland, England. It is a long, narrow ridge that extends across the landscape, resembling the shape of a tongue, hence its name. Stretching for approximately 10 miles, The Tongue is composed of a combination of downs and moorland, offering a diverse and picturesque terrain.

The downs present a rolling landscape with gently sloping hills and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The grassy slopes are often covered in vibrant wildflowers during the summer months, adding a splash of color to the scene. The downs are ideal for hikers and nature enthusiasts, providing ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and enjoying the natural beauty of Northumberland.

In contrast, the moorland areas of The Tongue offer a more rugged and untamed landscape. Characterized by heather-covered expanses and rocky outcrops, the moorland provides a habitat for various wildlife species, including birds of prey and rare plant species. It is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers, who can witness the natural wonders of the area.

The Tongue is also intersected by several walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Northumberland countryside. These trails offer a range of difficulty levels, catering to both novice and experienced hikers.

Overall, The Tongue in Northumberland offers a unique blend of downs and moorland, providing a captivating and diverse landscape for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

The Tongue Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.535757/-2.22743 or Grid Reference NT8526. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cairn, Coldsmouth Hill

There are three cairns on the summit of Coldsmouth Hill and which are relatively modern additions to the landscape. However, they distract the attention away from the remains of two large Bronze Age burial cairns which have occupied this place for nigh on 3,000 years, and a 1929 excavation of this, the northern most cairn, uncovered cremated bone, a flint knife and a bronze dagger. In the background, from left to right, lie Yeavering Bell, Easter Tor and Wester Tor. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Eccles Cairn

Little seems to have changed since I passed this way back in September 2006, see Link other than, perhaps, the weather. The view into Scotland remains just as beautiful. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Marker Post, St. Cuthbert's Way near Eccles Cairn

This marker post lies on the route of St. Cuthbert's Way, a 100km (62.5 miles) long distance footpath running from Melrose in the Scottish borders to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) close to the Northumberland coast. The three hills in the background, from left to right, are Easter Tor, Wester Tor and Hare Law. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

'Footbridge', St. Cuthbert's Way east of Eccles Cairn

This 'footbridge', which is nothing more than a wooden pallet, straddles Tuppie's Sike one of the tributaries of the Elsdon Burn. It lies on the route of St. Cuthbert's Way, a 100km (62.5 miles) long distance footpath running from Melrose in the Scottish borders to Holy Island (Lindisfarne) close to the Northumberland coast. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Cairn, Madam Law

When the first edition of the Ordnance Survey Six-inch map of the area was published in 1866 the existence of a 'Tumulus' ("an artificial hillock or mound (as over a grave especially an ancient grave") on the summit of Madam Law was recorded. Whilst this current cairn is a more modern addition to the hill top landscape, there is still evidence of the much larger ancient cairn, which was possibly a Bronze Age burial cairn. The hills in the background, from left to right, are Black Hag, The Curr and White Law. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes in the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

Public Footpath, Wideopen Head

This public footpath links the College Valley, on the English Side of the border, with the Halterburn Valley, on the Scottish side. It is clearly shown on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey Six-inch map of the area. For a selection of detailed free to download walking routes of the area visit Link

Geoff Holland

The Low Pennine Way path near Old Halterburnhead

Dave Kelly

The Low Pennine Way path near Burnhead

Dave Kelly

The junction of the High & Low Pennine Way paths near Halfwayhouse

Dave Kelly

Old Halterburnhead

From the "bad-weather route" of the Pennine Way looking NNW. In the background is White Law (NT857261), over which the high-level Pennine Way route runs.

Dave Dunford

down the Pennine Way to Burnhead Farm

Latchley Hill at rear. one of two routes at the end of the Pennine Way comes through here.

Kirsty Smith

looking up to Sunnyside hill, nr Kirk Yetholm

the 1940s map had this hill called something completely different (but I didn't take a note)

Kirsty Smith

Last ford on the Pennine Way

Just one more hill, up-and-down, and you've reached Kirk Yetholm and the end of the way.

Kirsty Smith

Scotland England Border on St Cuthberts Way

St Cuthberts Way in the Cheviots

Brian Turner

Trowupburn.

Looking SW over this grid square. The main hill on the skyline is "Saughieside" a remote and difficult hill to attain. (by Cheviot standards)

Hill Walker

South East from Madam Law

The hill immediately in front with its graceful curving ridge is Saughieside, behind to its right is Black Hag. The hill in shadow on the left skyline is Cheviot with a touch of snow high up in the Bizzle.

Hill Walker

Madam Law's Cairn

Looking NNW towards Coldsmouth Hill

Hill Walker

High Pasture

Looking ENE from the northern slopes of Madam Law. The hill immediately in front (just out of grid square) is Ell's Knowe. Yeavering Bell is the distant hill on the right skyline.

Hill Walker

Show me another place!

The Tongue is located at Grid Ref: NT8526 (Lat: 55.535757, Lng: -2.22743)

Unitary Authority: Northumberland

Police Authority: Northumbria