Carter Fell

Hill, Mountain in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Carter Fell

Green Cleuch A view from the Carter Bar to Bateinghope Burn head track.

This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020. — Green Cleuch Credit: James T M Towill

Carter Fell is a prominent hill located in Roxburghshire, Scotland. It is part of the Southern Uplands and stands at an elevation of 818 meters (2,684 feet). The fell is situated near the border between Scotland and England, providing stunning panoramic views of both countries.

The hill is characterized by its rugged and steep terrain, with rocky outcrops and narrow ridges. It is a popular destination for hikers and hillwalkers, offering various routes of varying difficulty. The ascent to the summit can be challenging, but the rewarding views make it worth the effort.

Carter Fell is known for its rich biodiversity, with a diverse range of plant and animal species inhabiting its slopes. It is home to several rare and protected species, including the black grouse and the elusive mountain hare. The hill is also covered in heather and grasses, creating a picturesque landscape in the summer months.

The fell is steeped in history and folklore, with tales of ancient battles and legends surrounding its name. It is said to have been named after a local farmer, who lost his life while attempting to navigate the treacherous terrain in winter.

Overall, Carter Fell offers a challenging and rewarding outdoor experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich history, it is a must-visit destination for those exploring the beautiful landscape of Roxburghshire.

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Carter Fell Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.324166/-2.5184943 or Grid Reference NT6703. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Green Cleuch

A view from the Carter Bar to Bateinghope Burn head track. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

Rock outcrops by the Bateinghope mine track

There are a number of outcrops in this area, some of which appear to have been quarried, possibly for a surfacing for the mine track although there appears to be little evidence remaining of this. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

On a firmer track

The former mine track from Carter Bar to near the head of the Bateinghope Burn was rather waterlogged along most of its course, this section was somewhat firmer. An excellent view was afforded towards the Cheviot massif in the distance. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

An outcrop near Buzzard Crags

As shower clouds pass overhead this photograph was taken just off the former Bateinhope mine track. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

Coal mine spoil above the Bateinghope Burn

Remains of early to mid 19th century coal mining activity above the Bateinghope Burn. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

Remains of coal mining activity above the Bateinghope Burn

The remains of coal mining activity above the Bateinghope Burn as clouds roll overhead threatening rain. The route of the access track from Carter Bar to this site which included lime kilns and clay workings as well as coal mines can be noted in the middle distance. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

Dilapidated

'Dilapidated' would be one word to describe the fence line on Carter Fell, just inside Scotland! This is heather moorland, interspersed with boggy grassland and peat hags. This image was taken as clouds rolled north after a beautiful start to a late November day. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

A former mine track nearing the Wauchope Forest

The term 'track' is used very loosely; it is little more than slightly different vegetation from the predominantly heather moorland characteristic of the area. The mines were in use in the first half of the 19th century and provided coal for Jedburgh. This photograph was taken during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic of 2020.

James T M Towill

Bateinghope Burn

Bateinghope Burn is seen running downstream from a public footpath; the path can be seen rounding the hill slope at the left side of the image.

Trevor Littlewood

Low crag on Carter Fell

Andrew Curtis

Sunrise over the eastern Cheviot Hills

Andrew Curtis

Disused mine shafts, Carter Fell

There is an array of disused mine shafts on the Scottish side of the Border fence. They are served by a track to the north that stops near this location and were probably dug to provide coal for use in local limekilns. "The Carter coal where worked is said to have been about 13 ins. thick." "The Carter Fell coal was largely worked, especially on the English side of the Border, about 40 years ago. Very much of it was carted away to Jedburgh for house coal : it is said that as many as 90 carts were sometimes there in the morning waiting to be filled. The esteem in which it, together with the upper Carter lime, was once held, may be estimated by the length of good road, made expressly to them, across the desolate fell from the Redesdale coach road." The Geology of the Plashetts and Kielder (1889): Link

Andrew Curtis

Cairn south of Carter Fell

The Kielder Stone can just be seen below the summit Peel Fell on the right over the head waters of Carry Burn and a ridge of land called The Trouting.

Andrew Curtis

Boundary stone on Carter Fell

The England-Scotland Border is only marked in this section by occasional, small boundary stones and old wooden stakes. The stone is carved with a letter 'N' on the English side (Duke of Northumberland's estate) and a reversed letter 'D' on the Scottish side (Douglas estates) NT6502 : Boundary stone on Knox Knowe. They were erected soon after 1769. It is thought that the letter may have been reversed by an illiterate mason or perhaps an English mason with a point to make. In this place even the thin trod along the Border line seems to have disappeared and there is no clear ridge or geographical feature marking the Border. The old sticks and stones are essential to keep you on the line.

Andrew Curtis

Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Carter Fell

Andrew Curtis

Small water course, Carter Fell

Carpets of yellow-orange Bog Asphodel NT6603 : Bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum), Carter Fell in the marshes, and the orange tips of Deergrass in the drier areas NT6502 : Deergrass (Tricophorum sp.), Duntae Edge produce a bright orange glow to the moorland vegetation in early morning sunlight.

Andrew Curtis

Shake hole west of Carter Fell

This large shake hole or swallow hole is shown on the 1:25,000 OS Map and shows that limestone rock lies close to the surface although mainly covered by a layer of peat.

Andrew Curtis