Andrew Wainwright Walks Northumberland & Beyond
CAVES
Cateran Hole
The Route From Eglingham
The Quickest Route
Cateran Hole on the Explorer Map
Location and Access
So this one is a bit trickier to find than most of the other places but there are a few things which will help. I have done the walk from both sides. The approach from the North is quicker but if you walk from the village then you can park at the Tankerville Arms and after your walk you can reward yourself. It's a lovely pub and does great food. If you choose to approach from the south then if it's been quite dry then you can drive down the road indicated and park up when you reach the gate but if it has been quite wet then the grass verges are very soft and you could find yourself stuck...been there done that!
Either way as you walk along the trail North West of Cateran Hill then keep your eyes out for a rock (see pics below). The rock will direct you along a smaller, less distinct trail. The entrance to the cave is at ground level so you will not see it until you are literally on top of it. This clip was helpful to me when I was looking for the cave. Of paramount importance if you want to go into the cave is TAKE A TORCH, I used the light on my smart phone and just about managed but it gets dark down there (surprise)
.
History
Several myths and stories surround Cateran Hole or Cateran's hole as it has also been referred to. According to one legend it's the start of a long underground tunnel leading all the way to the Henhole in the Cheviots, about 16 miles away. One story tells of a party of young men from Bewick who decided to explore the tunnel here. Others speculate that the tunnel was a link between Chillingham Castle and Hepburn. This is quite unlikely as the orientation of the cave is all wrong for either location. The other and more likely history of the cave is that it was used by smugglers as a hiding place. The word Cateran even means a member of a band of brigands or marauders adding credence to the last suggestion.
Also of note and for a bit of whimsy then why not look for the Geocache hidden here. Check out this page to see more info, leave a note and maybe even a trinket.
The Guide Stone
St Cuthberts Cave
Location and Access
Just off the A1 north of Alnwick is Belford, head east on the B6349 and you follow the road towards Holburn. There is a signpost for the cave on the road between Holburn and Chatton, this will direct you to the car park at Holburn Grange. From the car park take the track North West onto St Cuthbert's Way. It's really easy to find, just follow the signs.
History
Fleeing the Vikings, the monks of Lindisfarne fled with the remains of their most famous Abbot dead for 200 years, St Cuthbert. The monks’ didn’t stay here long and along the 7 year journey to rehome St Cuthbert they left a string of holy places in their wake.
McCartney's Cave (See also Old Callaly Castle Hill)
Location and Access
Hidden among the trees of Thrunton Woods in a very remote spot is McCartney’s Cave. You can find this place on the same walk as Old Callaly Castle Hill.
History
Not much is known about the cave except that it was hand carved by a local monk some few centuries ago. It is reminiscent of Warkworth Hermitage so I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't from the same era.
When i first found Old Callaly Castle hill I didn’t realise I was so close to the cave and I haven't had a chance to get back. Until I do you can see pictures of the cave using this link.
Cuddy's Cave
Location and Access
You can park in Doddington and from there you can hike into the hills to the East. The trails are pretty easy to follow. On the southern slope of the hill is Cuddy’s Cave, you can see it from the road but requires a bit of cross country hiking.
History
It is a cavernous rock - one of Cuddy's or St. Cuthbert's coves - and has cut on its sides a few runic characters, and on its top some of those mysterious cup-markings, ascribed to the ancient Britons, which are so frequent on this hill (see also Ancient Rock Art).