Scotland
Affric Kintail Way
Coming soon
- On trail 12.6 mi 20.2 km
- Walking time 6–7 h
- Ascent 800 m 2,600 ft
- Descent 420 m 1,400 ft
- Difficulty Hard
Onto the Cheviot ridge, along the border fence to Windy Gyle.
Section 15: Byrness to Windy Gyle map
Cross-check: Pennine Way route description on National Trails . The walk follows that page's sixteen days, checked 17 October 2026. Distance and climb are measured on our line between these ends, not taken from its mile figures.
The walk
The loneliest hills in the least-populated part of England, and all that stands between you and the end. A steep climb from Byrness gains the ridge, then the path passes the Roman camps at Chew Green and follows the fence on the border between England and Scotland, about the only made thing you will see. Over Lamb Hill and Beefstand Hill to Windy Gyle and its Bronze Age cairn. In a nutshell: today is brilliant, tomorrow is even better.
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Start of section
Byrness
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Chew Green
The earthworks of Roman camps on the border, early on the ridge. Then the fence takes over as your guide.
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Navigation
The border fence
The path follows the England–Scotland border for much of the way, which makes route-finding surprisingly easy, even in cloud.
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Shelter
Yearning Saddle refuge
One of two emergency refuge huts on the ridge. Shelter only; there is nothing to buy on the Cheviots.
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Windy Gyle
The high point of this half of the ridge, crowned by a Bronze Age cairn. Wide views over both countries.
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End of section
Windy Gyle
Section 15: Byrness to Windy Gyle overview
The ground
- Remote ridge
- Deep bog
- Border fence
- Exposed
The first half of the Cheviot ridge, high and remote. Not as high as Cross Fell, but more remote than anywhere else on the Way, with deep bogs and no way off without a long walk.
Stops
Refreshments
- Nothing. Carry food and water for the whole ridge from Byrness
Toilets
- No source used for this section names a public toilet
Before you go
Opposite direction
Windy Gyle to Byrness
Walked north to south, this is the second half of the ridge from Kirk Yetholm: from Windy Gyle over Beefstand Hill and Lamb Hill, past Chew Green and down the steep end to Byrness and Redesdale.
End of section
Byrness
Byrness to Windy Gyle FAQ
Where do I sleep at Windy Gyle?
There are no beds on the Cheviot ridge. To split it at Windy Gyle, arrange a lift down from a road end below the ridge and back up the next morning before you set out; otherwise walk Byrness to Kirk Yetholm in one long day, as our plans do.
Is the Cheviot ridge dangerous?
It is remote, exposed and boggy, and part of it is a military training area with blank firing only. Route-finding is easy along the border fence. Go with a good forecast, food and waterproofs.
Can I download a GPX for Byrness to Windy Gyle?
Yes. Use the GPX button at the top of this page. It is this section's line, for Garmin, Komoot, or your phone. Open the planner if you want a file built around your overnight stops.
Walk this as a day
Day 15 on the 15-day walks the whole ridge to Kirk Yetholm. Open the planner on that preset, then export a full-trip or per-day GPX.
Open in planner Read the 15-day itinerary
Full-trip and per-day GPX files. Free, no account.
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