Showing posts with label Northumberland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northumberland. Show all posts

Sunday, 21 June 2020

The England Scotland Border Crossing at Carter Bar.


Carter Bar can be found on the A68 road at the top Redesdale Valley at a height of 1371ft above sea level. It is approx. 58 miles south east of Edinburgh, and 45 miles north west of Newcastle. The nearest town being Jedburgh.


Carter Bar has a viewing are which is popular with passes by who tend to stop and picture the stunning landscapes visible from the crossing. There are 2 large stones to mark the actual historic border between England and Scotland. The Cheviot Hills, Scottish Borders and Northumberland can be viewed for many miles and the crossings exposed placing and altitude means it can be quite cold on a summers day, and still snowy into late spring and early autumn.

On the 7th July 1575 Carter Bar was the scene of the last major battle between the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, this became known as the Raid of Redeswire. The area was also known to hold Truce Days, also known as March Law. This was a system of international law to settle cross border disputes between England and Scotland, attended by the Lord Warden of the Marches who was responsible for the security of the border regions. These became unnecessary after 1603 when the union of the crowns led to  King James VI of Scotland being crowned King James I of England.

The full set of pictures can be seen below and on Clickasnap un-watermarked. They were taken with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera on the 24th October 2018.










Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media.

All the pictures and video remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Sunday, 26 November 2017

Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland

Ever stood at a spot where you can have one foot in England and the other in Scotland? That's Carter Bar for you! It's not just a line on a map; it's a place where history and stunning scenery collide.

A Border with a View

Carter Bar is where the A68 road slices through the Cheviot Hills, marking the boundary between England and Scotland. It's roughly halfway between Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh, making it a perfect pit stop for travelers. What makes it special? The views! From here, you can drink in the rolling hills of Northumberland and the picturesque landscapes of Roxburghshire. Don't forget to snap a photo with the iconic marker stones that declare "England" on one side and "Scotland" on the other.

Echoes of Battle

But Carter Bar is more than just a pretty place. It whispers tales of a time when England and Scotland were locked in a fierce struggle for power. Just a stone's throw away from the border, a bloody battle once raged. The year was 1575, and the Raid of Redeswire saw Scottish forces triumph over their English foes. While the battle was small, it was one of the last major clashes between the two nations.

Visiting Carter Bar Today

Today, Carter Bar is a peaceful place where you can stretch your legs, soak in the views, and imagine the drama of centuries past. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone who enjoys a good road trip, Carter Bar is a must-see.

Here are some things to do at Carter Bar:

  • Take photos with the England-Scotland marker stones.
  • Enjoy the panoramic views of the Cheviot Hills.
  • Learn about the history of the border and the Raid of Redeswire.
  • Have a picnic or a meal at the nearby Carter Bar Inn.
  • Go for a hike in the surrounding hills.

How to get to Carter Bar:

Carter Bar is located on the A68 road, about 45 miles north of Newcastle upon Tyne and 58 miles south of Edinburgh. There is a parking area on both sides of the border.

Additional Information:

  • Carter Bar is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • There is no admission fee to visit Carter Bar.
  • The Carter Bar Inn is open for food and drinks during the day.
  • There are public restrooms located at the Carter Bar Inn.
These pictures were taken on October 24, 2018 with a Nikon d3300 SLR camera. Clicking any image should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.









The following is a short video of mine taken whilst crossing over Carter Bar on another occasion.

Thanks for looking and please take a moment to share and follow me on social media and check out my portfolio on Photo4Me via the link below.


All the pictures and video remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Through a Glass, Darkly: Hebden Bridge Railway Station in Negative

 There's something hauntingly beautiful about old photographs, especially when they're presented in a way that flips our perception....