NT8399127665 The route's going to follow Pennine Way marakers as far as the Cheviot's summit (Point 3). But after crossing the small Halter Burn, you can instead head straight up steep grass onto Green Humbleton hillfort, then cross the shallow saddle behind it to join the path heading up southeast to the border ridge. Follow the Pennine Way south up the ridge, to left of fences, over White Law and up the narrow ridge of Steer Rig.

NT8578023711 At a small gate west of Black Hag summit, the path ahead dips slightly to join the lower Pennine Way route. Bear left, back to the ridgeline at a ladder stile. Across it continue uphill to the Schil. You cross the fence to visit the summit point, then return.

NT8696222278 Continue up the ridge past the wooden hut on Auchope Rig and the tall cairns at Auchope Cairn onto the soggy plateau behind. The well-constructed path will keep your feet dry as you cross the bog to a three-way junction. Turn left on a built path to Cairn Hill and the elevated trig point of the Cheviot, raised high above the swampy ground.

NT9092520424 Cross the soggy plateau west until the ground drops away and you can descend steep grass between two streams into the Hen Hole. (If the plateau is too soggy, you can also gain the Hen Hole via the stream bend immediately down east of Auchope Cairn.) Head out down the main stream, keeping to right of it until it opens into the head of College valley. Now head down to left of the stream, joining a valley floor track to pass above Mounthooly Bunkhouse.

NT8813122581 From here you could follow the tarmac estate road all the way to Hethpool. But better, at the community hall after 3km, turn back right to cross the river, then left up a rough track. A gate on the left starts a path which runs down-valley, to right of the river, to a track bridge crossing into Hethpool.

NT8952528320 Markers of St Cuthbert's Way will now complete the walk. Follow the road out for 400m to a right-hand bend. Here turn left along a tarmac track to Elsdonburn farm. The stony track zigzags left and back right above the buildings, then runs above the Elsdon Burn. After 500m fork right to cross a sidestream into an open field. Cross this southwest to enter a gloomy spruce plantation.

NT8658527878 A path runs through the plantation close to its right hand edge. Then follow waymark posts across one stream and up southwest to the fence gate and signpost on the border ridge. "Please close the gate CAREFULLY" says the sign, as clearly we don't want Scots cattle thieves raiding into England or vice versa. The path slants down southwest to join the Pennine Way. Follow its grass path around the left-hand slopes of Green Humbleton to the Halter Burn at the walk start.