The Untamed Beauty of Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of the Cheviots, high in the wild expanse of Northumberland National Park, lies a place steeped in history, breathtaking views, and an undeniable sense of raw, untamed beauty: Carter Bar.

More than just a point on a map, Carter Bar is a symbolic gateway, marking the exact spot where England bids farewell and Scotland extends a welcoming embrace (or vice-versa, depending on your direction of travel!). For centuries, this strategic mountain pass has witnessed countless tales – from fierce border reivers and warring clans to the peaceful passage of travellers seeking new adventures.

A Panoramic Welcome to Scotland

Driving north on the A68, the ascent to Carter Bar is a journey in itself. As you climb, the landscape gradually transforms, opening up to ever-more spectacular vistas. Then, you arrive.

On one side, the Saltire of Scotland proudly flutters, while on the other, the St. George's Cross of England stands sentinel. Between them, a stone cairn marks the precise border. But it's the view that truly captures the soul. Looking out across the vast, undulating moorland, often swathed in a vibrant purple haze of heather during late summer, you feel an incredible sense of scale and wilderness.

Echoes of a Turbulent Past

Today, Carter Bar is a peaceful, popular stopping point for tourists. However, its history is anything but tranquil. For centuries, the Anglo-Scottish border was a lawless land, a battleground where the "Border Reivers" – notorious raiders from both sides – wreaked havoc, stealing cattle and clashing in bloody skirmishes. The very landscape seems to whisper tales of these turbulent times. You can almost imagine the clang of steel and the thundering hooves of horses echoing across these very hills.

While the conflicts are long past, the distinct identities of both nations remain strong, making the border crossing a tangible experience.

More Than Just a View: What to Do at Carter Bar

Even if you're just passing through, a stop at Carter Bar is highly recommended.

• Soak in the Views: Take your time to absorb the magnificent panoramic scenery. On a clear day, you can see for miles across both English and Scottish terrain.

• Photo Opportunities: Naturally, the border marker with the flags provides an iconic backdrop for photographs. Get a picture with one foot in England and one in Scotland!

• Visitor Information: There's usually a small mobile shop or visitor information point where you can grab a warm drink, a snack, and perhaps a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

• Continue Your Journey: From here, you can choose to delve deeper into the Scottish Borders or continue your exploration of Northumberland.

Planning Your Visit

• Location: Carter Bar is located on the A68 road, approximately 8 miles north of Byrness, England, and 12 miles south of Jedburgh, Scotland.

• Accessibility: There's a free car park right at the viewpoint.

• Weather: Be prepared for all types of weather, even in summer. It's an exposed location, so wind and rain are not uncommon. Layers are always a good idea!

Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply passing through on a road trip, Carter Bar offers a memorable experience. It's a place where the grandeur of the landscape meets the echoes of history, and where two proud nations meet in a stunning embrace. So next time you're traversing the Anglo-Scottish border, make sure to pull over, take a breath, and truly appreciate the untamed beauty of Carter Bar.

I took the pictures below with a Polaroid is2132 camera on the 21st February 2014, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

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Carter Bar: Where England Meets Scotland, History Meets Horizon

Perched atop the Redesdale Valley at a bracing 1371 feet above sea level, Carter Bar isn't just a point on a map; it's a dramatic threshold where England and Scotland embrace, a place steeped in history and blessed with breath taking vistas. If you've ever travelled the A68, approximately 58 miles southeast of Edinburgh or 45 miles northwest of Newcastle, you've likely encountered this iconic crossing, with the charming town of Jedburgh as its nearest neighbour.

A View to Remember, Whatever the Weather

Carter Bar is a magnet for passers-by, and it's easy to see why. The dedicated viewing area is almost perpetually dotted with visitors, cameras in hand, eager to capture the stunning landscapes that unfold before them. From this elevated vantage point, your gaze can sweep across the majestic Cheviot Hills, delve into the rolling expanses of the Scottish Borders, and stretch far into the untamed beauty of Northumberland.

But be warned: while the views are consistently spectacular, the weather can be a fickle companion. Such is the nature of an exposed, high-altitude crossing. Even on a summer's day, a chill wind can cut through, a stark reminder of its elevation. And don't be surprised to find lingering patches of snow well into late spring or even an early dusting in autumn – nature here plays by its own rules.

Stones of History: Marking the Divide

The precise line of the historic border between England and Scotland is unmistakably marked by two large, unassuming stones. These silent sentinels bear witness to centuries of ebb and flow between two proud nations, reminding us that while the landscape is continuous, a significant historical and cultural divide lies beneath our feet.

Echoes of Conflict: The Raid of Redeswire

Yet, Carter Bar is more than just a scenic viewpoint. It's a place where history resonates deeply. On a fateful day, July 7th, 1575, this very ground was the scene of the last major skirmish between the Kingdoms of England and Scotland – an event immortalized as the Raid of Redeswire. Imagine the clash of steel, the cries of battle, and the tension that must have hung heavy in the air as these two formidable nations vied for supremacy.

The Peacekeepers of the Marches: Truce Days

Before the unification of the crowns, the border regions were often volatile, prone to disputes and lawlessness. To maintain some semblance of order, a fascinating system of international law known as Truce Days, or March Law, was established. Carter Bar was a known venue for these gatherings. Here, cross-border grievances were heard and settled, overseen by the powerful Lord Warden of the Marches, individuals entrusted with the immense responsibility for the security of these borderlands.

These unique legal proceedings became obsolete after 1603, a pivotal year that saw King James VI of Scotland ascend to the English throne as King James I. The Union of the Crowns brought an end to centuries of often-fraught relations, rendering the need for March Law and its Truce Days unnecessary. The border, while still culturally distinct, was no longer a realm of frequent conflict and dispute.

A Moment Frozen in Time

Our own recent visit to Carter Bar on October 24th, 2018, captured with a trusty Nikon D3300 SLR camera, served as a powerful reminder of its enduring appeal. The crisp autumn air, the expansive skies, and the tangible sense of history made for a truly memorable experience.

So, the next time you find yourself traversing the A68, make sure to take a moment at Carter Bar. Step out, breathe in the fresh, often bracing, air, and let your gaze wander across the magnificent panorama. But more than that, let your mind wander through the rich tapestry of history that has unfolded on this very spot. For at Carter Bar, you don't just cross a border; you step into a living, breathing testament to the intertwined histories of England and Scotland.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Photo4Me and Clickasnap using the links below. Your support means a lot!

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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.