The North Pennines - A Winter Wander to James's Hill and Blackhill Edge

Despite the cold weather and the threat of snow I pack up my hiking gear and head out for the first hike of 2024. Starting at Swinhope Head I venture to James's Hill, this time from a different direction before visiting a new summit, Blackhill Edge. Despite fearing the worst of the weather I am pleasantly surprised by good weather! How will my hike turn out? Watch to find out more...
Total distance 6.29 miles (10.12km)
Summits achieved :-
James's Hill 2215ft (675m)
Blackhill Edge 1834ft (559m)

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Magical as ever. A real tonic

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@jeffreywinter2660]

Great to see you back nobody covers the North Pennines as good as you Duncan

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks for the very kind comment, I am just one man videoing my travels in a very beautiful part of Britain, it's the landscape that does all the talking 😊

[@jamessillett6814]

That fence line is a godsend when the fog rolls in haha, great video

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, life hiking those moors would be a lot more interesting if the fences weren't there on misty days haha

[@NorthernWayfarer-Alice]

I plan all my walks on the moors following fence lines... just makes life easier.

[@billbrason138]

Great video good to see you posting again

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, it's good to be back in a stunning part of the UK 😊

[@tonypaddler]

It's great to see you back Duncan 👍

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, it feels so good to be back, hopefully with lots more videos yet to come 😊

[@tonypaddler]

@@DuncanBaxter looking forward to them 👍

[@davidjballantyne]

Glad to see a new video. I was on Blackhill on Sunday. Blustery weather in the morning but calm by lunch time. Lucky that visibility was pretty good with blue skies and great views.

[@DuncanBaxter]

It's nice to be back, Blackhill tends to be overlooked but as you say the views are just as impressive as found anywhere else in The North Pennines 😀

[@AmakusaJay-jx7lm]

Sugoi - great stuff!

[@jimmy.mccutcheon.1961]

Nice one Duncan 👍

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, glad to be back 😊

[@stephendixon3498]

Beautiful music.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, it's hard sometimes to get the music to fit the scenery, thankfully I had no problem with this video due to the stunning scenery 😊

[@sofiaengelke1276]

Nature at its best, thank you again for your film and wonderful soundtrack. New subscriber in South Texas.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, nature is amazing and I just have the pleasure of capturing it, glad you enjoyed the film and soundtrack 😊

[@darrenrobson5977]

Magical stuff Duncan great to see you back 👍

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, it's nice to be back with hopefully more videos and adventures on the way 😊

[@danexitsstreetview3273]

Great to see you back out in the hills again Duncan. Been too long.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, it has indeed been too long and the channel has been neglected for far too long, hopefully regular videos are on the way again 😊

[@atrampinthehills.841]

Fantastic winter wander...sent here by Patrick [ new sub ]

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks for the sub, despite the weather did really enjoy this hike 😊

[@SetForAdventures]

What a fab hike Duncan (definitely a frosty but stunning vista) feel the pain of the battery life being low in cold 🥶 weather!
Dropped by from Patrick’s channel glad I did🙏🏼 subbed490
Have a great weekend
Best regards Simon 🤠👍🏔️

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks for the sub, it was a lovely hike, the short battery life is a bug bear in cold conditions but the extra effort to capture the scenery is worth it 😊

[@SetForAdventures]

@@DuncanBaxter definitely agree Duncan ATB 🤠👍

[@WyeExplorer]

I really enjoyed that Duncan as I did physio on my ankle and shin so that I can get back out there amid the strange yet wonderful land. A fresh and claggy one but as you hinted at it has a certain magic about it. I totally agree we like the views but the solitude and the surreal is a good combo. Well, good going frozen batteries and all. All the best. Mark P.S I do a great glaggy walk a few vids back on my channel if interested - it's amazing what entertains us. Have a cool weekend.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, it is a surreal experience just being out there all alone then having to come back to Earth for yet another battery change, normally one of many. Although winter hiking is a love of mine the failure of certain technology is a bug bear but the show must go on 😊

[@WyeExplorer]

@@DuncanBaxter A pleasure. Ah, we love the surreal. I think we're all seeking answers to frozen batteries. Have a good week ahead.

[@keithhunter5283]

You should do more videos Duncan they're always good. I'm surprised we've not bumped into each other given I usually hike in the North pennines too.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks for your comment, I am trying to cover most of the areas of The North Pennines but as you know its a vast area and it will take some time to cover it all. We may bump into each other in the future for despite it's size I do occasionally meet other hikers 😊

[@NorthernWayfarer-Alice]

I wouldn't have relished the drive up there on a snowy day. Shame you missed the views because they truly are stunning on that walk. At least the frozen ground likely made it easier, I went in a drought. Not a place after a lot of rain.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Thanks, the drive up wasn't thst bad, tbf when setting up an Asda delivery van went past which was quite comforting! I never seem to have any luck with James's Hill on video, both times it's been shrouded in cloud, maybe 3rd time lucky? I would imagine in the wet it would be a very different story...😊

[@Melynnest]

Gorgeous frosty morning

[@DuncanBaxter]

It was indeed, cold and crispy but calm with no wind, really enjoyed this hike 😊

[@kevinwilde]

canny crack you take care marra.

[@DuncanBaxter]

Will do marra, got loads to do yet but will get there, cheers 👍