Echoes into Eternity
The Cheviots
Acrylic on canvas board
23.4" x 33.1"
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2026
In this remote north eastern corner of England, lie The Cheviots. A wide expanse of hills that roll into The Borders of Scotland. It is here that the Pennine Way meets it's end in Kirk Yetholm. This 25 mile stretch of grassy moors and muddy bogs is often the final push on the challenge to complete this classic route. Exhausted but knowing that the end is in reach, just beyond that horizon. We've come this far, we've felt great joy and wonder along the way and we've shared our adventures with the people we love. Keep going.
The Landscape and Inspiration
Beautifully and brutally barren. An escape from the madness of daily life, to be joined only by grouse, the skylarks and maybe a rare encounter with a Cheviot Goat. It is a land of scattered farms, trails criss-crossing the grassy hills and an occasional signpost that either reminds you that you are miles from anywhere or that there is a risk of death from unexploded military firing range shells/mortars. There are stretches of bottomless bogs, ankle-twisting grassy tussocks and the slippery slabs that sink beneath your weight as you pass over them. It is raw and wild and wonderful. The hills are soft and a large and long horizon can be seen throughout. The trails fill with water to become like streams and lose their way across the sponge-like landscape. ​​​​
Behind the Painting
This painting was created in my studio in Durham, around 90 minutes from The Cheviots. I have spent many long days up there running and hiking since I was a young child but it is those times when competing in The Spine Race and The Cheviot Goat, when I have been alone in the toughest conditions and really experiencing the place, that I have drawn from for this painting. It is the emotions, the feeling of being there, looking ahead along the wet trail that disappears into the horizon, feeling freedom and joy at the opportunity to witness this natural world and a great sense of achievement as I near my final destination.
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It has a slightly more abstract feel compared to some of my other paintings. There are no mountains rising up, no great crags or monoliths. This is a far more gentle, tranquil landscape. I capture the movement toward the horizon, the autumnal colours of the grasses, bracken and heather. The blurring, abstract forms also represent the exhaustion and the weary eyes, blasted by the wind.
Take a Closer Look
Imagine it in Your Home
When you buy any of the original paintings, I will consult with you about your framing preferences. I usually recommend a floating frame for my paintings. White, black, charcoal grey or oak are the most common choices. These are open grained solid wood frames professionally crafted by Seasons Gallery & Framing of Durham.
