So..........before the season starts – what is a Reiver?

From the late 13th century to the beginning of the 17th century - stuck between the warring ‘powers that be’ in England and Scotland – the borderers had a pretty tough time of it. This gave rise to a tough breed of local – the Border Reiver.

Friend to neither side – utterly loyal to their families – the Reivers were a predatory bunch who raided both sides of the border impartially, so long as the people they raided were not their own kin. Much of this wonderful border country is hilly moorland, unsuitable for arable farming but good for grazing - livestock were easily rustled and driven back to raiders' territory by mounted Reivers who knew the country well. (Still happens today – but the horse has been replaced by the lorry). The raiders also often acquired household goods and valuables, and took prisoners for ransom.

Now hidden within the hilly borderland are any number of small wooded vales – with their own burn or river – with the most beautiful wild broon troot you’ll ever set your eyes on.

This blog – at least to start off with – will focus mainly on the waters of the River North Tyne catchment, courtesy of a great organisation The Tyne River Trust (TRT).

The TRT have a great ‘passport’ system that allows access to some truly beautiful waters. But, with the proximity to such great waters as the Tweed catchment, River Coquet and Tees close-by, we’ll also do a bit of legal raiding in other near-by waters ~ Chris.