One thing I've learned from spending a lot of time wandering around the Cheviots is that looking out of the window before you leave the house tells you very little about what sort of day you're actually going to have.
I've set off from Langleeford in sunshine, wandered happily up the first hill and then watched The Cheviot disappear into cloud while I was heading directly towards it. By the time I've reached the top I've had full waterproofs on, rain coming sideways and wind strong enough to make staying on the pavement surprisingly entertaining.
Then you get back down and it's lovely again.
Welcome to the Cheviots.
The weather shouldn't put you off exploring the hills, but it is worth checking properly before you set off. Conditions on the higher ground can be very different from those down in the valleys and they can change considerably while you're out.
Check the hills forecast, not just the nearest town
If you're spending the day around Wooler, Alwinton or one of the valleys, a normal local forecast will give you a decent idea of what to expect. If you're heading up The Cheviot, Hedgehope or spending several hours on higher ground, check the conditions on the hills as well.
The Met Office has a dedicated forecast for The Cheviot showing temperature, feels-like temperature, rain, wind, gusts and visibility. It's a much better starting point for a day on the hills than simply checking the forecast for the nearest town.
Check the Met Office forecast for The Cheviot.
For longer days I also check the Mountain Weather Information Service. Its mountain forecast covering the Cheviots gives a broader picture of summit winds, cloud, visibility and how conditions are likely to affect walking.
Check the MWIS mountain forecast covering the Cheviots.
Wind is one I pay particular attention to. A breezy day in the valley can be a very different experience on an exposed summit. I've been on Hedgehope when taking a photograph became a two-handed operation and on The Cheviot when keeping my hood attached to my head became more important than admiring the view.
Cloud matters too. Once it drops onto the hills, your lovely view can disappear and navigation becomes considerably more important. If you're heading onto the higher ground, don't rely on being able to see where you're going just because everything looked obvious on the way up.
What you wear and carry will obviously depend on the conditions and where you're heading, so we've covered that separately in our What to wear and take guide.
Double check before you leave
I'll normally check the forecast when I'm deciding where to walk, again the night before and then once more before I leave. (To be honest I am probably checking it every day of the week leading up to the hike!)
If it's changed, I'll change my plans.
There's no point stubbornly doing a big summit route because that's what you decided on Tuesday. If the tops look horrible, there are plenty of valleys, waterfalls, historic sites and shorter lower-level walks where you can still have a cracking day.
The hills will still be there next weekend. Probably under a cloud.