At 1600m, on top of M'u Son Lang Son province in the northern border provides a bewitching view of the surrounding valley. Through the clouds, tourists can see the rugged countryside of Lang Son, with China in the north, Na Duong to the east, and Dong Dang on the west. This is all this vista that first attracted the French to Mau Son, in which some 170km from Hanoi. To take advantage of the mountain overlooking the landscape of the gate of the north-east China, France has built a military base at start of the 20th century. This original site's residents, members of ethnic groups the minority, has moved away from French settlement. Only employees authorized to allow the import of French.
Then, French, tourists were also welcome in this hill station. In January 1936, Dr. O. pilot, a student of the famous bacteriologist Dr. Alexandre Yersin, visited Mau Son. Some locals say that the first doctor to paint to collect traditional medicinal plants, which used to be cultivated in this region.
Dr pilot was to impressed by what he found that he petitioned the governor for permission to build tourist villas at the site. In 1936, he has to go first to buy land and begin construction. For six or seven years, thousands of local people working on this project, implementation, breach and stone to build a large number of villas.
Today, the villa has crumbled to ruins. The moss-covered stones scattered across the site, and is located between the old foundation where it can still identify the 'former kitchens, fire places and staircases.
Like Sleeping Beauty, the fairy tale princess is put under a spell, M'u Son has slept, all but forgotten, for almost five decades. Until 1987, even motorcycles were not allowed to torturous road that wind, like a snake, on the mountain.
Finally, the M'u Son is getting up. Residents around the area first to admire the views, followed by visitors from China and Vietnam lowland.
When the French built their villas, they did not imagine a day when the M'u Son will be free to welcome all visitors. Today, M'u Son by residents to share their home with the beauty of the secluded world. They want tourists to explore the Pristine Tam Thanh Cave, the weaving shop in the market full of color cells of ethnic minorities, and hike the many mountain trails.
In the year 1930, the only way to reach the M'u Son on the horse. Today, local people still use horses to carry goods up steep mountain slopes. However, guests can leave their car's M'u Son drive 30km to Lang Son town from elsewhere, it will take six hours to reach Hanoi.
The narrow road twists along steep mountain ridges, overlooking the valley of the Emerald. Some of the girls, dressed in festive embroidered clothing, flags down the car for a rise. With their traditional tight and bright smiles, they are naturally as beautiful mountains as their homeland.
The upland scenery of the Cheviot massif is second to none with the Cheviot itself rising to 815m (2,674ft). It is here that you can explore some of the best-preserved prehistoric hillforts in Britain. Yeavering Bell, Brough Law and Humbleton Hill are examples of place names, which evoke a time long gone. The Cheviots also provide some of the best upland stretches for walking along The Pennine Way, Britain's best known National Trail and St Cuthbert's Way. The walks offer a range of self-guided leaflets for you to use. OS `Explorer` Map No. OL16 `The Cheviot Hills`or the Harvey `Superwalker` Cheviot Hills map are useful when you are planning your walk in this area. One of the most awe-inspiring valleys in the Cheviot Hills is College Valley, some also say that it is also the most unspoilt. It is a tranquil and open valley, which provides walking routes to the Cheviot summit, the Schill, Red Cribs and Pennine Way.
There are four fantastic Hillfort Heritage Trails that have been created to allow you to explore the rich archaeology in this valley. Many of these trails also provide outstanding views of the College Valley. `A Beautiful Highland Place` is available from all National Park Centres or by mail order for ?2.00.
These walks are strenuous and go through areas where the weather can change quickly. You should wear good walking boots and take warm waterproof clothing with you. You should always let someone know which route you plan to take, as mobile phone may not work in the hills.
The College Valley is privately owned, but allows about 12 cars a day up the valley, except from mid-April to end of May which is lambing time. Permits are free and can be obtained from:
Sale and Partners, Estate Agents, 18-20 Glendale Road, Wooler NE71 6DN
Harthope Valley is a pretty valley, particularly in autumn when bracken, the dominant vegetation turns russet and gold. The burn that runs along the bottom of the valley is fringed with alder woodland with wide grassy area alongside, making it an ideal place on your walk for a picnic spot. Fine walks can be had up onto Cheviot (815m) and Hedgehope (714m) and into such places with wonderful names like Happy Valley and Skirl Naked!
If you like bird watching, then this valley provides a suitable habitat to spy common sandpiper, wheatear, whinchat and dipper amongst others.
It is recommended that you contact the National Park Centre, Ingram or Tourist Information Centre in The Cheviot Centre, Wooler.
With it's high rolling hills, numerous ancient monuments and attractive river setting, Breamish Valley is one of the most popular locations for visitors. It is superb walking country and the sheltered riverside grassland is perfect for informal parking and picnicking.
There are walks and trails to suit most interests. The Walk through Time is perfect if you want to explore the hills and discover the magic and mystery of ancient settlements. It also offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Breamish Valley more than 2000 years ago.
It is recommended you contact National Park Centre, Ingram for information on planning your walk.
Both Mumum & Iain Thomas are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mumum has sinced written about articles on various topics from Architecture, Travel and Leisure and Learning English. If you need more information about you will find a very informative website at. Mumum's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Iain Thomas has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Travel and leisure. Iain Thomas writes articles on travel leisure and tourism in the UK. He has a particular interest in walking and the national parks. He runs a website about