Be prepared for an exposed day in the Cheviots’ grassy mounds with this one. Formed around the backbone of an out-and-back stretch along Clennell Street, a relentless opening ascent mellows out slightly before entering the outskirts of Kidland Forest’s expanse of blue-tinged spruce and assorted fir. While this particular Killer loops back around the north-west fringes of Kidland, the potential’s there for continuing on Clennell Street to extend the loop. However, this still formidable Killer straddles an impressive ridgeline above Usway Burn before cutting through Fairhaugh’s remote dell and returning to Clennell Street. A final loop takes in a cracking descent into the Alwin Valley to return through Clennell. Don’t be perturbed by miles of the green stuff as the whole area is lacerated with opportunities to pack either a stiff shortie or Northumbrian epic with climbs over 400m a plenty.