Enjoy a short walk to two of the hillforts in the College Valley.

Enjoy a short walk to two of the hillforts in the College Valley. The climb up to Great Hetha is well worth the effort for the views into the Cheviots.

The College Valley is situated in North Northumberland on the northern edge of the Cheviot Hills, an area of renowned beauty. The estate extends to some 12,000 acres and lies entirely within the Northumberland National Park.

Please note: if you wish to drive further up the valley you will need a car permit from the College Valley Estate.

Walk overview

Walk difficulty
Moderate
Walk distance
2.5 miles / 4km
Walk duration
2 hours
Location
The Cheviots
Recommended OS Map
O.S. Explorer OL16 The Cheviot Hills
Accessible
No
Dog friendly
No

Step by step route

Start

From the car park turn left and walk along the College Valley road.

At the fingerpost signed ‘Great Hetha’...

At the fingerpost signed ‘Great Hetha’, leave the road and follow the path up to the right. At the corner of the plantation turn right and follow the fence uphill.

At the junction

At the junction take the left fork and follow the path to the top of Great Hetha.

When you have finished exploring

When you have finished exploring the site leave through the gap in the ramparts on the west side of the hillfort. Follow the path downhill to the stile.

Cross the ladder stile

Cross the ladder stile and turn right along the path to Little Hetha.

Return to the stile

Return to the stile, cross back over and continue straight ahead along the track.

Once back at the plantation...

Once back at the plantation retrace your route down the hill and along the road back to the car park.

Walk route

Getting there

The starting point for the walk is Hethpool Car Park.

Going north past Wooler on the A697, turn left at Akeld onto the B6351. Go past Kirknewton village, and just after the stone bridge look out for a left turn signed ‘Hethpool’. The car park is approx 2 miles along the single track road on the left.

Grid Ref: NT 894 280

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