A leisurely walk with breathtaking views

This moderate walk is a great way to see the spectacular remains of a 2,000-year-old Iron Age hillfort in breathtaking surroundings.

Look out for the wild Cheviot goats roaming the surrounding hills, they can usually be seen near Yeavering Bell.You may also see hares lying low in the long grass as you walk up the hillside. Kestrel can often be seen hovering overhead whilst buzzard circle high in the sky. Skylark and curlew can be heard and seen on the hillsides.

 

Download the PDF guide to Kirknewton Hillfort Trail

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Walk overview

Walk difficulty
Moderate
Walk distance
3 miles / 4.8km
Walk duration
3 hours
Location
The Cheviots
Recommended OS Map
OS OL16 1:25000 The Cheviot Hills
Accessible
No
Dog friendly
No

Step by step route

Start at St Gregory’s church

Start at St Gregory’s church, the heart of the village for more than 800 years. Follow the road past the farm buildings and just before the gate turn right up the track, passing the farmhouse on your right. Continue along this track, past the Old Smithy.

Keep to the left track

Keep to the left track, as it curves around the hillside to the sunnier southern side of West Hill.

Follow the track through a gate

Follow the track through a gate and continue past the ruined cottage on your left, to a stile. Cross the stile.

Take the path on the left up to the top of West Hill

Take the path on the left up to the top of West Hill where you will find the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. Retrace your steps from the top back down to rejoin the main path, and head towards the stile in the field wall.

If you don't want to climb West Hill

If you do not want to climb West Hill take the path to the right and follow it to the stile in at the head of the field wall.

Or you can climb St Gregory’s Hill

Cross the stile in the wall, go over the stepping stones and follow the path up hill. At the top of the hill turn sharp left to reach the top of St Gregory’s Hill. For a shorter walk do not cross the stile but turn left along the track back down to Kirknewton. Joining onto the main track that you came along and turning right, back to the village.

Once you have finished exploring St Gregory's Hill

Once you have finished exploring St Gregory's Hill retrace your steps. Turn left onto the track, go through the gate and continue to follow this track downhill back to the main road. Come down the hill along the waymarked track around St Gregory’s Hill, and Rreturn to the village along the road.

Walk route

Getting there

The starting point for the walk is at Kirknewton.

Kirknewton is 6 miles northwest of Wooler. Follow the A697 north, at Akeld turn left onto the B6351 which goes through Kirknewton. Please park carefully on the roadside verge. Please do not block any gates or the road.

Grid Ref: NT 913 302

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