Starting from Hethpool, this route takes in three of the hillforts in the College Valley, each of which have their own distinguishing features.
The steep climb up to Great Hetha, one of the largest hillforts in the College Valley, is well worth it. Take your time on the top and enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the valley and the high hills of the Cheviots.
From the car park turn left and walk along the College Valley road.
Leave the valley road opposite the white house, and follow the track up to the right which is signed ‘Trowupburn & Border Ridge’.
Once past the shed, as the track bears round to the left, take the grassy path up to the right. Continue up this path.
On reaching the top of the hill turn right and continue along the path to Sinkside Hill hillfort
When you have finished exploring the hillfort retrace your steps back to point 4.
On re-joining the main track turn right, go through the gate and continue straight on.
At the junction bear right and head downhill to the sheep pens. In summer the route can be difficult to follow through patches of bracken.
At the bottom of the hill, cross the burn bear right over to the shed and turn left. Follow the tarmac road up hill, keeping Trowupburn house on your right.
As the road bears round to the left, turn right, cross the stile (signed ‘Great Hetha’) and continue up the well-worn path to the summit of Great Hetha.
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 ladder stile.
Cross the stile and turn right along the path to Little Hetha.
Return to the stile, cross back over and continue straight ahead along the track.
Keeping the plantation on your left continue downhill, on re-joining the valley road turn left and retrace your route back to the 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
