Hethpool Linn Walk

This delightful walk follows a circular route from Hethpool to Hethpool Linn returning via the lower slopes of Wester Tor. Hethpool is situated at the northern end of the Cheviot Hills in the College Valley.  From Wooler follow the A697 towards Coldstream for about 2.5 miles.  At Akeld turn left onto the B6351 and follow this road until you reach Kirknewton. Carry on a short distance to Westnewton and turn left, signposted to Hethpool. Follow this single track road for about 1.75 miles. Park in the car park just past the cottages at Hethpool on the left. Beyond the car park is the College Valley Estate. A permit is required for vehicles to use this road. Access is permitted on foot or by bicycle.

Car Park

1. Leave the car park and turn right heading back along the road. Just past the cottages as the road bears to the left go through a gate on the right and follow the track, signposted St Cuthbert's Way downhill until you reach a stile on the left.

2. Cross the stile and head straight across the field to a gate in the wall ahead.  Go through the gate and continue straight ahead to cross the boardwalk.Bear right towards the fence and continue with the fence on your left before reaching a stile. Cross the stile and turn immediately right before crossing a footbridge. Continue straight on along the path with the wall on your right. As the wall ends you will be able to see the waterfall below. Continue straight ahead turning right at the bottom to cross the burn via a wooden bridge,

       

Hethpool Linn

3. After crossing the burn turn left to cross another stile. Turn right and head uphill away from the burn. At the top go through the gate in the fence and turn right to join St Cuthbert's Way. Continue along this path through some newly planted trees before eventually reaching another fence. As you walk along the lower slopes of Wester Tor on your left look out for the wild Cheviot Goats who graze there.

4. Pass through the gate and follow the track through an area of recently felled trees following the track downhill towards the burn. Cross the bridge and turn right through a gate and follow the track up the hill back to the road. Turn left and follow the road past the cottages at Hethpool and back to the car park.

College Burn

Hethpool Linn

Hethpool Linn

Hethpool Linn is a beautiful waterfall situated in the Cheviot Hills within the Northumberland National Park. The waterfall forms part of the College Burn near Hethpool in the College Valley,  running through a small gorge and tumbling over rocks before continuing its journey peacefully along the valley floor. It is situated within a small wooded area of the valley close to the hamlet of Hethpool and is crossed via a small wooden bridge. When approaching the waterfall take care of the steep sides. The waterfall can be walked to on its own or part of a longer walk (Hethpool Linn Walk).

College Valley

College Valley

The College Valley is a beautiful, tranquil valley at the northern end of the Cheviot Hills within the Northumberland National Park. The stunning unspoilt views of woodland, moorland and pastureland are breathtaking and provide a magnificent backdrop to the valley below. 

College Valley

College Valley

Near Hethpool

The Cheviot

The College Burn cuts its way through the hills meandering along the valley floor. At Hethpool Linn the burn runs through a narrow gorge, tumbling over the rocks before continuing its peaceful journey.

College Burn 

College Burn

Hethpool Linn

The slopes of the Newton Tors and Yeavering Bell are home to the Cheviot Wild Goats. The feral goats herds have lived on the hills for centuries and are thought to originate from the earliest Neolithic farmers. The goats live a totally wild existence on the hills but many will come close enough to be photographed. Roe deer, red squirrels and other wildlife also live in the valley. 

About 1.5 miles from Hethpool heading down the valley towards "The Cheviot" is a World War II Memorial dedicated to the airmen who lost their lives in when their aircrafts crashed in the hills. 

This unspoilt serene valley is the ideal place for leisurely walks along the banks of the College Burn and the spectacular Hethpool Linn or for hill climbs to the ancient hill forts. 
Below are some things to see and do whilst visiting the valley.

Hethpool Linn

Hethpool Linn Walk

 

Bamburgh Lighthouse Walk

This pleasant walk along the beach from Bamburgh Castle to the lighthouse, returning via the church is about 3 miles and will take about 1hr 30 minutes - 1hr 45 minutes. Bamburgh is on the coast just north of Seahouses and about 5 miles from the A1 on the B1432 

1. Drive through the village and park in the free car park opposite the castle. 

Car Park

Bamburgh Castle from the Car Park

2. Cross the road and walk up the small road opposite towards the castle entrance. At the top take the path heading down through the dunes towards the beach keeping the castle to your left. From the beach you will see Inner Farne Island and will have a stunning view of the Castle.

Inner Farne Island

Bamburgh Castle

3. Turn left and set off along the beach keeping the castle on your left. As you near stag rock and the lighthouse you will see Holy Island in the distance. Walk across the expanse of rocks and continue up a small grassy hillock to the lighthouse. This is a good place to stop and rest and admire the wonderful views back to the castle.

Rocks near the lighthouse

Stag Rock

Bamburgh Lighthouse

Holy Island in the Distance

Bamburgh Castle from the Lighthouse

4. Retrace your steps back along the beach for a while until you see a car park above the dunes on the right. Cut across the sand dunes and head up to the car park, Cross the car park and turn left onto a small road. Follow this road until you reach the village. Turn right and walk a short distance before reaching St Aidan's church on the right. This lovely church is well worth visiting and in the churchyard you will find the tomb of Grace Darling. Opposite the church is the Grace Darling Museum which is also worth a visit. 

Bamburgh Village

St Aidan's Church

Tomb of Grace Darling

5. Leave the church and turn left back to the village. Continue to follow the road as it passes the castle and back to the car park.

Bamburgh

Bamburgh

Bamburgh is a small picturesque village on the North Northumberland coast. It is a about 5 miles from the A1 on the B1432 and a few miles north of Seahouses becoming popular with visitors to the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. The village contains numerous gift shops and places to eat and is a lovely place to spend a relaxing afternoon. In the peaceful churchyard of St Aidan's church is the tomb of Grace Darling and directly opposite is the Grace Darling Museum.

Bamburgh Beach is a beautiful, wild sandy beach overlooked by the towering castle. the beach, backed by sand dunes has stunning views to Holy island and the Farne Islands. It is worth taking a walk to the stag rocks and the lighthouse.

Inner Farne Island

Holy Island

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is a magnificent ancient fortress overlooking A glorious sandy beach. Situated on the top of a rocky outcrop the castle has wonderful views to Holy Island and the Farne Islands.

Bamburgh Castle was built by the Normans in the late 11th century to replace a Celtic Brittonnic Fort known as Din Guarie, which was destroyed by the Vikings. By 1164 the keep had been built and the castle was complete. The Forster family were governors of the castle until 1700  when Lord Crew and his son son John took over. In 1894 the castle was purchased by William Armstrong, a Victorian Industrialist. The castle is still owned by the Armstrong family who remain in residence. 

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle

St Aidan's Church
St Aidan's Church was built in the 12th century, replacing the original wooden church founded by St Aidan in 635. In the peaceful churchyard of this picturesque church is the tomb of Grace Darling.

St Aidan's Church

View from the Church

Tomb of Grace Darling