Hethpool Linn

This walk in Northumberland visits the Hethpool Linn waterfall before a climb to the hillfort at West Hill. The falls are located in the College Valley, a beautiful and peaceful area with lots of interesting flora and fauna.
The walk starts at the car park at Hethpool and heads along the College Burn to the waterfall.... The route then heads north east to West Hill which includes an old hill fort on its 215 metre high summit. There's lovely views of the countryside and hills of the College Valley from here.
After rounding the hill you can pick up a section of the St Cuthbert's Way and follow it west to Hethpool Mill before returning to the car park.
You could extend the walk by continuing east to climb to Yeavering Bell. The noteworthy site includes the largest Iron Age hillfort in the region.
Postcode: NE71 6TW
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If you were to follow St Cuthbert's Way east it would take you into Wooler where you'll find some nice trails around Wooler Common.
To the north there's another similar hidden gem at the lovely Roughting Linn near Ford. You can also explore the pretty Ford Moss Nature Reserve in this area.
Just a few miles to the north east there's the historically fascinating St Cuthberts Cave. The monks of Lindisfarne reputedly brought St. Cuthbert's body to the site in AD875 following Viking raids on the Island. Near the cave there's also the peaceful woodland trails and steep rock climbing cliffs in the adjacent Kyloe Woods.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Cheviots Walks page.

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Nearby Routes

Yeavering Bell Wooler Common St Cuthbert's Way Hedgehope Hill Linhope Spout Ingram Valley Humbleton Hill The Cheviot Roughting Linn College Valley Walk

Photos

Information signs at the car park near Hethpool. On a glorious late-summer day.

Cottages at Hethpool

Footpath by the College Burn

College Valley. On the right is The Bell. The north-west slope of Newton Tors is on the left. In the far distance, deep snow covers the high hills of the Border Ridge above the dark, forested, Sinkside Hill. Hethpool is round the corner.

 Footbridge over the College Burn, east of Hethpool Linn. Wild Goats are often seen in the College Valley. The Northumberland telling of the children's story, 'Three Billy Goats Gruff', is based on this bridge.

Hethpool Linn

Track west of West Hill. The snow-covered hill ahead is Wester Tor. The valley of the College Burn is down to the right.

Small cairn on West Hill Staw. Farm is visible to the right, down in the valley. The range of hills behind includes Longknowe Hill and Kilham Hill

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