Durham Heritage Coast Walk.
May 31, 2024
Scottish Boarders – The Cheviots – Pennine Way – The Street.
May 31, 2024
Durham Heritage Coast Walk.
May 31, 2024
Scottish Boarders – The Cheviots – Pennine Way – The Street.
May 31, 2024

College Valley – 3 Sisters – Hen Hole – The Schil.

This College Valley trail offers 16 miles of stunning scenery, ancient landmarks, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a casual ramble, this route has something for everyone. So why not kit up, pack a picnic, and set out to explore the beauty of Northumberland?

Other resources:

Don’t forget to access/download the full route and mapping on OS Maps for this route.

Choose the best equipment at Plan Watch Walk equipment reviews.

All of our Northumberland walk videos can be found here

Why not sign up to Plan Watch Walks ‘Outdoor Catch-Up’, a fortnightly circular with all of the best deals Sign up here

Turn by Turn Directions

After parking up at the car park in College Valley (see start point link below) we start to head up the valley passing the information boards (see Video at 1:05).  The walk along the valley is on a single-track road, with a stunning backdrop.  We pass the Cheviot Memorial (see Video at 2:25) dedicated to the service personnel who lost their lives on the Cheviot Hills.  As we continue along the valley we pass Fleehope Farm and Mounthooly (see Video at 3:40).  We now approach the head of College Valley and we have the magnificent Three Sisters Waterfall and The Hen hole on our left (see Video at 5:45).

 

The series of waterfalls leading up to The Three Sisters Waterfall and a great teaser to the main event (see Video at 6:30).  It is worth stopping to take this all in and fuel up before we head up The Hen Hole (see Video at 7:15).  This is a challenging, but rewarding, section of the walk so be careful.  As we get to the head of the Hen Hole there is a steep climb (see Video at 8:40) up to Auchope Cairn (see Video at 9:10)

We now commence our walk along The Pennine Way trail.  Initially, we descend Auchope Cairn, with some great views up The Hen Hole and along College Valley before coming to the Mountain Refuge Hut (see Video at 10:25).  This is another great stop for a break, fuel up, and take in the views.

The Pennine Way now takes up Birnie Brea before we summit on The Schil at 601 Mt (1972ft) (see Video at 11:21).  This is a great vantage point to observe the magnificent views across The Cheviot Hills.  The Pennine Way continues north as we skirt around Black Hag and peak on White Law before leaving the Pennine Way Trail (see Video at 13:10).

We now pick up St Cuthbert’s Way on the Scottish/English border Line (see Video at 13:15).  The St Cuthbert’s Way path is well marked, as we continue our descent.  We continue across the fells until we reach Elsdonburn Farm (see Video at 13:45).  The remainder of the walk is along single-track roads, and the backdrop remains as rewarding on this final leg of the trail (see Video at 15:00).  Our gentle descent now takes us back the start in College Valley.  A taxing, but very rewarding day in the Northumberland National Park.

 

Outdoor Catch-Up:

Why not sign up to Plan Watch Walk ‘Outdoor Catch-Up’, a fortnightly circular with all of the best deals.

Resources used whilst bringing you this walk…

 

Mapping and Directions:

OS Map AppOrdnance Survey Maps and routing

Maps Ordnance Survey Maps

Compass Must have

 

Equipment used:

JacketRab Microlight Alpine JacketEquipment Review

Jacket Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket

FootwearMerrell Accentor Sport GTX

Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTXEquipment Review

TrousersMontane BMC Terra Pants

Waterproof TrousersMountain Hardwear Epic Pant

Socks1000 mile wool fusion double layer

Head TorchLifesystems Intensity 220 Head TorchEquipment Review

Backpack Hi Gear Active22

BladderCamelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir

 

Camera Kit

GoPro 5Go anywhere action camera

hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliserMaking your video professional

Lavalier MicrophoneCapture professional audio

Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camerabringing video to a new dimension

Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stickmake it look like a drone

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