Durham Heritage Coast Walk.
May 31, 2024Scottish Boarders – The Cheviots – Pennine Way – The Street.
May 31, 2024Durham Heritage Coast Walk.
May 31, 2024Scottish Boarders – The Cheviots – Pennine Way – The Street.
May 31, 2024College 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 App – Ordnance Survey Maps and routing
Maps – Ordnance Survey Maps
Compass – Must have
Equipment used:
Jacket – Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket – Equipment Review
Jacket – Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket
Footwear – Merrell Accentor Sport GTX
Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTX – Equipment Review
Trousers – Montane BMC Terra Pants
Waterproof Trousers – Mountain Hardwear Epic Pant
Socks – 1000 mile wool fusion double layer
Head Torch – Lifesystems Intensity 220 Head Torch – Equipment Review
Backpack – Hi Gear Active22
Bladder – Camelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir
Camera Kit
GoPro 5 – Go anywhere action camera
hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliser – Making your video professional
Lavalier Microphone – Capture professional audio
Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camera – bringing video to a new dimension
Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stick – make it look like a drone
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Other Walks & How to equipment guides you may be interested in:
Other Walks:
Simonside Hills Circular in the Northumberland National Park
Walking The Cheviot horseshoe route via Hedgehope Hill
Sweethope Loughs – 3 Lakes, Ruined Towers and Fell Walking
Ingram Valley – Linhope – Ravenhill
Hen Hole, Three Sisters, Dunsdale & The Cheviot – What Great Walking.
Historic Market Town of Morpeth, Surrounding Countryside & River Walking.
Expert Review links:
Plan Watch Walk – Expert Reviews.
How to buy – The best Waterproof Jacket.
How to but – The best Walking Trousers.