Based in the Scottish Borders, Eildon Ramblers is a friendlywalking group for people of all ages. We offer year-round walks to suit avariety of tastes.
Amid the beautiful scenery of the College Valley a wealth of history dating back thousands of years is just waiting to be explored. There are several hillforts in or near the valley, Yeavering Bell being the most famous. On a clear day, gliders from the nearby Milfield airfield may be seen soaring over the hills. If we are lucky, we may see wild goats living in family groups.
Hethpool derives its name from "Pool at Hetha", Great Hetha being a nearby hill (343m) with an Iron Age hillfort on top. The famous Hethpool House was built in the art-and-crafts style. The nearby farm cottages, circa 1926, in part modelled on the house, are described as amongst the finest to be seen anywhere in Northumberland.
Kirknewton, five miles north of Wooler, is a small village surrounded by lofty hills, and stands on the turnpike road leading from Wooler to Kelso. The College Burn runs at a little distance to the west and the river Glen to the north. The village church is a vicarage, dedicated to St Gregory, parts dating back to Norman times. Kirknewton used to be a station on the Alnwick to Cornhill LNER railway. This branch line carried passengers and goods until the 50's, when it became uneconomical to run. The station buildings have been converted into private residences.
Nestled in the peaceful College Valley, this is a leisurely circular walk from Hethpool to the mini gorge and waterfalls of Hethpool Linn. We then follow St Cuthbert’s Way for about 3km. Passing the bell-shaped profile of Yeavering Bell we cross over the shoulder of St Gregory’s Hill onto pretty Kirknewton village. After walking ~1km along a quiet road we then turn back into the College Valley and follow the burn back to Hethpool via gentle grass paths.
Circular walk, grade C+, leisurely pace. Hiking boots and poles are recommended.
Walk leader: Gordon
Estimated duration: 3 hours inc 2 breaks
Maximum number of walkers: n/a
Eildon Ramblers members: please contact the walk leader per the directions in the Secretary’s email. Please remember to leave a contact mobile number.
Members of other Ramblers groups (please bring your membership card) & potential new members are welcome to apply to join this walk. Please contact walks@eildonramblers.org.uk leaving your name and a contact mobile phone number. The walk leader will contact you.
Registration deadline. You should register with the Walk Leader no later than 5pm on (a) the Thursday prior to a Saturday walk, or (b) the Friday prior to a Sunday walk.
Possible change to walk. With the increasing frequency of adverse weather events, be sure to check the ‘Cancelled or Changed Walks’ box on our website Home page before coming on the walk.
Covid-19. Please read the Covid-19 advice on our website, and observe the recommended precautions.
Start: 10am at the large Hethpool visitor’s car park (south western edge of the village – see route map).
