Hill Forts at Kirknewton

I enjoyed a short walk in the beautiful but rarely visited countryside south of Kirknewton, 5 miles from Wooler. The rolling countryside is packed with historical interest, in this case the ancient Iron Age Hill Forts. The walking is straightforward.

The Walk

The northern fringes of the Cheviots are a series of rolling hills gradually culminating in the Cheviot itself. However the fringes are lower and perfectly placed to guard the area from attack. The hill forts themselves were built by the Ancient Britons over 2,000 years ago when local ‘Scottish’ tribes rules the area. This part of Northumberland was well north of Hadrian’s Wall where the unlawless lived, it was much later that an effective Scottish presence was developed.

The walk takes you to two of these hill forts. West Hill is the more obvious but St Gregory’s has more impressive views. The ramparts can still be seen on the ground and it is possible to pick out the round living quarters (with some imagination). What is not in doubt are the views from both, simply excellent and far reaching to the north and west.

The route circles West Hill before climbing it from the south. The crossing to St Gregory’s is a real delight as is the gradual descent to Kirk Newton.

Recommend

Fur the more energetic continue past the farm at Torlee and climb Yeavering Bell. It is a 150m climb (just over 500 foot) but its pointy nature reveals very impressive views and another hill fort.

Navigation Tips at Kirknewton

There is a Right of Way to the west of the marked path which I was tempted to take and therefore extend the walk. This was an error! The path barely exists and has to cross the College Beck where there is no bridge. I soon retreated. Note to self, where a Right of Way crosses a bridge look for the FB sign (foot bridge).