College Valley Estate
College Valley Estate
5
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5.0
43 reviews
Excellent
37
Very good
6
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Wallsender
2 contributions
Jun 2021
First visit in over 20 years, and it hasn't changed a bit. The College Valley itself is perhaps more notable for its serenity than its scenery; the prize here is easy access to the Border Ridge, an exhilarating high-level traverse along the England-Scotland border.
The ridge is best accessed by walking the valley to its head along the road from the Hethpool car park to Mounthooly, and then straight up to the watershed at Red Cribs. That took me a straight two hours, but you should be able to improve on that. Then on northwards past The Schil and a number of other switchback summits before picking up St Cuthbert's Way and returning downhill past Elsdonburn to the car park - 13 miles and it's hard going in places. Must confess to walking around The Schil on a level contour rather than up and down it like everyone else, but each to their own.
The glittering prize on a clear sunny day is a stunning panorama into Scotland, from the Moffat Hills in the west across to Soutra Hill and the Lammermuirs then Berwick and the Northumberland Coast to Lindisfarne. Without exaggeration, one of the best views I've ever seen, anywhere.
Choose the right day though; dry underfoot, and maximum visibility. In the wrong weather the ridge must be a seriously grim place to be. Today Ring Ouzels; Skylarks above, a warm wind blowing across the ridge.
Doesn't get much better than this!
The ridge is best accessed by walking the valley to its head along the road from the Hethpool car park to Mounthooly, and then straight up to the watershed at Red Cribs. That took me a straight two hours, but you should be able to improve on that. Then on northwards past The Schil and a number of other switchback summits before picking up St Cuthbert's Way and returning downhill past Elsdonburn to the car park - 13 miles and it's hard going in places. Must confess to walking around The Schil on a level contour rather than up and down it like everyone else, but each to their own.
The glittering prize on a clear sunny day is a stunning panorama into Scotland, from the Moffat Hills in the west across to Soutra Hill and the Lammermuirs then Berwick and the Northumberland Coast to Lindisfarne. Without exaggeration, one of the best views I've ever seen, anywhere.
Choose the right day though; dry underfoot, and maximum visibility. In the wrong weather the ridge must be a seriously grim place to be. Today Ring Ouzels; Skylarks above, a warm wind blowing across the ridge.
Doesn't get much better than this!
Written 24 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cookiescot
Halesowen, UK739 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
What a wonderful valley to visit, either walk or to drive through, they only allow 12 cars a day to drive through and you need a permit £10 you can book online. It was so peaceful and in May the colour of the gorse it just beautiful. The memorial to the pilots that crashed during WW2 over the Cheviot Hills is so moving.
Written 27 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
margaret
Sevenoaks District, UK46 contributions
Sep 2019
We spent a fantastic day in this valley with a pass from our BandB. Everywhere you looked it was perfect.To add to our bliss the sun shone the whole day. Just to sit and eat our picnic watching little birds and breathing in the pure air. The memorial to the fallen airmen was also an inspiration. So clean & tidy and well thought out, every detail of it. I loved the seat & shepherd's crook honouring men who fell in this area giving up their lives that we might live and enjoy the surroundings.
Written 30 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frances L
County Durham, UK12 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Lovely valley with views of The Cheviot. Very quiet the day we went, apart from the fly past by 3 jets. The RAF memorial is worth a visit. Take provisions - there is nowhere to get a drink!
Written 21 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
andys286
Tonbridge, UK336 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
We had been told of College Valley by friends, but never made it. Finally, we did make it. The weather was unexpectedly fine, with gorgeous blue skies and interesting clouds! We stopped in Wooler to buy a £10 pass for the valley (Savills), and parked at Hethpool for a 4 mile walk up Great Hetha, followed by a drive up the valley. In fact, you do not need a pass to get to this car park, but you do to travel beyond the car park into the valley ( although not obviously policed). The climb up Great Hetha is steep, but the views from the top are well worth it!
Written 8 June 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Floyd Zappa
Newcastle and Gateshead, UK237 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
Hill forts, lakes, rivers, birdlife, great walks ...complete no brainer. Beautiful. Free parking too. My only tip would be (for very average walkers) to walk up and down the valkey on the road - dont bother crossing the river and walking, in part, through part scrub, above the river traverse ( easy ... the odd steep bit ...but no worse than 3 flights of stairs ...if a little muddy in places after rain) Nice houses/ cottages nearby ... lovely gardens. Take food, drink etc and have a splendid day. Easy 5 stars
Written 29 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pam G
Fort William, UK59 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Wonderful scenery in the heart of Northumberland to drive through the full valley to Battle Ridge you need a £10 permit. But for walkers or cyclist you can go free. Parking at Hethpool. Wild life a plenty. Can be muddy in places so best to wear suitable foot wear. Wild goats(if your lucky) on the St. Cuthbert trail. A few miles outside Wooler. Worth a visit and hope for a fine day.
Written 25 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Albert E
North Pole, AK83 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
just wonderful place so peaceful - a great walk with outstanding views - be prepared for a long trip on foot- but worth every step.
Written 12 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill H
Leeds, UK800 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Like everyone else - I don't really want you to find the College Valley!
It was the Wednesday after Easter and though the air was cool, the solid grey sky became broken as we did a circular walk from Hethpool. There were probably 4 other cars in the small car park, but other than a farmer and her dog we saw nobody for the 3 hours we wandered.
It was so quiet that the feral goats even made an appearance down by the river.
When the sun shone through, the valley bottom became a blaze of gold. Spring wild flowers were in bloom and some of the trees were beginning to show leaf.
The western side of the valley was sheep free and so our 'failed guide dog' was able to run free.
A most wonderful valley at the top end of the Cheviots.
It was the Wednesday after Easter and though the air was cool, the solid grey sky became broken as we did a circular walk from Hethpool. There were probably 4 other cars in the small car park, but other than a farmer and her dog we saw nobody for the 3 hours we wandered.
It was so quiet that the feral goats even made an appearance down by the river.
When the sun shone through, the valley bottom became a blaze of gold. Spring wild flowers were in bloom and some of the trees were beginning to show leaf.
The western side of the valley was sheep free and so our 'failed guide dog' was able to run free.
A most wonderful valley at the top end of the Cheviots.
Written 29 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sara b
Hebden Bridge, UK14 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
Beautiful location for walking and cycling. Spectacular scenery with the yellow gauze coming out. Wildlife everywhere deer wild goats.
Written 22 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josie C
Eye, Suffolk, England7 contributions
Renting Hethpool mill for a week in September. Do we Ned to purchase a permit?
Floyd Zappa
Newcastle and Gateshead, UK237 contributions
No idea ...very sorry. The people you.re renting it off may know ...
Josie C
Eye, Suffolk, England7 contributions
Hi, we are staying at Hethpool Mill for a week. Do we need to purchase a premium?
Many thanks
hi where do i get a permit?
andys286
Tonbridge, UK336 contributions
Savills Estate Agent office, 18 Glendale Rd Wooler. It’s on the way to College Valley. They only allow 12 permits per day, but this was not a problem for us! Also, you do not need a permit to go as far as the car park at Hethpool!
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