Hethpool Linn
Hidden Falls. Timeless Beauty.
Hidden in a quiet fold of the College Valley, Hethpool Linn is one of Northumberland’s most picturesque natural features — a cascading waterfall tumbling through ancient rock, surrounded by woodland, wildlife and serenity. Just a short walk from Hethpool House, it’s a must-visit for guests looking to experience the peaceful magic of the local landscape.
A Short Walk with Big Rewards
The walk to Hethpool Linn is an easy and accessible route for most abilities. Following a gentle track alongside the College Burn, you’ll meander past grassy banks, wildflowers, and mature trees before reaching the falls. In spring and early summer, the path comes alive with birdsong and the rustling of leaves, and it’s not uncommon to spot red squirrels darting through the canopy or buzzards circling overhead.
The falls themselves are modest in scale but captivating in atmosphere. The dark water flows through a narrow cleft in the rocks, forming a deep pool before continuing its journey down the valley. It’s a quiet place — ideal for picnics, reflection, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of the surrounding nature.
Wildlife and Natural Beauty
Hethpool Linn is part of a delicate local ecosystem. The banks of the burn are home to dippers, wagtails, and occasionally otters, while roe deer and badgers can be spotted in the woods nearby. The area is especially beautiful in autumn, when the trees turn rich shades of amber and gold.
Local Legends and Cultural Significance
The name “Linn” comes from the old Celtic and Scots word for a waterfall or deep pool — a word often used in Northern England and Scotland to describe these secret, watery spots. While small in size, Hethpool Linn has long held significance as a natural landmark in the valley. It is said to have inspired painters and poets visiting the region in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
How to Get There
From Hethpool House, the waterfall is roughly a 1.5km round-trip on foot. The route is well-trodden and mostly level, though the final approach may be slippery after rain. Please wear appropriate footwear and take care near the water’s edge.
Good to Know
No Car Permit Required: You do not need a car permit if you are walking from Hethpool House or the nearby Hethpool car park, which is free and within easy walking distance of the waterfall. However, permits are required if driving further into the College Valley.
Dog-Friendly, With Care: Dogs are very welcome on the route to Hethpool Linn, but please keep them on a lead at all times. The surrounding fields often contain grazing sheep and lambs, and the woodland is home to sensitive wildlife including deer, red squirrels, and ground-nesting birds.
Leave No Trace: Hethpool Linn is part of a protected and fragile environment. Please take any litter home with you and avoid disturbing plants, wildlife, or the streambed. Fires and BBQs are not permitted.
Open Water Safety: While the deep pool beneath the falls may look tempting for a dip, open water swimming is not recommended unless you are experienced and properly prepared. The water is cold year-round, there may be hidden rocks or sudden depth changes, and there is no lifeguard cover or mobile signal in the area. Children should always be supervised near the water.
Footwear and Conditions: The path is generally well-defined and level, but it can become muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Proper walking shoes or boots are advised. Please take care near the rocks at the falls, which may be uneven or wet.
Respect the Quiet: Hethpool Linn is a peaceful place, often used by walkers and nature-lovers looking for solitude. Please keep noise to a minimum and respect the calm atmosphere that makes this spot so special.