Hillforts & Antiquities - College Valley

Where the Hills Hold Ancient Secrets

The College Valley and surrounding Cheviot Hills are steeped in ancient history — a rugged landscape shaped not only by nature but by the people who lived, worked, and defended it over thousands of years. From dramatic Iron Age hillforts to mysterious stone circles, this quiet corner of Northumberland is home to some of Britain’s most impressive prehistoric and historic sites.

Yeavering Bell – The Great Hillfort of the North

Dominating the skyline to the northeast of Hethpool is Yeavering Bell, the largest Iron Age hillfort in Northumberland. Perched atop a 360-metre high twin-peaked hill, the fort is thought to have been home to an elite tribal centre dating back over 2,500 years. The summit is ringed by a massive stone rampart, enclosing over 100 stone house platforms — an extraordinary testament to early British engineering and social structure.

The walk to the top is steep but rewarding, offering panoramic views over the valley and across the Borders. It's also a hotspot for wildlife, with wild goats and birds of prey frequently seen along the route.

The Ancient Settlement of Ad Gefrin

At the foot of Yeavering Bell lies the site of Ad Gefrin, an important Anglo-Saxon royal palace used by the kings of Northumbria in the 7th century. While little remains visible on the surface today, this was once a bustling ceremonial site where kings held court and early Christianity was introduced to the region. The landscape here is rich in archaeological significance and cultural memory.

Other Hillforts and Earthworks

The hills surrounding the College Valley are dotted with other lesser-known but equally fascinating Iron Age hillforts, such as Ring Chesters, Great Hetha, and White Hill. Some remain as obvious ridgelines or earthworks, while others are now little more than undulations in the heather — subtle clues to a once-thriving prehistoric network of communities and defences.

Neolithic and Bronze Age Relics

Look closer and you'll find signs of even older habitation. Neolithic stone circles, Bronze Age cairns, and prehistoric field systems are scattered across the landscape. Many are unmarked and hidden in plain sight, making a walk through these hills a kind of archaeological treasure hunt for the curious and observant.

Yeavering Bell Hillfort by Mark Nicol

Yeavering Bell Hillfort is the most spectacular and largest Hill Fort in Northern England. In the fantastic video below, you can join Mark Nicol’s journey to the summit.

Good to Know

  • OS Explorer OL16 is the best map to help locate these ancient sites.

  • Wear sturdy footwear — many sites are on open hillsides or moorland.

  • Binoculars are handy for spotting earthworks from a distance.

  • Many sites are unmarked – a GPS walking route or guidebook is helpful.

  • Please do not climb on or disturb any ancient structures — they are protected monuments.