Wartime Plane Crashes in the Cheviots
Wartime Wreckage, Timeless Tribute
The quiet hills and valleys around Hethpool may seem worlds away from the turmoil of war, but hidden among the moorland and peat hags lie poignant reminders of a dramatic past. During World War II, several aircraft tragically crashed in and around the Cheviot Hills — victims of bad weather, low visibility, and the remoteness of the area. Today, these sites offer powerful and moving destinations for walkers, combining historical significance with the solemn beauty of the Northumbrian uplands.
The B-17 Flying Fortress Crash
One of the most well-known incidents in the area is the crash of a B-17 Flying Fortress, which came down in 1944 high on the moors near the Cheviot summit. The aircraft was returning from a mission when it encountered poor weather and struck the hillside, killing several of the crew. Today, fragments of the wreckage still remain - a silent memorial to those who lost their lives. Reaching the site requires a strenuous hike across exposed terrain and should only be attempted by experienced walkers with a map and compass. You can read more about the crash on the BBC Archives website here.
Other Crash Sites in the Area
The hills around the College Valley contain several lesser-known crash sites involving RAF and Allied aircraft, including Wellingtons, Halifaxes, and Spitfires. Many of these planes were training or on routine flights when weather, mechanical failure, or navigational challenges caused them to go down.
Some sites are marked with small memorial plaques or cairns, while others have only scattered wreckage as a reminder. The remote nature of these locations means they have remained relatively undisturbed for decades, giving them a solemn, almost sacred atmosphere.
Visiting the Crash Sites
Reaching these sites involves remote walking, often off-path and across rough, boggy ground. Hikers should be well-prepared with proper footwear, weatherproof clothing, and navigational tools. Mobile signal is limited, and conditions can change rapidly in the hills. Visitors are asked to treat all wreckage with respect and not to remove any artefacts — these locations are considered war graves and hold deep meaning for the families of those lost.
A Living Memory
These crash sites are not tourist attractions in the traditional sense, but places of remembrance and reflection. They offer a stark contrast to the peaceful beauty of the Cheviots and are a humbling reminder of the valley's unexpected connection to global events.
The Cheviot Airmen Memorial
Located just outside Cuddystone Hall in the heart of the College Valley, the Cheviot Airmen Memorial stands as a quiet and dignified tribute to the many airmen who lost their lives in the Cheviot Hills during the Second World War. Surrounded by open moorland and framed by the hills that claimed so many wartime aircraft, the stone monument lists the names of those who perished in training and operational flights across the region. It is a place of reflection and respect, easily accessible by road (permit required) or on foot, and a meaningful stop for anyone exploring the valley’s wartime history. Learn more here.
Good to Know
Best accessed as part of a guided or well-researched walk.
Wreckage should not be disturbed or taken.
Weather can change quickly — go prepared.
Some sites are remote with no signage — use OS Explorer OL16.
Allow plenty of time — some locations can take 3–5 hours round-trip.