College Valley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids College Valley |
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 College Valley
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| OS grid reference | NT8928 |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ALNWICK |
| Postcode district | NE71 |
| Dialling code | 01665 |
| Police | Northumbria |
| Fire | Northumberland |
| Ambulance | North East |
| EU Parliament | North East England |
| UK Parliament |
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The College Valley is a beautiful valley found in the Cheviot Hills in Northumberland, England. It's one of five main valleys that cut into these hills. The valley is owned by College Valley Estates. This estate was set up and funded by a special trust created by Sir James Knott. He was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he helped make laws for the country.
It's a really beautiful place. You can enjoy a peaceful climb up the Cheviot, which is the highest mountain in this area. The Cheviot stands 815 metres (2,674 feet) tall.
The College Valley Estate covers about 12,000 acres (48.5 square kilometres). It is managed by a group of directors. Their job is to look after the valley. They want to make sure it is great for nature, for people, and for the local economy. The estate is about 10 kilometres long from north to south. It is 7 kilometres wide at its widest point. There are over 105 kilometres of roads and paths to explore.
The valley is open for everyone to visit. However, if you want to drive your car into the valley, you need a special permit. Only a limited number of permits are given out each day. This helps keep the valley peaceful and protected.
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Getting to College Valley
There is one main road that leads into the College Valley. This road starts near a village called Kirknewton. Kirknewton is on the road between Wooler and Kirk Yetholm.
Once you enter the valley, the road splits into two.
- The road to the right goes towards Trowup Burn.
- The road to the left leads to the estate office and farm. This path continues further up the main valley towards the Cheviot mountain itself.
History of the Valley
The hills around College Valley have many old Bronze Age forts. These forts were built a very long time ago. This shows that people have lived in this area for thousands of years.
More recently, the College Valley Estate has had several owners.
- One famous owner was Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood. He was a well-known admiral in the British Navy.
- After him, the Grey family, who lived at Howick Hall, owned the estate.
- Later, a person named Arthur Sutherland became the owner.
Houses and Buildings in the Valley
The main office for the College Valley Estate is at Hethpool House, Kirknewton.
Around the valley, you will find several cottages. These cottages were built in a special style called Arts and Crafts. This style focuses on handmade items and traditional designs.
Hethpool Mill is another building in the valley. It used to be a mill, but now it has been changed into a place where visitors can stay. People have lived at Hethpool Mill since the 13th century.
As you go deeper into the valley towards the Cheviot, the valley splits again.
- The path to the right goes to Mounthooly. This building is now a YHA hostel, which is a place where travellers can stay cheaply.
- The path to the left goes up to Goldsceugh. Along this path, you will pass Coldburn Cottage and Dunsdale House.
Hills in College Valley Estate
The College Valley Estate includes many hills. The most famous one is The Cheviot, which is the highest at 815 metres. Other notable hills in the area include:
- The Schil (600m)
- Black Hag (549m)
- Scald Hill (546m)
- Newton Tors (537m)
- Preston Hill (520m)
- Broadhope Hill (516m)
- Saughieside Hill (487m)
- Coldburn Hill (484m)
- Whitelaw Nick (430m)
- Loft Hill (410m)
- Madam Law (397m)
- Eccles cairn (350m)
- Sinkside Hill
- Great Hetha
- White hill (226m)
Images for kids
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Looking north down the valley
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Hethpool lake, north of Hethpool house
