Yeavering Bell And Newton Tors

There are some amazing hillforts to be found in The Cheviots, but one of the most impressive has to be Yeavering Bell. I haven't really ventured up this area before, so it was time for a visit.

As I am also looking to conquer the 35 hills over 500m in The Cheviots, then this would allow me to tick off a few more and also bag a couple of trig points.

The plan was to head east to Gains Law, Tom Tallon's Crag then onto Newton Tors. From here head up Hare Law, Wester Tor, Eastor Tor and then start heading back via Yeavering Bell and Humbleton Hill.

Starting from Wooler Common car park I just followed the road sloping upwards and then followed a sign pointing towards Humbleton Hill which got me on to the open access land.

Just reaching the top of the ascent I spy Humbleton Hill in the distance which will be final place on the return leg.

I take a left here and head west following St. Cuthbert's Way. A little look south and I see the Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill in the distance.

A quick look back and Humbleton Hill is starting to disappear into the distance.

As I ascend a little further I get my first glimpse of my destinations. The green double peaked hill to the right is Yeavering Bell. The long hill to the left is Wester Tor and the little hill in the middle is Easter Tor. They look a canny distance away.

One of my favourite parts of this walk is that while wandering west to Newton Tors (where Wester Tor and Easter Tor live) is that the Cheviot accompanies you on your journey all the way.

My first little diversion is to bag the Gains Law trig point.

From the top I get a much clearer picture of my destinations. Still a canny jaunt away.

Getting closer now and a much better look at Yeavering Bell.

Continuing west on St. Cuthbert's Way the next place to find is Tom Tallon's Crag which is a little rocky outcrop.

According to an old Ordnance Survey Name Book - "There is a vague tradition about Tom Tallon having been a Warrior and Slain here.".

Time to leave St. Cuthbert's Way and start heading to Newton Tors.

A final photo of Yeavering Bell, before I start to head south west and away from it.

The Cheviot is still looking glorious and I can now just make out Cunyan Crags sitting on Dunmoor Hill.

Some little crags to investigate and also a memorial to a chap called Derek Edwards.

I am now in the middle of Newton Tors, at the crossroads between Easter Tor and Wester Tor. Easter Tor is beckoning, but I will come back to you on my return leg.

My route heads south west towards Wester Tor.

One of my favourite things on this walk was finding these lovely little signs dotted around pointing the way to the hills. I need not have brought my map!

My plan now is to head up the south side of Wester Tor and on to Hare Law. Then head back around to the northern part to see that little crag jutting out.

Fortunately there is a nice clear path to follow.

I'm now in the middle of Wester Tor and can easily see the crag, but will save that for later. Onwards to the trig point first.

The Newton Tors trig point sits 537m above sea level.

Again, no need to get my map out as my next destination of Hare Law is beautifully pointed out.

Just a short walk following the fence line to the top and I'm rewarded with the most amazing views.

I have a wander over to the crag on top.

Then I retrace my steps back down and head off towards the summit of Wester Tor.

As I am taking some photos of the crags and the views I see a little movement down the bank and what an amazing discovery. I am hugely privileged to get my first sighting of the legendary wild goats of the Cheviots.

I kept my distance and snapped a few shots while they happily grazed and then wandered off. A few more snaps of the crags and then I start to make my way to Easter Tor.

As I am heading down the bank, I spy another little herd of the wild goats.

Again they just happily eat away and then mooch off as you wander past them. A quick look back to Wester Tor and then it's only a few km to Easter Tor.

On my approach I take a final look south at The Cheviot and Hedgehope Hill and I can now see Langlee Crags and Middleton Crags.

Easter Tor firmly ahead now.

Am at the top and lots of fabulous crags to explore.

Wester Tor looks miles away now.

And Yeavering Bell is getting closer!

On my approach I see another little herd of the wild goats and also with a cute little kid in tow.

I'm on the home straight to Yeavering Bell now and I happen upon some little brick walls that are dotted all the way down the descent.

I'd like to think they are from some sort of rural or medieval market stall, but I assume they are for grouse shooting.

To ascend Yeavering Bell you pretty much have to head down right to the bottom of the hill. No saddles from adjoining hills here.

Had a quick orange by the sheephold and then spied a sheep standing defiantly as I scampered past.

And I've made it to the top!

But I'm not alone up here. There are a couple of paragliders having the absolute best views soaring above.

Time to head down and then towards White Law.

Then skirting around Clead's Clough.

Then disaster struck. As I was heading near the farm, the gate to the path was blocked!

Fortunately as I hugged the fence line and crept towards them, they had a little wander away enough for me to skulk quickly through.

Then it was up Harehope Hill and passing by Monday Cleugh.

From here is was a quick ascent up Humbleton Hill, but as time and my water had ran out it was just a fleeting visit. Also there were more paragliders and spectators up on top.

Then just a skip and a jump down Humbleton Hill and I'm on my way back to the car park.

Another beautiful day in The Cheviots and will definitely have another visit here.