Flodden & College Valley

A visit to the site of the Battle of Flodden (1513) and then getting right into the heart of the Cheviots up the spectacular College Valley.

This guided "stop & look" leisure ride leaves Wooler and heads out to the Grade I listed Weetwood Bridge.  We cross the River Till over the bridge and then ride on to Doddington enjoying looking over the Milfield Plain at the best vista of the mighty Cheviot Hills. From Doddington we continue parallel to the winding River Till over the Milfield Plain to Fenton.  Then to Ford and past its historic church and castle onwards to Branxton.  Here we visit the Flodden memorial and look over the battlefield where the last European king to die leading his army in battle, Kings James IV of Scotland, met his end.

Now we follow roads southwards through deep countryside to the Bowmont Water and Kilham and carry on to Westnewton, the gateway to the College Valley.  There follows a 6 mile climb towards the head of the valley flanked by the towering hills of the North Cheviots until road runs out and we arrive at the Mounthooley bunkhouse where we have lunch.  After lunch we retrace our route back to Westnewton, enjoying a thrilling descent.  From here we have a short distance to return to Wooler via Kirknewton, Akeld and the A697.

This journey takes us into deep into rural Northumberland where there few facilities and we need to be self-sufficient.  So it is necessary to bring a packed lunch, drinks (water, tea/coffee, pop) and any snacks you might want for the journey.  After leaving Wooler, the only toilets available to the public are at Kirknewton.  You will need to go au naturel, if you need relief elsewhere.

The ride is all on road.  Distance: 38 miles.  Difficulty level is strenuous  with some steep and long climbs.

Toilets:  There are toilets open to the public at Wooler and at Kirknewton Village Hall.  Toilets at pubs and cafes are generally for customers only. 

The ride is operated by the Wooler Cycle Hub on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority. 

The route, route profile, and gpx download (and direct downloads to compatible Garmin devices) are available on Garmin Connect: 

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/21541326