Highlight • Viewpoint
Ros Castle Hill Fort
Hiking
5.0
(15)
The hill’s name is technically ‘Ros Hill’ but it’s commonly referred to as ‘Ros Castle’ thanks to its Iron Age hillfort at the summit. It’s easy to see why the hill was chosen, from the summit, you can enjoy a sweeping panorama in every direction and see into the Northumberland National Park as easily as you can see over to the coast. On a particularly clear day, seven other hillforts are visible.
At 1,033 feet (315 m), Ros Castle rises above the River Till’s valley that lies between the hill and the eastern boundary of the Cheviot Hills. It’s immediately east of Chillingham Park, where you can see a herd of medieval cattle so well enclosed and inter-bred that they have the exact same DNA as those that mooed here hundreds of years ago.
You can park to the south, on a minor road, and reach the hillfort quickly over moorland. Otherwise, there are numerous trails criss-crossing the area so you can start from further afield with ease.
At 1,033 feet (315 m), Ros Castle rises above the River Till’s valley that lies between the hill and the eastern boundary of the Cheviot Hills. It’s immediately east of Chillingham Park, where you can see a herd of medieval cattle so well enclosed and inter-bred that they have the exact same DNA as those that mooed here hundreds of years ago.
You can park to the south, on a minor road, and reach the hillfort quickly over moorland. Otherwise, there are numerous trails criss-crossing the area so you can start from further afield with ease.
Tips
The Wandering Fiona
December 13, 2020
Hiking
Amazing views from the top on a clear day. You are meant to be able to see 7 castles
51m
December 21, 2022
Hiking
Ros Castle is a 3000-year-old Iron Age Hill Fort, at 315m it's also the highest point in the Chillingham Hills. There is a trig point and a toposcope building with four viewpoints and a labelled diagram for each. The views are superb.
Managed by the National Trust but free and open access.
Managed by the National Trust but free and open access.
Ronnie
July 27, 2025
Hiking
Ros Castle (Ros Hill) 316m P221 (1037ft)
(DoBIH Hill ID: 2317) [JNSA 12818]
County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.
(DoBIH Hill ID: 2317) [JNSA 12818]
County of Northumberland Definitive List summit.
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ros Castle Hill Fort
3.8
(6)
16
hikers
14.8km
04:08
270m
270m
Hike the moderate Cateran Hole & Ros Castle loop from Hepburn Wood for panoramic views, ancient sites, and diverse Northumberland landscapes
Moderate
4.7
(3)
20
hikers
13.0km
03:40
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
Moderate
5.0
(1)
10
hikers
3.01km
00:58
140m
140m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
Easy
Details
Informations
Elevation 330 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
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