Begin along a track from the far end of the car park. Some 25yds (23m) beyond a barrier, abandon it for an unmarked path on the left. It climbs sharply through the forest to a ladder stile below Hepburn Crags. Bear slightly right and pick your way up between the boulders. The going is steep and occasionally a simple clamber, although care is required when it is wet or icy. Above the boulders, continue across sloping heath, from which there is a view to the ruined bastle, or fortified farmhouse, by the car park. 

Pass through a breach in the embankment (part of an Iron Age fort sited on the hill) to a waymarked fork. Branch left to follow a clear path across the heather towards Ros Castle, the prominent hill rising on the skyline. Eventually joining a path from the right, walk on to meet a lane. 

A path opposite continues towards Ros Castle, rising steeply across its eastern flank to a trig column beside the summit wall. It was the site of another Iron Age hill-fort and plaques on the viewing platform help identify the distant hills. Below to the northwest is Chillingham Park, where, with binoculars, you might catch a glimpse of the wild cattle. Ros Castle was presented to the National Trust in 1936 as a memorial to Viscount Grey of Fallodon KG, foreign secretary from 1905 to 1916, and who particularly enjoyed this lonely spot.    

Head back to the road, cross and retrace your outward path across the moor to the waymarked fork by the fort at the top of Hepburn Crags. Now take the left branch, which runs away just east of south at the edge of the moor above the steep wooded escarpment. Shortly closing with a wire fence, keep going until, eventually, you reach a small gate. 

Passing through, the path picks a course through the trees, losing height to reach a clearing below a craggy outcrop. The view looks out to the Cheviot Hills, the massive bulk of The Cheviot itself some 11 miles (17.7km) away across the Till valley. The ongoing path continues its descent across the hillside, eventually dropping out onto a rough track. Go right, soon meeting a broad forest trail.    

Turn sharp left and follow it down through the trees, gently curving to the bottom tip of Hepburn Wood before sweeping right in a long steady ascent.

After 0.75 miles (1.2km), at a junction, look to the left where there is a small enclosure protecting the cist and capstone of a Bronze Age burial. It is reckoned to be around 4,000 years old. Follow the main track to the left below the forested slopes of Hepburn Crags, shortly returning to the car park.