The Hedley Kow
The Hedley Kow is a mischievous shape-shifting goblin or spirit from the folklore of Northumberland, particularly associated with the village of Hedley.
The word kow is an old northern dialect term connected to goblins, bogeys, or frightening spirits. Unlike darker supernatural creatures in northern folklore, the Hedley Kow is more of a trickster than a truly evil being. It delights in confusing travellers and humiliating the greedy or foolish.
The Origin Story
One of the best-known tales tells of a poor labourer who hears something crying like a lost calf. Thinking he has found a valuable animal, he carries it home over his shoulders, only for the creature to suddenly transform or vanish with mocking laughter before he reaches his cottage. In some versions it becomes straw, a stone, or simply disappears into the night.
The story reflects a common theme in northern English folklore: the supernatural testing human nature through greed, pride, or assumption. The Hedley Kow sits alongside creatures such as boggarts, and hobgoblins found throughout the North of England and Scottish Borders traditions.
Key Locations
Hedley on the Hill is a village in Northumberland, England. It is located between the valley of the River Derwent, and the watershed to the River Tyne.
Hedley on the Hill
Currock Hill is a special place in Tyne and Wear, England. It's a hill that stands 259 meters (about 850 feet) tall. This makes it the highest point in the entire county!
Currock Hill
Cherryburn isthe birthplace of the famous artist and naturalist Thomas Bewick. He is perhaps Northumberland’s greatest artist and naturalist. There is a beautiful garden with views across the Tyne Valley.
Cherryburn