Waskerley Way - Hownsgill Farm to Waskerley Reservoir - Co Durham 6 Nov 2019

Waskerley Way
Hownsgill Farm to Waskerley Reservoir and return
Co Durham
Distance 24km Climb 375m
Wednesday 6 November 2019

Today we were looking at doing part of the Waskerley Way. Arriving at Lydgett's Junction we found the car park was closed, so we continued on under the old railway bridge and turned up to Hownsgill Farm. Where I started our walk with a bacon sandwich and a cup of coffee.

Leaving the transport at the Farm. Today Steve, Evo and I had been joined by Nilesy and Holmsy. Les could not join us and sent his apologise. 

We walked back towards the old railway and turned left, south west, following the Waskerley Way sign, also cycle route 7. The weather was cool with cloud cover, lovely for walking. The forecast said it was going to be cold with possible showers, heavier rain later in the day. Looking back it was the best day of the week.

The track drops down to join the Way on the old railway line, we were walking between trees with high embankments on both sides. 

The views open up as we crossed the Hownsgill Viaduct. There are wide views on both sides, this is the view looking south east through the high bars and wires that have been added to the viaduct.

On the other side we were again walking under trees and between high embankments. After a short while the Way turns south and we were approaching Middle Heads where Evo spotted some black swans on a small pond. 

Crossing over a narrow farm track and we were turning south east again. There was a lot of water on the track. After a few hundred meters the Way turns east and climbs up a steep bank up to the A68 at Rowley. 

Over the A68 the Way leads down to another car park and picnic area.  

The Way was wet and muddy near Whitehall. After a few hundred meters we took the grass path up to the left which was slippery in places on the way down to re-join the track. Soon after, we crossed the road at the Whitehall picnic area. Over the road and the Way takes on a gentle climb, turning towards the south. It was turning warmer as the Way levelled. We were now walking between high embankments.

After passing under a bridge the countryside starts to open up especially to the west with views across the valley. We could see right across to Waskerley.

Another short climb and on our right there was a gate into a field showing Palmers Bridge. On the other side of the track there was a bench for Colin and Gavin. I removed my coat I was very warm now.

The last time I did this walk I wandered up to the left onto Oxen Law trig point to see the views. Follow this link if you would like to see my previous walk.

Today we continued along the Way south west.

The path dropped a little between high sided embankments and trees. After a few hundred meters the Way starts to climb again up towards the Red House.

An information notice just inside the Burnhill Nature Reserve, shows the Waskerley Way is made up of two old railway lines. Blanchland to Burnhill and Bishop Auckland to Consett. We would soon be passing through what had been Burn Hill Station. I was curious about this after seeing it on my previous walk. I had found a link to a site on Disused Stations which I have attached if you would like more information. It was interesting that Nilesy had said his Grandmother had worked in the munitions factory. 

The path drops and climbs a little along here and there is the remains of a high sided fence.

After heading south, there is a sharp bend in the Way and we followed the track as it turns northwards. You can see from the map this appears to be an old railway junction. We were now walking on the eastward side of a large forest called Drypry. The remains of the high sided fence ran between us and the trees. After a few hundred meters the fence along with the trees fell away to our left, west.

We were heading west towards Waskerley. Passed the large open stone wall that for me marks the Waskerley Way. Trees lined our approach along the Way.

An information notice shows this had previously been the Methodist Church.

Across from the old engine sheds we could see what was left of the station platform. To the left on my photo.

There is a long slow climb west from Waskerley. This part of the Way has no shelter it is totally open and exposed as I found on my last walk along here. It was a lot cooler now than it had been earlier. The sun tried to break through the cloud. There was a little warmth but not much. 

At the top of the rise we had two options we could either carry on along the Way to Park Head or drop down to Waskerley Reservoir, for our sandwiches. We turned down towards the Reservoir.

Following the road down hill. I like it here and have brought my grandchildren a few times. You can follow this link to another walk I did from here in December 2016.

Taking advantage of the picnic bench we put warm clothing back on and had our sandwiches. There was a gentle breeze and we could feel the cold air from the water. Something large was flying around the dam, Steve identified it as a buzzard. White swans were bobbing about on the water next to a flock of ducks.

It was a good day and I was enjoying myself with good views and good company. After sandwiches and hot chocolate we headed back.

The view east as we walked the steep path back up to the top.

Turning right and east back onto the Waskerley Way, Smiddy Shaw Reservoir to our left.

Approaching Waskerley.

Looking east across towards Red House.

Passed the area of the Burnhill Nature Reserve and Burnhill Station. 

Climb up to Palmers Bridge, passed Gavin and Colin's seat. Then continue down hill.

Straight through the Whitehall picnic site. Continuing to Rowley. I am not sure if I felt a couple of drops of water? No nothing, no rain.

Over the A68.

The black swans had moved up onto the grass near the pond, at Middle Heads. Straight over Hownsgill Viaduct.

The view north west from the viaduct.

Then it was a short walk back up to Hownsgill Farm and our transport. I had really enjoyed my day out and I hope everyone else did. Thank you, Steve, Evo, Nilesy and Holmsy. As I said earlier good views, good company and good weather. We had covered just over 24km with a 375m climb.

More to follow


Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.

If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done in County Durham or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

To view my previous Waskerley Way walk. September 2017.
Follow link to Waskerley Muggleswick Common December 2016

Vrata Valley to Triglavski Dom, - Slovenia 18 Oct 2019

Vrata Valley to Triglavski Dom and return
Slovenia
Distance 23km Climb 2015m
Friday 18 October 2019

It was still dark when we arrived at the car park near the barrier across the forest track. This was where we were going to start todays walk. Teddy our guide handed out helmets and the harnesses we would need. A number of cars were already in the car park.

With our gear we set off walking around the barrier and continued along the forest track, heading south. We passed Slajmerjev Dom and Aljazev Dom both at 1015m, both lay in sleepy silence. Through gaps in the trees I could see what looked small areas of pasture bathed in moonlight. But there was no time to hang about and my photos did not come out.

Leaving the trees we soon started to climb gently from the valley floor. After a few minutes we crossed a stream and reached a place of slopping scree where we could all gather, put on our harnesses and helmets. The sun was starting to rise.

We were following Teddy and it was not long before I started falling behind, as the path got steeper and the steps higher. At one point Teddy just skipped across the side of a almost vertical wall and I needed some help.

I have done a few challenging walks over the years but none like this.

I don't know why I was so slow, perhaps it was age, perhaps the altitude I am not sure. I had had an early night was well rested and well fed. No one else was affected.

We reached an area of via ferrata where I used my harness and at the top the views were stunning.

Holding John and Rob back we became separated from the group for a short while. I was very much aware I was holding them back and I don't know how many times I said leave me here and pick me up on the way down. When John said we would not be returning on this route I stopped asking.

I have walked in many groups before where I have led or been in the front and would never leave anyone. I know how frustrating it is to have a slow member of the group holding everyone back, today it was me. 

We met up with the main group again after crossing a large scree area. It took me ages to cross this I could not help it but I was starting to walk even slower. I could not walk any faster.

After a short break we headed upwards again. One foot in front of the other, steadily away, but I was still slow. At times I was only taking two or three steps and having to stop to get my breath. Mist or low cloud was forming on our route and at times the main group disappeared from view.

Rob kept me on the right track. As we climbed higher I saw the number of crows appeared to increase.

There was another area of via ferrata where I used my harness for my security.

Eventually we got our first view of Triglavski Dom. Rob leading the way.

We had reached the Dom (2515m), before we started Teddy had advised this was where he would review the weather and see if we could reach the top. Due to my performance this was as high as I was going and I knew that. Despite the height I was still very warm.

In Triglavski Dom, Teddy ordered some food and drinks. While we were waiting he had checked the weather and found it was too windy and therefore dangerous to go to the top. So this was as far as the rest of the group would get as well, which was a disappointment.

While at the Dom I asked Teddy about a few of the places I had visited in Slovenia four years ago when I was here with Anne. One was the Pericnik waterfall. Teddy said we had passed it on our way in from Mojstrana. Anne and I had walked to the waterfall from Mojstrana but I had not recognised the road in the dark. He said if there was time on our way back we may stop there for some photos.

While we were waiting for our food, Teddy told us about a cave in the area and asked if we would like to go and see it. Which is what we did. Leaving the Dom, Teddy led us down towards the south east side.

Following a narrow path down hill we came to the entrance of the cave which does not look very large.

There was a short climb up to the entrance, which was bigger than it looks.

Then a climb down on the inside. Inside the cave it was massive and I thought the cave floor looked like sand, but it was ice. In some places I saw a diamond pattern which must have been made by falling water in the ice. Unfortunately this has not come out in any of my photos.

Fascinating.

Once out we scrambled back up the hill to the Dom, well I scrambled slower than others back to the Dom. Where a much welcome bowl of soup was waiting for us.

This is where we were heading after lunch.

After our lunch we set off again travelling north. A short climb then we dropped down onto a short ridge so we stopped for a few photos. Mist, low cloud sat on the tops and in the valleys.

On our way we passed a couple of areas of via ferrata, we dropped down again. After dropping down to another Dom. I set off behind Teddy, towards a short climb but it was not long before I was soon falling behind again.

After another short rise we were dropping again, across the side of a number of scree patches. Teddy pointed out the piles of stones we were following. At a brief stop I asked Teddy if there was any ibex in the area. He said we would be very lucky if we saw any. While standing Lenny spotted a small white stoat like animal running behind the rocks, too quick for my camera. A little further down the hill we had another short stop and Teddy pointed out two ibex watching us from above.

Then after a few more minutes and a little further down the scree path we saw these two. I am not sure if it is the same two ibex or another two so we are very lucky. This looks like a female ibex.

Can you see the ibex in this photo?

After Teddy told us a little about some local vegetation being good for colds and flu's we came to an area of steep scree. Teddy showed the younger members of the group how to motor down the steep slopes. I took my time, keeping Rob back, and each time I caught up with Teddy he set off again sprinting down the scree. He was in a hurry, I could understand that, I would have done that.

In places it was very steep as we zig zagged down hill and occasionally I did fall over.

A good few hundred meters down hill and we reached the forest. After tripping over a few branches we were on a steep grassy path which in places was slippery due to the fallen leaves. The autumn colours were beautiful.

At the bottom of the hill the track came out of the forest. Leaving the forest we were back on the forest track and heading back towards the car park. I was still slow even walking on the level. It had been such a challenge.

Back at the vehicles Teddy reminded me about visiting the Pericnik waterfall. It was agreed that I could visit the waterfall with my friends in the vehicle I was driving. Teddy would drive our other friends back to our accommodation. So following Teddy in the vehicles we stopped at Pericnik. This was where we said good bye to him and our other friends.

We had a walk up to the waterfall for a few photos. If you want to see my previous walk Mojstrana to Pericnik with Anne then please follow the link. It was nothing like today's walk.

On our way back we eventually passed through Mojstrana and I tried to point out the statue to Jakob Aljaz. I read on my previous visit that Jakob Aljaz was a priest, who bought the top of Triglav for the people of Slovenia and this was the start of the forming of the Triglav National Park.

Today had been a hard day but I had enjoyed it. It had been a challenge and an opportunity I could not have missed. I felt awful at holding my friends back but I just could not walk any faster. This was an experience I am so grateful I was able to take part in so Thank you John for letting me come along with you. Thank you Rob for all the support and Thank you Teddy for the experience. My watch shows I had covered over 23km with a 2015m climb.

What a brilliant and extraordinary day.

More to follow


Boz North

Details correct at time of walking.

If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done in Slovenia or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

Follow link to my previous walk in Slovenia. Vintgar Gorge to Blejski Grad. It was nothing like this walk.