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
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