Ford and Etal with a visit to Duddo Stones - Northumberland 19 Oct 2020

Ford and Etal with a visit to Duddo Stones
Northumberland
Distance 15.5km Climb 130m
Monday 19 October 2020

I was not going to post this walk but then I thought why not, I haven't posted much this year and it was an interesting walk.

We drove to the Heatherslaw Mill Visitor Centre. Where after parking in the car park we crossed the bridge.

After a quick look around the Visitor Centre we decided to follow the River walk to Ford. It is an easy enough walk, just following the signs.

After passing a farm we reached a row of cottages and a sign directed us left across fields.

At the corner of the field another sign took us left around the edge of a large field. Large oak trees which must have stood for century's formed the border of the field.  

At the bottom of the field the path turns right and we could catch glimpses of the River Till between the trees and bushes.

At the next corner, another turn right around the edge of the field and the footpath took us through a gate onto the road B6353. Turning left we walked the road and crossed a large stone bridge over the River Till.  

Crossing over the bridge we could see the large gates and gate house belonging to the Ford Estate. No entry. 

Turning right at the junction we crossed the road and walked along the path. This took us beside a large field of Belted Galloway Cattle, a sign shows the bull is called Shearer.  

At the corner we turned left, following the B6353 up hill, it is a little steep. Passing the St Michael and All Angels Parish Church.

Just passed the Church was a sign directing us towards Ford Village, pedestrians only. It was level along here and the large gate for the Ford Estate stood down to our left. 

Turning right up a tree lined path.

We reached what had been a fountain, the Waterford Fountain. Dedicated to Lord Waterford from his wife the Lady Waterford. 

Walking up the village we passed some interesting looking buildings.

At the top of the street was a building with Queen Victoria depicted on the outside. The Hugh Joicey Church of England First School.

Next door to what had been the Horseshoe Forge.

We then turned round and stopped off for a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich at the Post Office Café.

After our short rest we returned back towards Heatherslaw Mill walking the same route back.

Back at Heatherslaw Mill we walked straight through.

Over the bridge Anne spotted the footpath towards Etal. There is a Light Railway that we could have used? Why use the train when we could walk.

The footpath climbs a little as it moves beside the road B6354.

At the top of the field, we left through a gate and crossed the road onto the path that runs by the road.

This took us into Etal. Turning left we walked into the village.

At the end was Etal Castle, behind which was the station for the Light Railway from Heatherslaw Mill.

After a look around we returned walking through the village.

Passing a thatched cottage. I don't think I have seen any thatched cottages in Northumberland? 

Then across the road is the Black Bull, I saw a sign that says this is the only thatched pub in Northumberland.

Back at the B6354 we crossed over to have a look at the St Mary the Virgin Chapel.

It was starting to rain a little as we headed back down the B6354.

It did not take us long to return back to Heatherslaw Mill.

Where we jumped into the car and headed along the B6354 towards Berwick-upon-Tweed. At Duddo we turned left following the sign for the Stone Circle. After approx 500m we pulled into a layby at another sign for the Stone Circle. A notice shows that this is not a public right of way but the land owner has allowed access.

It was raining a little when we set off, but soon cleared up.

Around the edge of the fields. Due to the recent rainfall it was a little wet and muddy, but no real problem.

We followed the path across the farmers field.

I walked down to the information board, which has a lot of interesting information on the Stones. Such as Radiocarbon of charcoal found in the soil indicates the Stones may have been erected as early as 2000BC.

On my way back up to the Stones, Anne spotted some deer in the field just below us. 

After a few more photos we headed back to the car. It had been an interesting walk. All together we had walked 15.5km and 130m climb, this doesn't include the drive up to Duddo. 

It is not only such a long time since we have been out walking, but also Geocaching. So on an impulse I switched the app on and found there was a few Geocaches I picked up as we passed them. I should have done it on yesterdays walk. Not to worry another time.

More to follow

Boz North

Details correct at time of walking.

Follow link to yesterdays walk Beadnell to Craster.

Follow link to tomorrows walk The Flodden Battlefield.