Hareshaw Linn and Return
Bellingham
Northumberland
Distance 7km Climb 85m
Monday 7 March 2022
After settling into the Riverdale Hall Hotel, Bellingham. We changed into our walking clothes and set off, turning right towards Bellingham Village. Crossing at the junction we joined the B6320 and The Pennine Way. Although driving through Bellingham a few times over the last few years it was in March 2011 I last walked through Bellingham on My Pennine Way.
After a few meters we were on High Street.
Walking passed the now closed looking Black Bull and Bellingham Town Hall. Across to Lock Up Lane I saw the Rocky Road Café. I don't think it was called this in March 2011 when I was on Day 13 of My Pennine Way but I remember how good the breakfast was and how much I needed it, lovely.
Anyway today we continued along Lock Up Lane which runs behind Front Street and turned right down Pennine Way. Crossing Hareshaw Burn and turning left up Foundry Yard.
After a few meters we came to the Hareshaw Linn Information Board. Notices were pinned showing work was being done on the walk due to the recent storms.
Snowdrops grew on the side of the tarmac path. It was lovely walking. The tarmac gave way to an earth path as we walked by Hareshaw Burn. Towards a large open area with a few picnic tables. On Hareshaw Burn we saw our first waterfall.
The path starts to climb a little and we saw ice framing puddles on the track. Although sunny and bright it was still cold. Cold enough to have stopped the sun melting the ice in places.
The footpath becomes a stone stepped path as it climbs a little more steeply.
We were now above Hareshaw Burn which ran down to our left.
The stone path gave way to an earth path as we continued north. I had spotted a couple of fallen trees along this part of the walk where coins had been struck into the side and base.
We had also passed a number of seats where you could rest.
Continuing along the path, it drops a little to a bridge over a stream that flows from our right to join Hareshaw Burn below to our left.
As the path drops a little further we came to the First Bridge over Hareshaw Burn.
It is interesting to see that each bridge has a sign showing it's OS Grid Reference.
Over the bridge and the path starts to climb a little more. Hareshaw Burn is now flowing to our right and after a few more meters we saw our next waterfall.
A little more climb and we were at Bridge 2.
The footpath is almost flat leading towards Bridge 3.
Passing a large iron girder that could be used as a seat we continued to Bridge 4.
It was lovely along here, all I could hear was the sound of Hareshaw Burn as the water ran over the stones and rocks. Another gentle climb as we made our way to Bridge 5. We had not come across any fallen trees on the footpath and so far the paths were clear.
As we crossed Bridge 5 we could see the footpath climbing steeply on the far side.
A wooden walkway followed by another short steep climb, then the ground levels for a few meters, before Bridge 6.
Bridge 6 has a lovely waterfall beneath it.
From Bridge 6 the footpath is a gentle climb with a few steps. To our left through the trees we could see Hareshaw Linn. The path drops down some stone steps under a large overhanging rock.
A large tree was stuck in the Linn. Large rocks looked like they had fallen from the top and had turned 90 degrees during the fall. After a few photos I turned back and walked back up the steps. It was lovely here and we were so lucky to have the place to ourselves.
We returned by the same route.
At one point I saw the stones under Hareshaw Burn. They looked like the rock had been cut into large squares. I am not sure if they had been placed like this or if erosion by the water had caused this?
After we had crossed all the Bridges I spotted this little fellow and his mate. Of all the photos I took, these were the best.
As we continued down the footpath, I noticed the birds singing.
We soon reached Bellingham Village. Returning to Lock Up Lane we had a look at a few interesting sights. Such as the Boar War Memorial.
The Chinese Gingall captured during the Boxer Rebellion.
It was only as I orientated myself within The Village I realised it had been the Black Bull I had stopped at for my evening meal Day 12 of My Pennine Way in March 2011. Another welcome meal.
Another interesting site was the stone roof of St Cuthbert's Church used to deter the Border Reivers from burning the Church down.
It did not take us long to return to The Riverdale Hall Hotel, where we had a well deserved couple of drinks and a lovely meal. We had walked in total 7km with an 85m 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 Northumberland or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.
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