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Tuesday, 4 April 2017
Sunday, 2 April 2017
Weardale Way Day 2 - Worm Hill to Finchale Priory - Tyne and Wear to Co Durham 31 March 2017
Weardale Way - Day 2
Worm Hill to Finchale Priory and return
Tyne and Wear to Co Durham
Distance 28km Climb 380m
Friday 31 March 2017
I had walked from Bede's Cross to Worm Hill in February, the first part of the Weardale Way on the LDWA website. Today was my second day and I was going to walk a little further on the 124km Weardale Way.
I drove up and down Fatfield looking for a place to leave the car, eventually I decided on a place near Worm Hill. Leaving the car I walked passed Worm Hill and down the bank and turned right towards the Fatfield War Memorial.
Following my walk here in February I found out that the original Memorial Cross had been damaged in a gale and had been turned into a spike. When I was younger I remember the spiked monument on Worm Hill. Today the War Memorial is located further down the hill and has a new cross, you can see the new stone cross on the memorial.
Returning back to the bridge, I could see Penshaw Monument to the East.
Crossing over the Station Road Bridge I turned right, south west and dropped down to the path by the river. Look out for the crocodile.
The path moves into a small wood that looks like it has been used as bike track with jumps. The path is a little bashed here, but comes out onto a bridleway behind some bungalows, I turned right, south east, along to a road. At the road I turned right and followed the path under the A182 Washington Highway as it turned south then east.
The footpath turns south east and follows the Washington Highway for approx 800m. The sound of the traffic was a bit off putting but soon the path turns away and heads south next to a fence line. This is the boundary on the east side of Biddick Hall. Lots of trees in the area deaden the sound of the traffic and I could hear the birds singing in the sunshine. This path took me away from the River Wear, I will be coming back to the Wear a little further on my walk.
On reaching the A183, I was a little unsure which way the footpath continued. It appears to be straight across the road, however checking the map it is across the road and approx 50m to the left. Eventually I saw the footpath sign that led down some steps to a path next to an old disused railway line.
After walking by the edge of a narrow strip wood, south, the footpath moves along the edge of a field. Across the field to my right I could see the houses of Bournmoor. The footpath moves away from the old railway line and turns slightly south west. Moving through a gap in some trees I was on a proper track heading towards some houses, one with a couple of distinctive twisted brick chimneys.
Across a narrow road the footpath rises a little over a grassy area before dropping to a footbridge over a stream. From the footbridge there is a slight climb up a new tarmac path to the A1052. Turn right on the A1052 and follow it north west, down hill to The Floaters Mill.
From The Floaters Mill my route was across the road. There are two footpath gates, I took the one on the right, that runs by Lumley Park Burn. This was the stream I crossed earlier on my way up to the A1052.
Lumley Park Burn runs through Lumley Park Wood and it was lovely and peaceful walking through here, all I could hear where birds singing.
As the path climbs from Lumley Park Wood it arrives at a road that passes under the A1.
I turned right, north and crossed the road, taking the footpath up the steep sided bank that cuts off the bend in the road.
At the top of the bank I turned left, north on the road. After about 10m there is a narrow road that turns left, west. It is shown as a private road but has a public footpath sign, so I crossed the style and continued along the private road.
The road crosses over the A1 and twists and turns a little passing a farm before turning to a grass track into Lumley Park Wood. Down to my right I could see Lumley Park Burn.
The path dropped and twisted, at times following the Lumley Park Burn. I passed a bridge on my left and through the trees I could see the back of Lumley Castle. A little further the footpath follows a wall leading to a house. The footpath is signposted to the right of the house. At the far end a little gate shows Waugh's Way, but I have not been able to find any details on who Waugh was. Checking an old map on the internet it shows the house was previously called the Garden House.
From the house the track drops down to the Burn and becomes a narrow path, slippery in places.
At the north of the footpath the track turns west and south where it crosses a bridge onto the golf course. The footpath heads south west crossing the golf course. Near where Lumley Park Burn joins the River Wear the footpath leaves the golf course and heads south by the River Wear. Looking back I could see Lumley Castle.
The footpath now follows south by the River Wear, passing under Lumley New Road. The Riverside, Durham Cricket Ground, Chester-le-Street, is on the opposite bank.
After approx 1km the path again moves away from the river and heads up through a small wood. After crossing a stream the footpath climbs a little up through trees. Coming out of the wood the path heads south east by the trees.
From the trees there is no signs but my map shows a sharp left, east, turn. Following a hedge line it was a steep climb to the top of the field where I crossed a style and turned left, south, then over another style. I found I was now on "Cuddys Corse". A walk along which St Cuthbert's Community carried St Cuthbert's coffin and the Lindisfarne Gospels from Chester-le-Street to Durham.
The footpath climbs steadily upward. At the top it turns sharp left, east, up to the road. I was now at Great Lumley.
Crossing the road and continuing south down a road beside a housing estate, as the road turns left a footpath continued south through fields. Following the footpath along hedged lined field borders, left east, then right, south coming out on the road Cocken Lane near Charles Pit cottages.
The road drops and climbs a little to a T junction with Cocken Road. This was the first time today I saw a sign showing I was on the Weardale Way.
I turned left and walked approx 100m to the steps that took me down a steep climb down to the River Wear again. Through the trees I could see Finchale Priory. Down the steps I crossed the bridge over the River Wear to Finchale Priory.
A couple of guinea fowl were wandering around the picnic area. I could see how people say birds come from prehistoric times. After my sandwiches I had a walk around the Priory.
After my visit, it was now time to return. Crossing the bridge and the steep climb back to the road I headed back the way I had come.
The views looking back from Great Lumley were stunning.
I could see the Angel of the North standing to the north west. I passed close to the Angel on a previous walk along Bowes Railway Path.
Often today I thought of my Mam, Vera, she would have known this area very well as a child. Growing up less than a km from where I was walking. Vera would have talked in miles not kms. The fields, paths, streams and woods would have been very familiar to her.
It had been a lovely days walking. I had covered just over 28km with 380m 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 on The Weardale Way or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.
Follow link to previous walk on Weardale Way Bede's Cross to Worm Hill
Follow link to next walk on Weardale Way Fincale Priory to Shincliffe
Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Davidson's Linn from Breamish Valley - Northumberland 21 March 2017
Davidson's Linn from Breamish Valley and Return
Northumberland
Distance 23.4km Climb 650m
Tuesday 21 March 2017
I parked the car on the side of the road near Hartside (242m) and walked west passed the farm. A very cold, strong wind was blowing from the west, although the sky was bright and sunny. The forecast was for showers turning to snow on high ground.
The cold strong wind was directly in my face as I walked down the road towards Linhope (230m). I was glad of my new woolly hat and gloves. The cold air made my teeth and gums sore.
The air was sheltered, still and warm at the bottom of the bank at Linhope. I followed the footpath signs left, south as I moved round west over a grass path as it climbs by some private land. The grass footpath joins a track as it continues to climb up through an open gate to follow the edge of the wood north west.
Following a footpath sign left, north west from the track up a grassy climb, I was walking to the north of Ritto Hill. I was again back in the full force of the strong cold wind as I headed west. To my front right, north west I could see Great Staindrop. Follow link to my walk in the opposite direction to this just last week.
The ground was very wet in places, there was still small patches of snow and ice, I fought the wind to reach Rig Cairn (460m). I could not hear any birds due to the high wind.
Dropping down from Rig Cairn crossing the open ground I was forcing my way against the wind. There was no rest, which was a shame as the views were clear and it would have been nice to stop and have a look about.
There was a little relief as I dropped into the small lee of the hill before the next climb. Crossing a style I followed the footpath round the north side of High Cantle.
Through a gate then a step descent, south west, to cross a fence, all the way down I felt the wind was trying to push me back up the hill. Finally at the bottom I crossed a field to join a bridleway Salter's Road (340m). It was nice and sheltered here.
Turning right on Salter's Road I headed north west for a short while as I followed the path over a footbridge over the River Breamish.
Follow the River Breamish west for a few hundred meters, Salter's Road turns south westerly as it climbs from the River along a fence line. After a steep climb, with the wind once again in my face, the path levels as it passes through a couple of gates then turn to climb steeply again.
After crossing a couple of streams it levels to head towards a forest.
It was cold and snow had formed on the other side of the gate posts (468m). Continuing west I was looking forward to finding some shelter from the cold wind, that I had had to push myself against nearly all of the way.
On finally reaching the shelter of the trees I had to take care not to take the wrong track. A forest track comes in from the left, as Salter's Road bends a little right, a little further on a forest track heads straight on, Salter's Road is marked with a big boulder that leads down through trees on the left. It was quiet and peaceful along here, and although cold I was out of the wind.
The forest opens a little and a footpath drops down to the left to follow Clay Burn. I spotted a couple of white patches moving along the tree line. As usual I took a few photos but this was the best. I am not sure if I spooked them as I moved along the track as they just turned and walked off into the trees without any sigh of alarm.
Continuing along Salter's Road, near an area of felled trees, I spotted this little chap who was quite happy to stay and have his photo taken. Looking it up when I got home it appears to have been a Red Crossbill. I again in my excitement took too many blurred photos.
After a gentle climb the road bends almost 90 degrees heading north west. Opening up to my left, after a few meters I could see Davidson's Linn below me. From here it did not look that impressive however closer too it does. I walked down the path over the footbridge and walked along the burn to have a closer look at the waterfall (400m).
After a few photos I walked back to the bridge to cross over and dropped down the side to the bottom of the falls, where it was warm and sheltered and I had my sandwiches.
It was lovely and warm a proper sun trap. The rocks, waterfalls and deep pools were interesting. None of my photos have done it justice. I could have stayed there longer, but as always time was moving on.
I left Davidson's Linn and moved south, keeping the Burn to my right.
Following the Burn I reached a fence where I was looking south towards Uswayford. Looking at my map and doing a little time appreciation I was deciding where I would go next. As I was thinking and planning a few heavy flurries of snow came and made up my mind. I could see to the west large, heavy dark clouds were forming. I knew the weather forecast was for showers turning to snow on high ground, so rather than be too ambitious I decided to return to Salter's Road.
Turning north I walked along a footpath into the forest until I reached Salter's Road. Snow was falling, I was thinking I had made the right decision.
Turning right I continued along Salter's Road to the boulder and turned right again. You can see the sun was bright again now and the snow had turned into nothing.
Turning left following the Road I was climbing back towards the gate when another heavy bout of snow blew horizontal to the ground. Fortunately the wind was now at my back, again this soon stopped.
Reaching the gate I was now in open country and although the strong wind was now mainly behind me. It would change direction and strength knocking me all over.
Moving down Salter's Road towards the River Breamish I could see Coldlaw Cairn to my left, dropping down to Shielcleugh Edge and High Cantle. Where I had walked last week.
Follow link to a previous walk down this part of Salter's Road.
Today I would continue along Salter's Road.
On reaching the River Breamish I continued south east along the bridleway, towards High Bleakhope.
It was lovely and warm along The River Breamish, the snow had not come to anything. Passing through High Bleakhope I continued south east towards Low Bleakhope (300m), disturbing a pair of Oystercatchers. Who took to the air flying in large circles around the area, with their distinctive cries and black and white V.
At Low Bleakhope I could turn left, north east towards Alnhammoor, or continue south east on Salter's Road. I choose Salter's Road.
As I was climbing steady from Low Bleakhope along Salter's Road the sky turned dark and another heavy flurry of snow fell. As before this did not last long and the sun was soon out, although still very cold.
At the top (423m) the path soon drops.
Just before Little Dod, there is a fence not shown on my map. I took the footpath (370m) north east towards Alnhammoor.
In places it was wet and boggy. Turning to a wide grass path as it drops down towards Alnhammoor.
Eventually it drops down to a narrow footbridge over a stream before climbing up to a gate. The path contours the edge of the slope before joining a track next to the farm.
At the bottom of the bank I turned left and took the footpath in front of the farm.
Turning right at the road, that drops down to cross the River Breamish.
Crossing the River Breamish I continued to follow the road left, north as it turns right, east and climbs a steep bank. As the road levels I could see across to Dunmoor Hill behind Hartside with Cunyan Crags to the right.
A short walk following the road east then north brought me back to my car. A very cold blowy days walk, fortunately the snow had not yet appeared. I had covered 23.4km with 650m 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.
Follow link to other walks in this area
Cushat Law, Bloodybush Edge from Breamish Valley
Hedgehope Hill via Threestoneburn Wood
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