Sat 1stOctober 1. In the footsteps of Wainwright Day 1 Westgate to Blanchland Meet at: Distance: Grade: Ascent Descent: Walk Fee: Bring: Leader:

Transcription

1 Sat 1 st October 1. In the footsteps of Wainwright Day 1 Westgate to Blanchland In 1938 Alfred Wainwright set out on a Pennine Journey, the objective of which was to complete a circular route from Settle via Hadrian s Wall. This walk, along with walk 4, will follow two sections of Wainwright s 247 mile route. Today we begin the walk at Westgate in Weardale and set off in a North-easterly direction through County Durham towards the village of Rookhope. The village is a former lead and fluorspar mining community and stands beside Rookhope Burn, a tributary of the River Wear. We then follow the route up Bolt s Law incline, which was formerly a wagon ropeway, and climb to Bolt s Law summit. The summit, at 1771 feet, is the highest point on the route and on a clear day offers excellent views of distant moors and valleys. The route descends over the moors to Ramshaw and follows Bolt s Burn and the River Derwent to the county border at Blanchland, finishing the walk in Northumberland. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR: NY , at 08:20am. Coach leaves for Westgate at 08:30am. Return coach from Blanchland. Distance: 12miles Grade: Strenuous Ascent: 1309ft Descent: 1414ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Alistair Lishman 2. Bronze Age stones, Crags & the Vallum (Hollin Crag & Caw Gap) A steady, but not steep, ascent from Haltwhistle takes us north to a ridge with open views across the South Tyne valley. We follow the ridge to Cranberry Brow, before turning north again, crossing the Vallum, then another short ascent takes us to Hadrian's Wall and the highest part of the walk. After briefly following the Wall Trail, we re-cross the Vallum and pass the "Mare and Foal", two standing stones that are the only remains of a pre-roman British stone circle. The return is through the beautiful Haltwhistle Burn gorge, always one of the most popular sections of our walks. By the end of the walk, you should know more about the Vallum than at the start! Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR: NY , at 10:00am Distance: 8 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent & Descent 453ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: John Johnson 3. The History of Haltwhistle Burn Many of us have walked beside Haltwhistle Burn countless times, yet how many have really taken the time to stop, look around, and imagine what a fascinating area this must have been 50 or 100 or even a 1000 years ago. Who has spotted the hidden faces in the rocks? What caused 1000 deaths here? Has anyone met the ghost? Have you stood at the site of Britain s first ever corn mill built by the Romans? This walk is an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of Haltwhistle Burn, a history that starts with the Romans and ends in the 1930 s. This now peaceful area, home to an abundance of wildlife, was once the industrial powerhouse of Haltwhistle with woollen mills, coal pits, quarries, lime kilns, breweries and even trains filling this wooded valley. All of which will be discussed during this walk. Please come and join us; you are guaranteed to learn something. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR: NY707641, at 10:30am Distance: 5 miles Grade: Easy / Moderate Ascent & Descent: 453ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: James Blythe 1

2 Sunday 2 nd October 4. In the footsteps of Wainwright Day 2 Blanchland to Hexham The longer walk today begins in the picturesque village of Blanchland and sets off up the Shildon Valley towards Blanchland Moor. We pass places with interesting names such as Pennypie House and Longman s Grave before crossing the moor and entering the woods at Dukesfield Fell. In contrast, the route now follows the Devil s Water into Hexhamshire, through pastures and woods, with some of stunning Northumbrian countryside on display. Letah Wood is next, a beautiful woodland area. We then climb out of the valley past Queen s Letch, to the hill summit, where there are views over Hexham and the North and South Tyne Valleys. Finally, our route descends into Hexham, where we will pass through alleyways and parkland before we arrive at the River Tyne. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR: NY707641, at 08:20am to leave at 08:30am for coach to Blanchland. Return coach from Hexham. Distance: 14 miles Grade: Strenuous Ascent: 1227ft Descent:1945ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch Leader: John Robinson 5. Who was the fearsome Frank Stokoe? (North of Haydon Bridge) The walk starts from the village library and information centre with adjacent rail connection and ample parking. Almost immediately there is a steep climb north through the fields to the farm complex at Tofts. We take this steadily in order to enjoy the views. We walk west through fields, to the hamlet of Chesterwood and its several converted old 'bastle' fortified buildings. Here was the domain of the legendary Frank Stokoe. We continue through fields, woodland and quiet roads to climb up to Haresby Lonnen. There are wonderful views over the South Tyne valley and the notorious Muckle Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) bog, where WW2 military vehicles 'disappeared'. We return downhill through the farms and fields of Prior House, Whinnetley and Peelwell to the village and your chance to visit one of its welcoming hostelries. Meet at: Near railway station, Church Street, Haydon Bridge, GR NY , at 10:00am Distance: 8miles Grade: Moderate Ascent and Descent: 990ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Henry Swaddle 6. Fungal Foray with Gordon Beakes After a year s gap this popular walk returns to the festival. The aim of this walk will be primarily to forage for the wild mushrooms that can be found in October. The first part of the walk follows the old south Tyne railway line, and is often surprisingly good for mushrooms and toadstools - particularly those species associated with the birch trees that line the old railway embankments. The conifer woodland near the Eals footbridge offers a different type of woodland in which to forage, as well as a good place to stop for lunch. The route back explores the steep oak and birch woodland on the east side of the South Tyne, which is often a good collecting place for prized edible species. The final part of the woodland follows the upper edge of a dense conifer plantation, where the soggy conifer needles are often densely carpeted with toadstools. We re-join the railway track beyond Lambley and head back to the starting point. This walk can be muddy underfoot. Meet at: Coanwood Car Park, GR: NY , at 10:00am Distance: 5 miles Grade: Moderate plus Ascent and Descent: 571ft 2

3 Walk Fee: 10 Bring: packed lunch, basket for mushrooms (optional) Leader: Kevin Jones Monday 3 rd October 7. Knapside Hill and Fiends Fell We start by walking steadily uphill for 3 miles from Melmerby, to reach the highest point of the walk on Knapside Hill. Here we hope for glorious views of the Eden Valley and across to the Lakeland Fells. We follow the ridge north to Fiends Fell and then descend towards Hartside. We follow a track over Twotop Hill and cross the A686 onto a network of old and hidden lonnings that lead us back to Melmerby. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR: NY , at 08:20am. Coach leaves for Melmerby at 08:30am. Return coach at end of walk. Distance: 12.5miles Grade: Strenuous Ascent/Descent 1979ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch and extra clothing Leader: Harry Kay 8. Stobb Cross and the East Allen Meander Leaving Allendale and passing Isaac s Well, we climb across the fields to Prospect Hill. On reaching High Scotch Hall the route joins a track onto open moorland. Walking in an easterly direction, we reach Stobb Cross before turning south west. The path now descends to the hamlet of Sinderhope to join the East Allen river beside Holms Linn waterfall. Keeping beside the river, we continue downstream, returning to Allendale along Wooley Scar. Meet at: Allendale Market Place, GR NY , at 10.00am Distance: 8miles Grade: Moderate Ascent/Descent: 945ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Ann Potter Tuesday 4 th October 9. Dukesfield and Embley Today s longer walk is a circular commencing in the village of Slaley beside the Rose and Crown pub. We set off in a southerly direction, through beautiful countryside, crossing pastureland towards Cocklake and the Blackhill Plantation. We then pass through a section of coniferous woodland before heading over the fell to the lovely Embley Valley. There should be excellent views over Hexhamshire and Bulbeck Commons. The route then flirts with Devil s Water for a while, before heading east towards Dukesfield and Palm Strothers. Finally, a bridleway takes us back to Slaley village after a fine walk through the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Meet at: Slaley Village, GR NY , at 10:00am. Please park tidily in the main street. Distance: 11.5 miles Grade: Strenuous Ascent/Descent: 1135ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Peter Gill 10. Greenhead & the Tipalt Valley Greenhead was formerly a thriving mining centre with supporting businesses and also a railway station. Alas no more Dr. Beeching saw to that! Now it is a small village with a lively community and is also a touring centre where the Pennine Way and the Hadrian s Wall Trail meet. A banner proclaims that walkers and cyclists are welcome. 3

4 Starting in the village the walk takes in the Pennine Way across the Haltwhistle golf course and then to Hadrian s Wall Trail, passing a Roman milecastle and turret on the way. It then follows rough pasture to cross the Tipalt Burn at Cairny Croft before heading southwards to return to the Hadrian s Wall Trail. We pass Walltown Crags and the National Park Visitor Centre in Walltown Country Park. The route continues to follow the course of the burn to return to Greenhead Meet at: Greenhead village, in the road by the church, GR NY , at 10:00am Distance: 8 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent/Descent: 782 Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Dave Young 11. Lanercost Priory - walk and tea Lanercost Priory, an Augustinian monastery founded in Despite many troubled times, it survived the dissolution of the monasteries. The day begins with a guided tour around the beautiful Priory Church of St Mary Magdalene which occupies what was the original nave of the priory. We then move on to explore the west range of the monastic buildings known as the Dacre Hall which survived the dissolution and now serves as the local village hall. After the tour is over our walk takes us along the banks of the River Irthing and then heads up to a section of the Hadrian s Wall Trail. We walk north and meander along delightful paths beside King Water before returning to re-join another section of the Hadrian s Wall Trail. Finally, we descend back to Lanercost Priory where delicious refreshments will be awaiting us in the Dacre Hall. Meet at: Lanercost Priory, GR NY , at 10:00am. Full details of parking tbc. Distance: 5 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent & Descent: 407ft Walk Fee: 12 (including tea) Bring: packed lunch Leader: Brian Walters N.B. This walk does not include a visit to the English Heritage site at Lanercost, but the ruins of the Abbey will be visible. Wednesday 5 th October 12. Often Seen & Seldom Seen (North of Bardon Mill) We start in the village of Bardon Mill and walk through the lovely wooded valley of the Chainley Burn. This takes us past the Roman Fort of Vindolanda, a site the Romans occupied for at least 3 centuries. We do not visit the fort, but climb further, and reach the most famous remains of Roman occupation: Hadrian s Wall. This formed an effective barrier and the Romans controlled trade and maintained their rule of this part of their Empire. We then enter into 'barbarian' country at one of the milecastles, or, as locals say, 'behind the Wall' and stay north for about 3 miles before re-entering the Empire through another milecastle. On our return south, we expect to see good views of the South Tyne Valley. Meet at: Thorngrafton Road, Bardon Mill, adjacent to football pitch, GR NY , at 10:00am Distance: 12.5 miles Grade: Strenuous Ascent/Descent: 1199ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Geoff Chrisp 13. Dirt Pot Circular The walk begins at Dirt Pot, the site of an old smelt mill. We climb up the fields to White Ridge before descending into the Swinhope valley. The route now takes us up onto Knockshield Moor to join an old route, The Black Way, a busy route in lead mining days. We are now on the grouse moor that extends 4

5 between the East and West Allen. Descending to the Knockshield Burn, our way continues downhill passing Rowantree Stobb, a 400 year old bastle, to reach the River East Allen. We cross a footbridge to enter a delightful riverside path through Sipton Plantation before continuing south along the river and back to Dirt Pot. Meet at: Dirt Pot, near Allenheads GR NY at 10:30am Distance: 8 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent/Descent: 953ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Ann Potter 14. Archaeology Walk, north of Sewingshields, with Phil Bowyer Our local expert, Phil Bowyer, returns by popular request, and with new delights to show us. He has recently been involved in an archaeological survey north of Hadrian s Wall and there are many newly discovered features to share. Suffice it to say that there are numerous signs of human activity from different historical eras. We start walking on the Military Road below Sewingshields Farm. Our walk is mainly in the area between the farm and Folly Lake. Part of the walk will be on private land by kind permission of the farmer. This is likely to be a very popular walk, so book early to secure a place. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR NY , at 09:50am. Coach to Sewingshields leaves at 10:00am. Return coach at end of walk Distance: 5.5 miles Grade: Moderate plus Ascent/Descent: 542ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch, extra layers of warm clothes (time will be spent looking at the sites) Leader: Marjorie Baillie Thursday 6 th October 15. Klondyke of the Pennines (Coalcleugh to Blueback Bridge) Coalcleugh, a tiny hamlet rich in industrial history, is our starting point. We walk up to the moor above the West Allen valley and continue along the delightful ridge of Middle Rigg. Here, weather permitting, we are afforded magnificent views, with plenty of evidence of the area s mining past. Descending into Mohope, our route takes us across the West Allen to climb on to the land east of the river at Kevelin Moor. We can then enjoy the views from this side. We walk down to the road and join Isaac s Tea Trail at Malakoff Bridge. Crossing Leadgate Bank the route continues through Monk Wood to descend into Whitfield and the Blueback Bridge. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR: NY , at 08:50am. Coach leaves for Coalcleugh at 09:00am, Return coach from Elks Head to Haltwhistle. Distance: 12.5 miles Grade: Strenuous Ascent: 1617ft Descent 2705ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch Leader: George Reed 16. South Tyne Ramble This circular walk commences on the South Tyne Trail and takes in stunning all-round views of Lambley Viaduct and the South Tyne valley. We walk past a house called The Jerry, once a pub, and over the land of several farms. On the return stretch we see a small waterfall and go close to part of the Knarsdale Estate. We cross Eals bridge and the narrow footbridge under Lambley Viaduct. The walk finishes with a final meander along the South Tyne Trail back to Coanwood Car Park. 5

6 Meet at: Coanwood car park, GR NY , at 10:00am Distance: 8 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent/Descent: 890ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: James Blythe Friday 7 th October 17. The Land of railways, coal and zinc (Hallbankgate Circular) This circular route traverses an area of former coal and zinc mines and historic railway lines. The railway lines were originally wagon ways with wooden rails and horse-drawn carts, but were enhanced with the advent of steam locomotives including George Stephenson s Rocket. This was in service until We visit the village of Hallbankgate, and see a memorial to mineworkers who died when the Roachburn pit was flooded. Tindale Tarn is also on our route. Tindale itself was once a thriving community but is now a quiet hamlet. A zinc smelter was built in Tindale, causing concern, as toxic properties destroyed much of the vegetation in the area. Hear about Lady Carlisle s demand that the workers should be properly housed and hear the smelter owners response. The route continues through moorland, rough pastures and woodland before returning to the hamlet of Low Row. Meet at:, Hallbankgate Village near Belted Will pub at 10:00am (Please note the change of start) Distance: 12 miles Grade: Moderate plus Ascent/Descent: 1072ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Tony Miller 18. King Water Valley This walk starts in the pretty village of Walton, crossing farmland overlooking the King Water Valley and with views of the North Pennines. We may even see an exotic bird or two on our way to the ancient hamlet of Lees Hill, where we stop to look at buildings dating back to We then head north towards Askerton Castle, a medieval fortified manor house, built in 1300, before finally heading back to West Hall. This walk is noted for its excellent long views, particularly to the Lake District fells. Let s hope for clear skies. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR NY , at 09.20am for coach to Walton at 09:30am. Return coach from West Hall. Distance: 8 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent: 578ft Descent: 498ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Audrey Urwin 19. Social Evening The social evening is one of the highlights of the festival for many. It is a chance to relax on Friday evening and enjoy chatting to other walkers. There will be the usual excellent buffet prepared by Carol. The entertainment this time is provided by Le Vieux Carré Jazzmen, who will perform two sets of easy listening jazz during the evening. They come highly recommended. Last festival, this event was fully booked, so do not delay. We would love to see you there. Meet at: Comrades Club, Haltwhistle at 7pm. Fee: 12 6

7 Saturday 8 th October 20. Cumbrian Classic Day 1: Hartside to Garrigill via Cross Fell We start at the top of Hartside pass; already at a good height for our walk back down to Garrigill, but we also take in Cross Fell (the highest point of the Pennines) en route. We follow a fairly comfortable ascent up to Dun Edge (the top of Melmerby Fell). The next section is fairly pathless; although we pass many curricks, few, if any, can be said to have been erected to guide walkers! We head over Green Hill and eventually we reach the old Corpse Road from Garrigill to Kirkland. We now follow the Pennine Way south over Cross Fell, hoping for the views! Then we swing back, past the source of the Tees, to reach the Pennine Way now heading North(ish) and follow this down into Garrigill. This walk has plenty of exposure so warm gear will be required but hopefully not needed! Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR: NY,707641, at 08:20am Coach to Hartside leaves at 08.30am. Return coach from Garrigill. Distance: 14.5 miles Grade: Strenuous plus Ascent: 1506ft Descent: 2264ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Harry Kay 21. The First Boy Scouts (North of Newbrough) This walk starts on the original Roman Stanegate road, in the attractive conservation village of Newbrough. We gradually ascend a rural road through Carr Edge farm and pause at an important memorial. This marks the point of the first ever official Scout Camp held by Baden Powell. Around 30 boys came from all over the country. From here we progress past a Roman campsite hidden in the woods and on to Hadrian s Wall. We cross the Wall to explore the land beyond before heading back down to Newbrough through moorland and farmland. Meet at: Newbrough, in street near the Town Hall, GR: NY, at 10:00am Distance: 8 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent/Descent: 735ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Pat Johnston 22. Discover Bellingham and Hareshaw Linn Previous festival walks have been near to the small town of Bellingham, situated on the confluence of the Hareshaw Burn and the River North Tyne. Now we have the opportunity to learn more about this delightful place and to walk to the famous waterfall, Hareshaw Linn. Local expert, Ian Roberts, will be on hand to explain the history of the Burn and our leader is a Bellingham resident. At the parish church, hear about the miracles of St Cuthbert, see The Long Pack in the graveyard and visit Cuddy s Well nearby. The walk finishes with a visit to a set of old railway carriages for afternoon tea. Meet at: War Memorial in Bellingham Market Place, GR: NY , at 10:30am Distance: 5 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent/Descent: 467ft Walk Fee: 12 (includes tea at the Carriages) Bring: packed lunch Leader: Dave Lewis 7

8 Sunday 9th October 23. Cumbrian Classic Day 2: Garrigill to Alston (via Nent Valley) Today s walk is the second section of our Cumbrian Classic walk. It is a varied route crossing fells and traversing valleys and undulating hills through the fabulous Cumbrian countryside. We set off from Garrigill and, after a wander along the South Tyne valley, we head north over Flinty Fell and descend towards the Nent Valley close to the village of Nenthead. We then climb up from the valley onto the fells turning westerly before descending again to follow the course of the River Nent. The route takes us past areas of old mining works and ruined farmsteads that remind us of the great industrial history of this area. The final section of the route follows some sections of the famous Isaac s Tea Trail and passes the falls at Gossipgate before finishing in Alston, the highest market town in England. Meet at: Haltwhistle Market Place, GR NY , at 08:20am. Coach leaves for Garrigill at 08:30am. Return coach from Alston Distance: 13 miles Grade: Strenuous Ascent: 1964ft Descent: 2206ft Walk Fee: 12 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Geoff Chrisp 24.Walltown and Thirlwall Figure of Eight From Walltown Quarry, we walk behind Hadrian s Wall, passing the farms of High & Low Old Shields, and then cross the pretty Tipalt Burn. We walk southwards to the 14 th Century Thirlwall Castle, then pick up the Hadrian s Wall Trail, to take us back to Walltown. Now the route goes upwards to one of the best sections of Hadrian s Wall. The views here are usually spectacular. We follow the Wall eastwards to the Aesica Roman Fort, then back along the Vallum to our starting point. Meet at: Walltown Car Park, GR: NY , ( 4 fee payable, coins or card) at 10:00am Distance: 8 miles Grade: Moderate Ascent/Descent: 828ft Walk Fee: 6 Bring: packed lunch Leader: Catriona Mulligan Walks Autumn 2016/Haltwhistle Walking Festival/MB/July 25 th/ web 8