HADRIAN HUNDRED
25th - 27th MAY 2019
(Fourth Draft Route Description)
REGISTRATION – QUEEN ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL, HEXHAM
NY 926 639
Welcome to Hexham once the haunt of marauding Vikings but now England’s favourite market town with the imposing Abbey at its hub.
Starting in Northumberland the route visits Cumbria and Durham before returning to Northumberland for the later stages.
Highlights include sections on Hadrian’s Wall, the South Tyne Trail, the Pennine Way (with Cross Fell and High Cup Nick), the Weardale Way and Isaac’s Tea Trail.
Abbreviations
XXXm. Approx. distance in metres to next feature (XXXdeg) Approx. magnetic bearing in degrees to next feature
Units Convention
Stage Summaries Miles & Kilometres (Distance), Feet & Metres (Ascent) Descriptive Text Metres (m) & Kilometres (km)
NB. 100 metres = 109 yards 1 Kilometre = 0.62 miles
Please note that all measurements of distance and ascent are produced from a GPS device which gives good estimates only therefore great accuracy cannot be guaranteed.
Important Notes
A significant proportion of the Route uses or crosses roads, the vast majority of which are very minor and little used. The modern approach to Risk Assessment, however, requires that the risks involved in potentially mixing foot and vehicular traffic are pointed out whenever this happens.
It is not proposed to mention this on every occasion that it occurs in the Route Description narrative.
When a road is used or crossed the appropriate description will be highlighted. Additional warnings will be given whenever more major roads are encountered.
Please be vigilant on roads especially later in the Event as you become increasingly tired and possibly less attentive.
There are also many sections as you go along which pass through woods, moorland, fell, close to rivers and on stony paths with all their attendant hazards. Please be alert and careful at all times.
The Route Description will only mention risks which are especially significant.
0. QE SCHOOL TO START – 800 metres, 0.5 miles
Leave school and TR on Whetstone Bridge road. At junction TL onto Allendale Road down to traffic lights. Cross road with care and take lane beside The Fox Inn. Enter Sele Park to the Start in large grassy area (NY 932 640).
1. SELE PARK TO NEWBROUGH – 9.1 km, 5.7 miles. 155 m, 500 ft.
A pleasantly easy start leaving Hexham in the company of the River Tyne then following quiet fields and roads to an early checkpoint.
Be careful at the steep start which quickly funnels into narrow tracks and roads where traffic can be busy and unused to massed walkers. Caution and a steady start will pay dividends later!
You will be asked to follow the Northumbria banner for the first few hundred metres – please be patient.
1. Start steeply downhill to end of grassed area for 200m to TL into tarmac footpath with stream soon on left. In 150m after lane narrows TL down steps to road. Continue down road to Gilesgate and cross busy road with care (as directed by marshals). Ahead for 400m, Sportscars showroom on left and stream on right, towards railway. TL before railway and cross field for 250m to reach underpass (duck or grouse!).
2. After underpass TL on path, between railway and golf course, for 450m (becoming close to river) to reach tarmac track. Keep to right of railway initially, passing under A69 then railway, for 2km to T junction. TR on road with care and cross River South Tyne. In 90m at Boatside Inn TR to pass under railway bridge. In further 45m at FP sign TL at right bend in road.
3. Ahead for 360m on narrow path with fence and railway soon on left to TR at houses onto bridleway (Fourstones) to gate into field. Uphill with fence/hedge on left to gate in corner at top of field. TL through metal gate then between walls to next field. Follow fence initially on right through gates to enter wood in 1.2km at wooden gate. At end of wood continue with wall on left to join farm track with house on right.
4. Downhill on track towards FP sign in 180m (NY 899 681). TL just before sign and gorse bushes to metal gate. TR on track for 450m downhill towards farm buildings. TR before buildings and cross field to metal gate to right of houses. TL to reach minor road in 110m. TL on road and in further 140m TR on main road. Follow main road for 2km through Fourstones to Newbrough Village Hall just after Red Lion.
Cumulative Distance – 9.1 km, 5.7 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 155 m, 500 ft.
CHECK POINT 1 NY 874 679
OPENS 10.45 CLOSES 15.30
2. NEWBROUGH TO STEEL RIGG –16.7 km, 10.4 mls. 525m,1720 ft.
A climb on moorland to reach the Hadrian’s Wall Path at Brocolitia. Then enjoy the next few miles of historic switchback walking along this National Trail before a welcome stop at Steel Rigg.
Note: The HWP is an extremely sensitive area and should be treated with especial care and respect. Do not climb on the Wall or leave litter. Please attempt to minimise your impact on the environment.
1. TR out of Hall and in 100m TR before bridge onto No Through Road. In 800m road becomes track after entrance to Newbrough Lodge. Uphill for further 600m to reach gate and signpost (Brocolitia 1½ miles) (NY 867 692).
2. Pass under electricity lines to gate with yellow FP sign just after pylons. Continue uphill (340deg) for about 1.2km on grassy track, soon becoming pathless rough ground, to next gate with yellow FP sign (NY 864 705). Still uphill on rough ground for further 800m with fence on left to awkward gate then fence on right, (heading for Teppermoor farmhouse in distance), to reach broad grassy path just before wall and road. This is the Hadrian’s Wall Path.
The National Trail is now followed close to the Wall for 13 km (8 miles) all the way to the next checkpoint. It is marked by a white acorn symbol and should simplify route finding if faithfully followed.
Please note there are several steep rocky descents on this section which require care especially if wet.
3. TL to reach Brocolitia carpark in 360m (NY 861 713). The B6318 Military Road is reached in 500m by passing behind carpark, TL with fence on right to corner then TR downhill (with Mithraeum on left) to cross stream. TR with fence on right and continue on HWP to reach road.
4. Cross the road with care, TL and continue on north side of road for 600m to pass behind Carraw Farm on paved path through two gates. Bear left to reach path close to Military Road. In 1.5km take short section of stone flagged path with wall and road closer on left and Vallum on right. In further 2km, after passing Milecastle 34 by enclosed copse, reach gate just before Sewing Shields (NY 813 704). In 300m cross access road to cottages and ascend to gate in further 100m to enter Sewing Shields Wood.
5. On leaving wood continue alongside Hadrian’s Wall (do not clamber on wall!) for 1.1km, passing Milecastle 35 and climbing to trig point (NY 800 700). Bear left and descend as Broomlee Lough comes into view, re-ascending to pass stile at King’s Wicket in 700m. Keep to crest with wall on right with care on steep undulations. In 700m, after gate into small wood, cross stile with Housesteads Roman Fort coming into view.
6. Descend and, before re-ascending, TR through gate to opposite side of wall to climb steeply with wall now on left to reach wooden steps. TR, Housesteads now behind, and continue either on top of wall or just to its left for a short section. After next gate continue on switchbacks for about 2km, merging with Pennine Way and eventually descending to pass to left of Hotbank Farm.
7. After crossing farm access road TR and cross Wall through gate, with Crag Lough in view on right. TL and ascend on path with Wall on left. Take care on path as crags on right then descend steeply to Sycamore Gap in 1.3km. Continue over undulations for 1km to the final very steep descent before Steel Rigg. Rise to leave pitched stone track onto grassy path. Do not go thru gate ahead but, keeping wall on left, pass thru gates onto road (avoiding carpark on right). TR on road with care for 50m to reach checkpoint in copse thru gate on left.
Cumulative Distance – 25.8 km, 16.1 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 680 m, 2220 ft.
CHECK POINT 2 NY 750 676
OPENS 13.00 CLOSES 18.00
3. STEEL RIGG TO HALTWHISTLE – 7.9 km, 4.9 miles. 170m, 560 ft.
A final 2-3 miles along the some of the best bits of the Wall before leaving it to drop down into Haltwhistle via the attractive Burn Path for a well-deserved rest and refreshments in the Centre of Britain!
Please note there are several steep rocky descents on this section which require care especially if wet.
1. Leave checkpoint and TR on road for 70m to re-join HWP. TR and climb for 1km to trig point (NY 742 676) – at 345 metres this is the highest point on Hadrian’s Wall. Path undulates for 1.8km with Wall on right through two gates to reach road at Shield on the Wall (NY 727 669).
2. Pass Caw Gap Turret and keep Wall on right for 1.3km to reach gate. Leave track immediately after gate bearing left for 200m on narrow path thru small gate to Cawfields quarry and lake. Ahead after carpark (toilets available) for 300m to reach minor road at T-junction.
3. Now leaving HWP cross road through gate opposite (to left of stile) onto Haltwhistle Burn Path and follow for 700m with burn on right, passing minor farm bridge, to gate (NY 714 660). Climb steps and TR to cross bridge over burn and ascend to join the B6318 Military Road.
4. Take care for 200m on small path on right (north) side of road. Cross this busy road to gate at FP sign and continue downhill on HBP. Keep on path close to burn for 1.9km, crossing two bridges to third bridge. Cross this, ignoring main track ahead, and continue past a fourth bridge to reach fifth bridge by buildings and chimney and TR over bridge (NY 708 646).
5. TL on Willia road for 450m to T-junction at bottom (sign Burn Gorge).TR and bear right along Fair Hill for 110m then TL on Woodhead Lane. In 250m, at metal railings just before school, TL down tarmac footpath. TR into carpark at end of footpath to Haltwhistle Leisure Centre (blue door into Sports Hall).
Cumulative Distance – 33.7 km, 21 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 850 m, 2780 ft.
CHECK POINT 3 NY 703 642
OPENS 14.00 CLOSES 20.00
4. HALTWHISTLE TO KNARSDALE – 13 km, 8.1 miles. 300m, 980ft.
After leaving Haltwhistle alongside the River South Tyne we join the track bed of the former Haltwhistle to Alston branch railway. This is the South Tyne Trail, whose highlight is the magnificently restored Lambley viaduct, and is followed all the way to the next stop – easy miles for now!
1. Leaving Leisure Centre TR out of car park then in 140m TR (Greenholme Road). TR then immediately TL (Greencroft Avenue). At bottom of road TL then immediately TR (Station Road). Cross road with care and TL past Railway Hotel to zebra crossing. TL then TR in 50m to No Through Road to pass under railway and over river. TR at T-junction and follow road for 850m through gate. Keep ahead as it soon becomes track and passes under A69.
2. In 50m TR on footpath alongside river soon rising steeply towards road (do not join). Stay on path to Park Village passing substation on left in 500m and continue to stile at FP sign in further 400m (NY 695 626). Ignore stile and continue on path through wood with fence on left. Reach gate in 300m, in further 50m TL at NT sign and ascend with fence on right for further 100m to gate, TR and re-enter wood. In 650m ahead at NT sign (ignoring path to right) to reach minor road in further 300m (NY 685 621).
3. TR, leaving Bellister Estate, then in 60m TL at FP sign just before bridge. Cross field (140deg) for 400m rising through trees to fence on right to reach wooden bridge and ascend to road. TR for 100m to bus shelter then TR for 250m on village road through Park Village to reach gate on right just before bridge.
4. TR onto South Tyne Trail (caution cyclists) for 3.5km, crossing two minor roads, to reach Lambley viaduct. At end of viaduct pass through (unlocked) gate into private garden and past Station House to re-join old railway track.
Note: this access has been agreed for the Event only so please respect the owner’s property.
5. Continue on STT for further 4.4km to pass under bridge (NY 674 539) over Hanging Shaw road. Immediately TR through two gates to join road. TR and cross bridge then descend for 450m to cross A689 with care to Cairns Community Hall.
Cumulative Distance – 46.7 km, 29.1 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 1150 m, 3760 ft.
CHECK POINT 4 NY 678 539
OPENS 16.30 CLOSES 01.00
5. KNARSDALE TO GARRIGILL – 16.4 km, 10.2 miles. 320m. 1060ft.
Another long but easy section follows the course of the South Tynedale Railway into Alston, England’s highest market town. This narrow gauge railway is the highest in England and operates a passenger service in the summer months. The eventual plan is to extend it as far as Haltwhistle.
Now in Cumbria the Pennine Way is joined at Alston and is followed for some 30 of its 250 plus miles. This was Britain’s first National Trail and is now more than 50 years old.
1. Leave Hall and return by same route, turning left after bridge, for 500m back to STT. TR on STT to reach terminus of railway line just before Slaggyford Station (route to be updated when station works complete). Cross minor road after station and keep on path beside railway for 4km to Lintley Halt. Continue alongside railway for a further 4.8km, passing Kirkhaugh station, to arrive at Alston station (now in Cumbria!)
2. Pass over level crossing before station, ascend to main road and TR into Alston. Ignore left turn into town centre and continue for 800m past Spar and filling station on right and hospital sign on left to reach Pennine Way sign on left just before road-bridge over River South Tyne.
3. Cross busy A686 with care to Pennine Way sign. TL and immediately climb steps to another PW signpost (Garrigill 3¾ miles). Continue south along track for 800m (YH on left) passing further PW signpost. In another 800m cross footbridge over side stream. Continue over series of wall stiles for further 1.2km, passing two houses (Nest and Cowgap) on left, to reach farm (Bleagate) (NY 716 437).
4. TL at stile to right of gate (before gate ahead) into farmyard. TR at PW sign next to house (foot bridge over River South Tyne is next target in 1.2km) continuing (130deg) with wall on left, passing FP on left after 50m. Climb beside wall through gateway to top of rise then descend towards white house through gated stile in wall. Pass through gap in ruined wall to PW sign by stone seat close to house on left. Ahead (150deg initially) over small footbridge and stile to left edge of field with wall and steep bank on left. Reach track by river, then field to cross foot bridge (NY 724 429).
5. TL and continue in same direction on PW – river now on left. In 1.4km path rises slightly to cross wall (NY 735 422). Continue over fence and wall for 700m to join large gravel track (rubbish area on left) and reach road (NY 740 418).
6. TL into Garrigill for 450m to village green. TL to George & Dragon Inn. TL to reach Garrigill Village Hall on right just before bridge.
Cumulative Distance – 63.1 km, 39.3 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 1470 m, 4820 ft.
CHECK POINT 5 NY 745 416
OPENS 19.00 CLOSES 05.00
6. GARRIGILL to GREG’S HUT – 10.1 Km, 6.3 miles, 430m. 1400 ft.
No navigation problems on this section but the walk now starts to become serious as it climbs on a well graded land rover track to gain the bothy at an altitude of 2300 ft.
NB: If retirement is anticipated it should be done at Garrigill as evacuation from Greg’s Hut will be for emergencies only.
Leave Village Hall and TL (passing Inn and village green) for 90m to TL before green seat. In 360m TR at wind turbine and PW Signpost (Dufton 15 miles). Ascend wide stony track, passing turnings on left in approx. 6Km and 7Km, to reach Greg’s Hut after further 9.6km.
Cumulative Distance – 73.2 km, 45.6 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 1900 m, 6220 ft.
CHECK POINT 6 NY 691 354
OPENS 20.15 CLOSES 08.15
7. GREG’S HUT to DUFTON – 16.3 km, 10.2 miles, 440m. 1450 ft.
At 893m/2930 ft. Cross Fell is the highest point on the walk and probably the highest point reached in any LDWA 100 Event! It is also the highest point on the Pennine Way and subject occasionally to the local Helm Wind, the only ‘named’ wind in Britain (fortunately rare!).
There will be markers and lights over the summit plateau but note that this can be a serious place and requires appropriate equipment and experience. There will be a bad weather alternative from Garrigill via Tyne Head and Trout Beck if necessary.
After traversing Little then Great Dun Fell, the latter with its Civil Aviation Authority radar station ‘golf ball’, life becomes easier as, briefly leaving the Pennine Way, the highest tarmac road in the land is reached and followed down to Dufton with spectacular views of the Eden Valley ahead.
1. Leave Greg’s Hut on track for 90m to pass through gate. Uphill for about a further 600m in westerly direction to reach small cairn and boulder marked with gold arrows (PW & Kirkland) just after stone shelter (NY 684 352). TL (DO NOT MISS), leaving main path to Kirkland, and ascend for further 1km on intermittent grassy path (160deg) passing several cairns to reach plateau then summit shelter & SELF-CLIP at trig point on Cross Fell (NY 687 343).
2. Leave just to left (north) of trig point (110deg) to find thin path across plateau. In 1km, after second large stone cairn, path becomes more rocky and descends to become stone flagged (NY 696 340). In 500m the Tees Head col is reached at sign (Moorhouse NNR) (NY 698 337). Path rises for a further 1km to summit of Little Dun Fell (NY 704 330) after temporary end of stone flags.
3. Descend on grassy path, until stone flags reappear, & ascend for 1.1km towards Radar Station on Great Dun Fell (NY 711 321). Keep left round fence, buildings and ‘golf ball’ to join tarmac access road at cattle grid. TL and follow road down for 1.2km to PW signpost and gate across road (NY 716 316).
4. Carefully down access road (pass next PW sign) for 800m to Safety Check at junction with Silverband mine track (caution bikes) (NY 714 316). Leave Safety Check downhill on road for 4km to reach FP sign on left, just before small quarry on right, (NY 685 288).
5. TL over cattle grid and thru gate onto track (Knock Pike on right, Dufton & Murton Pikes ahead) for 250m to next gate. Do not go thru gate but keep on green track to left of gate with wall and large quarry area on right. In 400m keep ahead, as track swings left, thru wooden stile/gate in wall on right. Reach stone stile/gate in further 50m, on path contouring under Knock Pike, to another stile/gate combination in further 500m.
6. Same direction for 200m, path is now indistinct, to reach wall on left then gap in wall with marker post. Thru red gate into enclosed (overgrown) path for 500m to reach FP sign (Dufton via back of Pike). TL over stile then ahead thru field for 50m to gate with marker post. After gate soon TL between fences on green path to TR in 40m over stile (DO NOT MISS).
7. Cross field (80deg) for 150m to meet wall coming in from right and reach waymarked stile near corner. Bear slightly right after stile to pick up path between line of hawthorns on left and steep bank down to river on right. Drop down good grassy path for 100m then TR sharply down to footbridge over side stream (DO NOT MISS).
8. After bridge cross waymarked stile in wall and enter wood. After next stile into more open country, cross ruined wall keeping stream below on right on all times. In about a further 300m cross wall stile and TR (now back on Pennine Way) over clapper bridge and thru gate to TR on good track.
9. Track undulates up then down for 500m (dewpond on left) to reach gate and ruined farm building. Keep on track and path for 1.3k (negotiating several fallen trees) thru several gates to pass Coatsyke Farm then bungalow. Leave Pennine Way shortly after bungalow and keep on farm track to join road bearing left to enter Dufton.
10. Where road bends left after entering village keep straight on uphill to reach checkpoint and baggage collection on right at Dufton Youth Hostel, which is 60m after Village Hall . Please check in at YHA before back-tracking to breakfast stop at the adjacent Dufton Village Hall.
Cumulative Distance – 89.5 km, 55.28 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 2340 m, 7670 ft.
CHECK POINT 7 NY 688 252
OPENS 22.30 CLOSES 12.30
8. DUFTON to BIRKDALE - 12.8 km, 8 miles, 520m. 1700 ft.
Another serious section as the Pennines are re-crossed on the way to Teesdale. The undoubted highlight is High Cup Nick, one of Northern England’s geological wonders. This classic U-shaped glaciated valley, part of the Whin Sill, with its dolerite crags has to be seen to be believed.
Desolate moorland follows enlivened by the proximity of Maize Beck and the Army firing range at Warcop before reaching the next stop at Birkdale, at over 1500 ft. it is the highest inhabited farm in England.
1. Leave Village Hall /Youth Hostel, quietly and carefully, uphill through village for 700m, passing bus shelter and toilets then left & right on road to end of village. TL just after derestricted sign at red warning flag and PW signpost (High Cup Nick 3½ miles). In 1km reach end of tarmac road after farm on left, Bow Hall.
2. Bear right uphill on wide rough track for 2km to reach third gate (passing track on right in 800m and thru gates in approximately 1 & 1.5 km). Do not use third gate but take small gate 10m uphill on left onto open fell. Ahead to cairn to climb steeply for 50m onto cairned path with High Cup Gill coming into view on right. Follow path for 2.9km, keeping left at gold arrow on rock, crossing streams and keeping close to escarpment on right to reach High Cup Nick at 1900 ft. (NY 746 262).
NB The ‘Nick’ is a distinctive cleft on right, carrying a stream, at the far end of the steep sided valley head.
3. Leaving Nick (110deg), cross stream and rise on quad bike track for 180m to marker stones. At second stone bear left (30deg) for 270m on green path then bear right (70deg) for 550m now close to Maize Beck below and on left. Continue for 1.3km parallel to Maize Beck to bridge (NY 766 268) (DO NOT MISS).
4. Cross bridge, TR and follow north bank for 1km until river starts to swing south (NY 775 268). Leave river just after ruined enclosure and climb for 450m (60deg) to join gravel track at PW marker post at top of rise (NY 779 268). Follow track for 2.4km, descending gradually, to reach bridge (NY 801 277) then, in further 400m, Birkdale Farm. Pass farmhouse to reach checkpoint in barn on right.
Cumulative Distance – 102.3 km, 63.8 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 2860 m, 9370 ft.
CHECK POINT 8 NY 804 278
OPENS 00.00 CLOSES 16.30
9. BIRKDALE to WATERSMEETING - 9.5 km, 6 miles, 180m. 600 ft.
A short and easy section on quiet tracks and roads as we change Counties again. Cumbria is left and Durham entered as the route passes under the Cow Green reservoir dam built across the River Tees in the late 60’s to supply water to the industries of Teeside. Objections were raised as the habitat of the rare Teesdale violet habitat was threatened, happily largely saved by designating the nearby Moorhouse area as a National Nature Reserve.
Just downstream and not visited on the walk is the rocky stairway of Cauldron Snout, highest waterfall in England and majestic in spate despite the damming of the river.
Leave on farm access road for 1.6km to cross the River Tees into Durham below the dam. Leaving the Pennine Way, head N for 2.2km on good track alongside reservoir to reach junction just after gate. TR for 230m then TR on minor road for 1.6km to junction (NY 833 310). TL on road to Harwood and continue on minor road for 4km, keeping left at junction (NY 825 333) to reach Watersmeeting Farm and checkpoint in barn.
Cumulative Distance – 111.8 km, 69.8 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 3040 m, 9970 ft.
CHECK POINT 9 NY 814 337
OPENS 02.00 CLOSES 19.00
10. WATERSMEETING to COWSHILL – 10 km, 6.3 miles. 320m, 1050 ft
This section involves the crossing from Teesdale into Weardale. Upper Teesdale (SSSI and AONB) despite all the letters is a place of rare beauty! From its botanical richness to the leck of the Black Grouse and the haunting warble of the Curlew it is an area that deserves respect and care during your passage.
Weardale is reached by a high moorland crossing over Coldberry End passing Burnhope reservoir, built in the 1930’s, before arriving at Cowshill (recent population 156).
1. Leave barn and TL on road to Frog Hall for 700m, via gate by decrepit house. TR after gateway at FP sign and ascend with wall then ruin on right to pylon with yellow marker. Bear left with stream then fence on right for 200m to poorly maintained stile. Keep stream on right and cross in 50m to climb to gate. With stream now on left ascend for further 350m to barn at Dale Head (another yellow sign on pylon).
2. Pass to right of barn, wall soon on left, for 200m to stile in wall corner. Descend for further 200m with fence on right to stile (not gate) between fence and ruined wall then same line to footbridge over stream. Climb steeply with fence on right at first then trend left with gully on left to find reasonable path rising in 400m to FP sign and gate onto road (NY 813 351).
3. Cross B6277 road carefully then diagonally right through gate onto gravel track. Keep right in 400m at first gate then uphill over Coldberry End. Descend into Weardale towards Burnhope Reservoir as track eventually becomes tarmac. In 4.5km reach gate with FP signs on both sides of road. Ahead through gate for further 300m to TL (DO NOT MISS) thru gate onto reservoir access road (lime kiln on left) (NY 849 384). Pass through white gate in 200m then downhill for 700m crossing dam to Burnhope Lodge.
4. TR round lodge then TL along tarmac road for 1.8km to reach T-junction in Cowshill. TR for 70m to reach Cowshill Village Hall.
Cumulative Distance – 121.8 km, 76.1 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 3360 m, 11020 ft.
CHECK POINT 10 NY 855 406
OPENS 03.30 CLOSES 22.30
11. COWSHILL to ALLENHEADS – 11.9 km, 7.4 miles. 415m, 1360 ft
The Weardale Way stretches from Cowshill to the coast at Sunderland with an extension to Killhope which our route follows. There is a lead mining museum at Killhope with many attractions including a working waterwheel.
A short climb over grouse moors reaches the County boundary where Northumberland is re-entered before descending into Allendale and the former lead mining community of Allenheads.
Please note that there will be a ‘mystery’ self-clip at an obvious place on the route on this section.
1. Leave Hall and retrace steps on road to T-junction. TL and descend to cross bridge then TR down to stile to join the Weardale Way (sometimes contiguous with and signed as the Mineral Valleys Walk) which is followed for about 7km to Killhope.
2. For about 1km keep to path close to river on right, passing two wooden bridges. Do not follow track uphill from second bridge but keep ahead to cross small footbridge before moving slightly away from river and heading for metal gate between buildings.
3. In 50m keep ahead at junction to reach metal gate. In 250m leave track through gap (currently has tape across), next to stone with yellow arrow and between walls, onto rough pasture with wall on left. For a further 400m pass through gate, then to left of pond to second gate and descend to become very close to river (care if full). Climb carefully to wooden bridge over river. Do not cross bridge but TL uphill on concrete road.
4. Bear right after first house to wooden gate and continue for 1km on undulating track passing several houses. Reach ‘For John’ seat next to last house, Blakeley Field, (NY 836 414). Descend for 200m to cross bridge and TR uphill for 100m to next junction. TL on tarmac road (signpost Killhope) for 450m to TR at house (Weardale Estate sign). In 550m TR (DO NOT MISS) at next sign-posted junction.
5. In 400m leave wide track at yellow Weardale Way sign just before quarry area and TL on grassy path. Keep fence on left for 200m, TR at sign, climbing steeply at first, to follow further signs and passing above quarry. For 500m with fence on right climb two stiles, ascend a few wooden steps, bear right to cross duckboards and re-join track. Track soon levels then descends for 1km to FP sign at next junction (NY 817 430). TR and descend gradually for 1km to reach Killhope Lead Mining Centre and Museum.
6. TL before museum, cross stepping stones over Killhope Burn carefully, to reach main road (A689). Cross with care to footpath directly opposite and ascend on track for 200m swinging left then right to reach marker post (NY 824 434). Continue climbing for 350m on wet and boggy path to gate in (NY 824 437). Path continues to meander indistinctly uphill on open moor for 800m, with occasional marker post (approx.20deg), to reach high point at County Boundary (NY 827 445).
7. Now back in Northumberland start to descend gradually for 270m to join better grassy track (NY 829 447).TR and descend for nearly 3km reaching gravel track leading to gate onto minor road (NY 850 465). TR (passing large laybys) to cross bridge and TR on road for 600m to reach Allenheads Lodge (Outdoor Education Centre).
Cumulative Distance – 133.7 km, 83.5 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 3775 m, 12380 ft.
CHECK POINT 11 NY 853 461
OPENS 05.30 CLOSES 03.00
12. ALLENHEADS to ALLENDALE TOWN – 13.5 km, 8.4 miles. 265 m, 870 ft
Many of the footpaths in Allendale are rarely walked and in poor condition with lots of unfriendly stiles so quiet roads and tracks are used to follow the River East Allen down to Allendale Town which makes for undemanding navigation.
Isaac Holden was an itinerant tea seller and local philanthropist in the 19th century and a section of Isaac’s Tea Trail route is followed on the walk.
1. Leave Checkpoint and TR on road for 600m back to bridge. TL over bridge and uphill on road (NW) for 1km to TR at second junction (NY 842 469). Continue on road for 1.6km then TL for 750m at next junction. Continue on road downhill, cross stream, and climb steeply, passing footpath sign on right. Road levels and bears left in 800m to reach Public Bridleway sign on right.
2. TR thru gate at PB sign (mailbox for Lot Head), uphill on good track for 800m, passing access to both house and next track on left, to merge with Isaac’s Tea Trail (NY 834 491). Same direction now downhill for 1.2km to black gate (NY 838 501) then in further 450m TL at next junction.
3. Stay on minor road for 900m to T-junction, passing Knock Shield and leaving ITT. TL (ignoring track ahead in 300m before crossing Acton Burn) and stay on minor road for further 4km to junction with white road markings in (NY 824 542). TR, still on road, for 2km descending to TR on more major road and cross River East Allen. Ascend into Allendale Town passing Allendale Inn to T-junction. TL for 450m on Leadgate to reach Allendale Village Hall.
Cumulative Distance – 147.2 km, 91.9 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 4040 m, 13250 ft.
CHECK POINT 12 NY 840 560
OPENS 07.45 CLOSES 05.30
13. ALLENDALE TOWN to GREENRIDGE FARM – 7.2 km, 4.5 miles, 140m, 460 ft.
A short moorland crossing awaits after leaving the bustling and lively community of Allendale Town. Greenridge Farm offers the last opportunity to top up before the final lap. The end is in sight.
1. Leave Village Hall and TL on footpath. In 360m cross road at T-junction with bus stop, shortly after bridge, and TR uphill. In 1km leave road as it turns 90deg left at third FP sign (Bulman’s Rigg) (NY 846 570). Straight ahead on track for 650m which becomes grassy path just before gate (NY 848 575).Thru gate for 600m, now on moorland with wall on left.
2. When wall turns left ahead on track for 250m (NY 850 581) to reach standing stone, which is slightly to right of track - it will be flagged and illuminated (NY 851 583). Bear slightly right to FP sign on thin path through heather and follow series of flagged and illuminated way markers and sign posts over moor (approx.50-60deg).
3. In 1.2km join more major track briefly (NY 861 591) and TR. In further 150m at flagged waymark bear left onto path again. Follow path for 1.7km (approx.70deg) to cross with care slightly dilapidated bridge over stream (NY 879 596). Bear gradually left (approx.20deg) on improving path for 800m with wall on right to reach gate. Descend for further 600m to join farm access road to Greenridge Farm.
Cumulative Distance – 154.4 Km, 99.4 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 4180 m, 13710 ft.
CHECK POINT 13 NY 884 608
OPENS 08.45 CLOSES 07.30
14. GREENRIDGE FARM to QE SCHOOL – 8 km, 5 miles. 100m, 340 ft
The wooded path above West Dipton Burn provides a quick and elegant route towards the Racecourse which is perched high above Hexham. It only remains then to enjoy/endure the final swoop down Causey Hill to the Finish.
1. Leave checkpoint and TL on road. In 900M at FP sign (Dipton Mill) (NY 885 617) TR and follow path through wood with wall then fence on left and steep drop on right. In 3km at FP sign (which will be marked/illuminated) (NY 913 615) TL uphill to leave wood on grassy path into field. Pass through several gates for 1km, rising with fence on left and Racecourse on right, to last gate and farm access track to road (NY 910 625).
2. TR and continue with care along single track road for 1.5km past Racecourse entrance to T-junction at caravan park sign with seat and FP sign opposite (NY 925 623).TL steeply down Causey Hill road for 1.5km (footpath available after bearing left at junction half way down) to T-junction at bottom.TL at railings then TR at traffic lights in 100m onto Whetstone Bridge Road to reach Finish at Queen Elizabeth High School.
Cumulative Distance – 162.4 km, 101.4 miles
Cumulative Ascent – 4280 m, 14050 ft.
CHECK POINT 14 NY 926 639
OPENS 10.00 CLOSES 10.00
WELL DONE
28.5.18