Lanchester circular

7th August 2013 Lanchester circular 9.6 miles  Camino -42 days

Our usual walking day of Monday was literally a washout so by Wednesday we were twitching to be out training and I had been promised another very nice lunch spot.

Our starting point was Malton picnic site on the outskirts of Lanchester, a lovely wooded area set well back from the road next to a small river, an ideal family area.

Foxes well undercover but wait for me!

Leaving the car park we headed up and across the main road then there was a steady climb through farm fields towards the tranquil Foxcover Woods. As the name suggests there was no way we would spot a fox unless he came out looking for us so dense was the forest growth. My companion says he heard a woodpecker but I think it might have been the pounding of my heart from the exertion of the climb which was very steep heading up to Burnhope television mast. The effort was well worth it for the panoramic views over the Deerness valley onto the North York Moors.

Coming downhill we passed Burnhope village through Standagainstall Plantation and into fields again (You do come across some unusual name and wonder about their origin). There had been very heavy rain in the area making the ground soft and wet resulting in some distinct animal foot prints indicating deer had been along this path fairly recently.

While crossing the field I thought I saw a kestrel that seemed to be getting chased by a group of gulls but when we observed with binoculars we saw a buzzard that was quickly joined by two more. Needless to say the gulls soon disappeared leaving the sky to these graceful soaring raptors.

No sooner had we finished bird watching when high up on the field to our right we spotted two roe deer very still but definitely observing us.

Ooh deer deer!

The roe deer are primarily active during the twilight, very quick and graceful, living in woods although they may venture into grasslands and sparse forests. It feeds mainly on grass, leaves, berries and young shoots. It particularly likes very young, tender grass with high moisture content, i.e., grass that has received rain the day before. Roe deer will not generally venture into a field that has had or has livestock (sheep, cattle) in it because the livestock make the grass unclean.

A short climb came next through the woods up to Charlaw Fell here we joined the road for a short distance before turning off into Broom House Farm, the promised lunch spot.

This working farm is an ideal day out for families, there are animals to see, large safe imaginative play areas and a wonderful adventure play ground for the energetic. Adults are also very well catered for with a café and farm shop. Well worth following the link and visiting.

Suitably refreshed with the local produce on offer we set off gradually going down hill through farm land heading towards Langley Park where we joined the Lanchester Valley Railway path for the 2.5 miles back to the car park.

Another good walk today with the added bonus of interesting wild life and good food.

Fatfield circular via South Hylton

3rd August 2013 12 miles Camino - 49 days

In case you are thinking this is a repeat performance today’s walk was on the south river side path and very different from the north side route, a major benefit  being the pub at the mid section would be open for business preventing the disappointment of the previous Sunderland walk!

It was a beautiful summer’s day clear blue sky with temperature in the 20’s and a gentle breeze that would keep us cool and comfortable on the six hour we planned to be out.

Leaving from home we walked down through the woods to Fatfield and joined the Weardale Way path on the south side of the river that edges onto James Steel Park.  There was a glorious display of golden water lilies that attracted not only our attention but a common tern this graceful bird was swooping and diving looking for its lunch or maybe food for its young.

Continuing on our way the path hugged the river which enabled us to observe more of the water birds, a family of swans very kindly stopped to have their photograph taken. Also seen were oystercatchers, curlew, red shank, ringed plovers, cormorant not forgetting the ducks and gulls.

The paths here were in much better condition and made for comfortable walking with none of the worn, irregular steps overgrown with nettles that we encountered on the north side.

Today we noticed there were many more bees than butterflies on the flowers which is very good news because they are causing concern with their dwindling numbers. Although the constant buzzing we heard was from the combined harvester in the nearby field collecting his bumper crop of wheat while dozens of crows and wood pigeons were enjoying what was left in the stubble.

Leaving Cox Green and entering Ayton’s Wood we came across a strange fungus covering a large tree bark, it looked just like the tomato garlic bread I ate last night! and not having a book on the subject I am unable to identify it for you.

Exiting the woods we had views over the Washington Wildfowl Centre and spied a siege of herons, at least eight, and I have it on good authority that here is the largest heronry in the country, no wonder our goldfish didn’t last long in the pond! 

DO NOT EAT even though it looks like pizza tomato bread

Following the twists and turns of the river we eventually came under the A19 and found our planned refreshment stop and a very welcome cup of tea. Hydrated and rested we set off again along the riverside as far as the path would allow and then it headed up arriving at Ford Metro station. Our original plan had been to walk into Sunderland and get the bus home but such is the restorative powers of tea that I suggested we walk home using the disused railway line, which we did and I was defiantly ready for another cup of tea when we got home.

Half way point airing and resting the feet

North Shields to Monkseaton via Seaton Sluice

23^rd July 2013 13miles Camino -60 days

The coast was calling today so we travelled by car, boat and train to accomplish our goal. As we were walking more a of a Camino distance the project manager decided to walk in a more Camino fashion, not clothing you understand but longer refreshment stops to ensure better hydration and glucose levels. There was no disagreement from me I am all for more coffee and cream cakes!

No! not that boat

It was a grey, damp, misty morning as we travelled by car, parked at South Shields to board the ferry crossing the Tyne to North Shields; then through the fish quay with its numerous shops displaying the daily catch. Another place to return to and purchase the wonderful local fresh produce but for today we had to continue on along the river side passing the infamous Black Midden rocks exposed on the ebb tide.

It did not take us long to reach our first planned stop Woods coffee shop in Tynemouth (a review for this can be found on http://theicingonourcake.blogspot.co.uk/)

Suitably refreshed we walked along the coast line through Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay enjoying the historic information on the interpretation panels along the way.

On the approach to St Mary’s Island the sun burnt off the mist leaving a radiant azure sky and a very warm day but rounding Curry’s Point our next stop was visible, the thought of fish and chips give us a spring in our step and spurred us on. 

After walking 8 miles it was lovely to sit in the shady Kings Arms pub at Seaton Sluice having a long, cool, refreshing drink eating wonderful freshly cooked local food at a leisurely pace and a friendly chat with visitors.

After lunch the character of the walk changed as we left heading towards Seaton Burn then entering into Holywell Dene and the welcome shade of mature verdant deciduous trees. The most prolific flower along this stretch was the blue cranesbill, these deep lavender-blue, saucer-shaped flowers formed pockets of dense foliage among the deep green leaves of the trees.

This was ours!

Leaving the Dene we joined the disused Wagon way a long dry dusty path skirting farmland and a month without rain has resulted in colour  beening bleached from the fields. It was a relief to eventually arrive at the Metro station, purchase out tickets and head back to North Shields ferry.

Blue Cranesbill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardy sufers of the North

Six spotted Burnet. The red spots act as a warning colour that alerts potential enemies that the moths taste awful

Stanley cicular via Leadgate

15^th July 2013Stanley to Leadgate cicular 11mls

A short drive took us to our staring point today, Stanley, where from the car park we immediately joined the Consett and Sunderland Railway path. This also forms part of the Coast to Coast cycleway resulting in comfortable walking surface for a considerable part of our walk. Being a disused railway track the usual flowers/weeds were in bloom, Rosebay Willowherb, white and Red Campion and Fat Hen to name just a few. 

If our walk had a theme today it would be butterflies. I cannot recall another outing when so many butterflies were our constant companions, it was impossible to walk more than 50yds without disturbing at least half a dozen and they were all busy feeding or dancing duets together making it difficult to photograph and identify them. At one spot where we stopped to take in the scenery I counted 20 butterflies in a small area.

It was a hot day with clear blue skies and soaring temperatures so we took advantage of any picturesque spots to stop and keep hydrated the first one being a small fishing lake, a little oasis hidden away on the edge of an industrial estate.

Who's looking at the world through rose coloured glasses?

 Continuing along the cycle way we found further evidence of the industrial heritage of the area in the form of two huge metal sculptures “Him and Her”, it was here we saw a Red Kite circling high above us floating on the thermals to me a much more impressive site.

We left this path when it reached the main road, A693 and crossed over along the edge of Leadgate and entered Billingside Plantation for the return loop to Stanley.

 

It was a welcome reprise from the sun and the heat to be under the canopy of the lush large trees. Instead of nettles encroaching on our path it was the soft, smooth, cool ferns that surrounded us, if fact it felt like a scene from Jurassic Park, seeing a brachiosaurus would not have been out of place here.

 

  It must have been an ancient woodland as a little further on we stumbled upon what look like pre historic dwelling ( or maybe number 4 in National Trust 50 things to do before your 11 ¾ years) I’ll let you decide!

Leaving the woods we followed the edge of the fields towards Pontop Fell here there was a radiating vibrant golden colour across the meadows but not from the buttercups of a couple of weeks ago, the predominant flower today was Bird’s foot trefoil. 

No wonder there are so many butterflies about with such an abundant food supply. Continuing on, whether by luck or good planning we entered Catchgate village where we were able to buy an ice cream this give us an extra spring in our step to see us on the final leg back to Stanley. 

Who lived here?

 Good points of today; a good distance covered in very warm weather that bodes well for the Camino.

Downside I lost my binoculars!   

Fatfield to Sunderland

 9^th July 2013 Fatfield to Sunderland 10.5 mls (Camino – 77days)
It was a very convenient start for our walk today – home, and public transport back so not only feeling fine after a walk we also had the satisfaction of knowing we had on this occasion reduced our carbon footprint making it a good day. Heading down towards Fatfield we crossed the bridge and joined the River Wear Trail passing under the impressive Victoria Viaduct to Cox Green.

 This tidal stretch of river was at low ebb making it a popular feeding ground for black headed gulls, ducks, herons and oyster catchers. From here we took the top path up and around Washington Waterfowl Centre where the dominant sound was of young children having fun on their summer school trip. Having visited the centre previously I can recommend it for a fun and interesting day out. It was back into the woods following the river and again we were disappointed by the poor state of the footpaths. They were overgrown and many of the wooden steps breaking up but we were enchanted by a “chime” of wrens

The family name Troglodytidae is derived from troglodyte, meaning “cave-dweller", and the wrens get their scientific name from the tendency of some species to forage in dark crevices. The wren is also known as “kinglet”, a name associated with the fable of the election of the "king of birds". The bird that could fly to the highest altitude would be made king. The eagle out flew all other birds, but he was beaten by a small bird who had hidden in his plumage, and is apparently motivated by the yellow "crown" sported by these birds. Although they are insect eaters they still left plenty to feast on us, and to prove it we still have the marks days later!

Arriving at the half way mark we went under the busy A19 looking forward to lunch at the Shipwright Arms only to discover it opened at 4pm each day. Disappointed we went down to the riverside and ate what little food we had before continuing  on. From here the character of the walk changed quite dramatically from fields and woods to urban modern industrial developments and evidence of the historic industry of Wearside could be seen particularly near the Stadium of Light. Information about mining, ship building and the lime kilns were all displayed. Very soon we arrived in the busy centre of Sunderland and after a “pick me up coffee” we found the bus station and headed for home.

West Rainton to Durham

 29th June 2013 West Rainton to Durham 11mls (Camino – 84 days)

We seemed to have explored all the local circular walks of suitable distances and in order to get the required miles in we have to resort to linear ones and rely on good local transport links.

Today’s walk could have been called the nettle walk or the walk of a thousand stings. I am not joking in quite a few places the paths we over grown with very aggressive nettles.

We parked the car in West Rainton and immediately joined the footpath out of the village and across the busy A690 onto the field path leading to Moorsley road via Field House farm. The crops had been planted to the edge of the path and with the soil being very sandy the footpath was uneven and crumbling making the walking slow and uncomfortable. The last thing we want is to sprain an ankle at this stage of our Camino preparation!

The path then brought us to the pleasant small village of Low Pittington where there was a short steep climb to Pittington Hill that give wonderful panoramic views over County Durham and also provide a welcome seat so we could enjoy our coffee break in comfort and appreciate the flowers and the butterflies.

Suitably refreshed we set off down through the woods emerging at the edge of High Pittington. It was along this section heading for Sherburn Village that we encountered the dreaded thistles almost blocking our path but we are a tenacious couple and so we battled through.

Passing through Sherburn we rejoined the footpath along farm fields keeping our distance from the curious cows, suspicious sheep and inquisitive horses, they all seemed to know I had food in my back pack!

Anyone seen a Cathedral?

After crossing the bridge over the motorway we soon joined the river and could see our destination only our path was blocked and we were unable to follow the river side due to storm damage and we had to go up (groan) and through  Pelaw Woods eventually dropping down to the river and into Durham.

 Due to the extra bit of climbing at the end I felt the need for a cup of tea before heading to the bus station for the number 20 back to West Rainton.

Rainton Meadows Circular

24th June 2013 

Rainton Meadows Circular via Lumley and West Rainton 9.5 miles

(Camino -91 days)

The task today was to plot a circular course from Rainton Meadows of at least 9 miles on tracks new to us and in a very short space of time the route master produced the goods.

Today we left the park heading towards Chilton Moor, the path followed a small steam that could have been called the yellow brick road due to the abundance of Yellow Iris.

 The Yellow Iris, also known as the Yellow Flag Iris, is a true aquatic plant that is native to England. It is the only yellow-flowered iris and reaches up to 48" in the wild truly spectacular here at Rainton.

Talking of flowers in only a week there is a subtle difference in the late spring flowers in the meadows, last week they were magnificent and golden, today less so the predominant colour being a rich red from the clover that is becoming dominant.

The dominant birds in this area were swallows and house martins feasting on the insects that previously had been feasting on us!

Following the map closely we had to diagonally cross a field of wheat, and I’m very happy to say this farmer was maintaining the footpaths on his property to a high standard, he had cleared the way wonderfully. I thought this is how it must have been for Moses although his sea was Red ours was green

 However this was not the case a few mile further on. Passed Morton Grange Farm, where Oscar the tame and elegant peacock lived, we attempted to follow the footpath but it was so overgrown it would have been death by nettle stings,

 they were over 3 foot in height with needles about an inch long. 

After a “risk assessment” we back tracked and joined the road for half a mile to get us back on track. The stretch alongside Whitehouse Farm had grass growing over 4 foot which made very heavy going, obviously these paths are rarely walked so walkers beware!

After that the return via Leamside and West Rainton was easy going and pleasant with only one heavy shower to shelter from. A good walk and respectable Camino training distance covered.