Red kite Trail Part 2

 5.6mls

 19^th September 2012

After a very successful walk (no more Olympic leg problems) last week we were keen to complete the trail and chalk up some more sightings.

It was wonderful weather for walking sun shining, crisp clear air and beautiful blue sky. Bus time tables were checked, the plan being to park at the start/finishing car park, get the number 47 bus to last weeks finishing point and continue the trail back to the car park – simple! Or so we thought. We arrived at the car park with 15 minutes to spare, changed into our walking boots just in time to see our bus pass by. Why oh why did the bus company not update its on line time table!!!! My companion was not amused (but neither was I)

There was thirty minutes until the next bus so a plan B was required. The decision was made to walk from the finish to our stopping point and get the bus back to the car.

For the first half mile the path is shared before turning right towards Thornley Woodland Centre well worth a visit on its own especially for children. Care is need as the trail crosses the busy A694 then into Thornley Woods which I was reliably informed by my companion is predominantly deciduous hardwood, oak, beachwood, ash. It then became apparent the disadvantage to our plan B, we were walking uphill, again, but on a positive note there would be less strain on the old knee joints and the expansive views over the Derwent Valley were opening up.

After a mile and a half the path levelled out and crossed the top of a recently harvested field with stunning views encompassing Tyneside and suddenly two red kites came along soaring on the thermals going higher and higher, What a magnificent sight.

Feeling very pleased with ourselves and with a new spring in our step we continued following the excellent way marker signs through Low Thornley before stopping for coffee and flapjacks. It was only a short break and looking back to check nothing had been left behind we spotted a kite just above the tree line, so close its markings were easily seen, definitely our lucky day. About a mile further on we had another sighting possibly the same bird.

The steady climb continued until we reached the village of Barlow, highest point and with spectacular views, this time of the Tyne Valley and even as far as the coast. This is supposed to be ideal place to see the kites because of the 360 degree visibility, no birds were seen but for the views alone it would have been worth the walk.

Leaving Barlow we turned left along the road before crossing the fields and entered Spen Bank Woods which is often used as a winter roost by the kites. Very soon we hit the road,  found our bus stop and returned to the car park.