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.  

Rainton Meadows to High Moorsley

Rainton meadows and High Moorsley 17^th June 2013  (Camino-96 days) 7 miles

Blessed with good weather again we were able to don our boots and head for are local starting point at Rainton Meadows.

Our destination, High Moorsley would require a little more effort with some steady climbing, so we just kept on telling ourselves the views would be worth it

We left the nature reserve along the “Coalway Trail” then crossing under the A690 joined the Great North Forest Trail along the edge of East Rainton. This was a flat easy going section very popular with dog walkers judging by the number we passed.

Climbing over an authorised style giving access to a narrow tree lined path we found our way blocked by 2 large horses. My brave companion slowly moved forward to “shoo” them on and very reluctantly they walked forward and we followed at safe distance until I was shouted at to “move off the path” I quickly jumped into the over growth of nettles when another horse from behind me thundered past! I swear the ground shook (and me also). At this point we made a hasty retreat over the style and reached the road through another field.

Our path continued towards our high point at High Moorsley Farm next to an unusual large golf ball structure that can be seen for miles around, apparently it is the Met Office weather radar station for North East England. The extensive views were a little disappointing due to the haze on the horizon otherwise the Cheviot Hills would have  been visible.

After a little light refreshment we continued our circular route, avoiding all horses back to the car parked at the nature reserve.

Grasmere

Grasmere 15^th June 2013 5 ¾ miles (Camino – 98 days)

At the invitation of the Annifield Plain & District field Club we had a day out to Grasmere and a very energising and lovely circular walk.

It was a very full day starting at 8am and arriving at our destination at midday.

The dark threatening clouds evident in our journey across disbursed resulting in a clear warm day but a bit hazy on the tops, making ideal walking in pleasant company.

The path leading out of the village was ablaze with vibrant colour from the showy blooms and large green leaves of the many Rhododendrons and azaleas on either side of us. (Rhododendron from Ancient Greek rhódon "rose" and déndron "tree")

The rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal, where the flower is considered edible and enjoyed for its sour taste. The pickled flower can last for months and the flower juice is also marketed. Thank goodness the Lake District chose to concentrate on Kendal Mint Cake!

Leaving the road we continued climbing through Hammerscar Plantation and were rewarded with expansive views at Huntingstile Crag towards Langdale, and then we dropped down to the village of Elterwater for a short fortifying lunch break.

Suitably refreshed we continued out of the village along the perimeter of Low Wood were some colourful small flowers were identified by one of the walkers, the yellow pimpernel and Tormentil used in the past as a herbal remedy for gastric problems.

Coming out of the woods as we walked along Loughrigg terrace there were amazing views taking in Grasmere and Rydal water which were then lost as we descended passed through the woods and joined the road back into Grasmere.

Weather wise we were very fortunate as the forecast rain started when we headed home in the comfort of the coach.

Rainton Meadows and Mallygill Woods

Rainton Meadows and Mallygill Woods 6.5ml

Very little blog activity due to a variety of reasons so no serious walking has been done for a while. This has been a cause for concern as our intentions are to walk “The Camino” (well the last 100km to be precise) and gain our Compostela at Santiago. This will be happening mid September 2013.

With this very much in mind we have to start regular outings. My trusty companion was given the task of plotting courses, planning routes and working out walks to get us “Camino” fit.

Our outing today began at the nature reserve Rainton Meadows, http://www.durhamwt.co.uk/2011/07/rainton-meadows/  a popular local spot and ideal place to introduce young children to wild life on a sunny day.   

Walking through the reserve we passed the lakes with their usually residents, swans, Canada geese and goslings, oyster catchers, coots and moorhens an excellent opportunity for my companion to test his new binoculars.

There was a steady climb as we left the park and took the path towards East Rainton, along this path we spotted in full bloom the  Northern Marsh Orchid, also dog rose, Campion and gorse were among the abundance of early summer flowers. 

At this point we joined the Red Clover walk and continued along towards West Rainton and across the fields to Mallygill Woods.

We left the bright sun shine and entered the darker, damp, musty woods and soon came upon a magical glen, steps took us down a steep slope across a wooden bridge and as far as the eye could see the floor was carpeted in flowering wild garlic, it was as if we had stumbled upon a winter land without going through a wardrobe! 

Leaving the woods we passed Woodside farm heading towards Leamside where we stopped for a little refreshment. Our path continued through the village across the waist high field of gold, due to the buttercups, to the disused railway track which eventually led us back to the nature reserve.

Also identified on our walk the speckled wood, orange tip and wall brown butterflies.