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