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