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Blanchland

Sun above our heads and mud beneath our feet. Warning from the leader to stay on the route was given some impact with tales of meandering pupils sinking thigh deep.

We met and chatted with a farmer who was showing his grandson the 'property' from the pillion seat of a 4 wheel buggy and we benefitted when he set off in the opposite direction to our walk. We now joined the Carriers Way and had glorious views into the isolated farms of Lilswood and Harwood Cheild and the great scar of Rowantree Clough. Some re-routing along this section has been well marked but is well rutted from horses and off-road vehicles and we were thankful to have been reminded to don gaiters. A stop at the very well maintained lunch hut at Blackburn Head was evidence that we appear still lucky to be free of vandals hereabouts. From this point well marked trails lead off in all directions. Ours was to continue SW on the Carriers Way, but now not well trodden and we linked small sheep tracks together before emerging on the small ridge overlooking Beldon Clough and the superb circular sheepfold just beyond.

The route for the next half kilometre gave unlimited choice, all a struggle as to which might be the best route through sturdy heather. We stopped for our lunch at the outbuildings of the derelict Riddlehamhope House and soon after were to realise what a wonderful site this property occupied.

We continued parallel to Beldon Burn with fine views of ancient tracks and enclosures. We could see clearly down the valley to Hunstanworth and up the slopes towards Ramshaw and Allenshields, quiet and beautiful and not a soul about - to be suddenly confronted by 4 green road motor bikers rather spoiled the quiet of the map marked footpath we had been walking. The estate has signed the gate between here and Newbiggin as a No Cycling Route. Whilst we were certainly on what appeared a well formed ancient cart track, the map does show this but also that the definitive access is as a footpath only. We re-hung the chained gate the bikers had removed on their exit from Newbiggin Woods.

Still in lovely sunshine we retraced the steps of generations of farming and mining communities to leave this upland at the extensive country house and farm property of Newbiggin. It is worth a walk to here to see a clever work in topiary which enhances a lovely garden - 2 large stags complete with antlers. It now remained just to walk the lovely river bank to Blanchland and a well earned cup of tea. A lovely day out in good company. Thanks Yvonne for a well balanced Autumn excursion.

This day will be remembered as one involving a drive through lovely countryside to our rendezvous at Blanchland village. Here we made a happy group of eight to follow a route led by Yvonne. We started up the track and past the remains of The Shildon Workings to reach the moor at Penny Pie House Farm.

A Guest for a Day

Last Modified: 7 May, 2003