Weardale Walking Guidebook
Wear Valley Trail Walking Guide
Discovery Guides Trail Walks of Discovery Series
CONTENTS
- Frontispiece
- Contents & Credits
- Introduction to Weardale
- Photogallery of Weardale
- Introduction to the Walk
- How to use this Guide
- Notes
- Walk 01: Killhope - Cowshill - Killhope
6 miles - Walk 02: Cowshill - Middlehope Bank - Carr Brow Pastures - Cowshill
6 miles - Walk 03: Westgate - Middlehope Bank - Scarsike Head - Westgate
5 miles - Walk 04: Rookhope - Smailsburn Common - Scarsike Head - Rookhope
5 miles - Walk 05: Rookhope - Hope Head - Weather Hill - Bewdley Plain - Rookhopoe
11 miles - Walk 06: Stanhope - Crawley Side - Bashaw Rigg - Fatherley Hill - Frosterley - Stanhope
10 miles - Walk 07: Frosterly - Grouse Butts - Wolsingham
9 miles - Walk 08: Bedburn - Grouse Butts - Bedburn
9 miles - Walk 09: Bedburn - A68 - Diddridge - Hamsterley - Bedburn
8 miles - Walk 10: Witton-le-Wear - Beechburn Farm - Witton Park - Witton-le-Wear
5 miles - Walk 11: Bishop Auckland - Primrose Hill - Etherley Moor - Low Etherley - Witton Park - Escomb - Broken Bank - Bishop Auckland
8 miles - Walk 12: Bishop Auckland - Jubilee Bridge - Newfield - Bishop Auckland
8 miles - Walking and Safety
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Weardale is that part of the valley of the River Wear that represents the upper course of the river valley. It is a geographically distinct area that passes a hightly distinctive landscape of great beauty and variety. It is an area of contrasts that provide a harmonious blend of unique ingredients that combine to create a highly individual landscape. Amongst the many facets that comprise the jewel that is Weardale, are its green valley covered with countless miles of drystone walls that create a patchwork pattern of field boundaries, the vast expanses of wild grassland fells and the purple blanket of heather moorland-crowned peat deposits.
This hidden corner of England awaits discovery and exploration, both by car and on foot. Indeed, the open moorland watersheds provide excellent unrestricted panoramic views that are differently breath-taking and awe-inspiring in different conditions. Some personal favourites include travelling from the edge of the river basin at the Cumbria border and marking the western extremity at Weardale. On a late summer's day, just before sunset, there is a rich golden cast to the panorama that produces a magnificent richness to the already varying different colours of the landscape; descending towards Killhope and Cowshill is a true delight. Other remarkable vistas are those seen on the high routeways crossing from Langdan Beck in Upper Teesdale to St. John's Chapel in Weardale and the road from Middleton-in-Teesdale and Eggleston to either Stanhope or Frosterley. The beauty of the open expanses are also to be well-enjoyed travelling from the north, particularly on the routes from both Allenheads and Rookhope.
It was earlier stated that Weardale is an area of contrasts...and this is certainly true in so many different ways. The farming landscape is varied with its mix of in-bye, allotment and open fell. However, the landscape is full of variety and character as there are areas of forest, notably the huge expanse of Hamsterley Forest that offers so much of interest and activity for visitors. In addition the area has its 'lakes', such as Burnhope and Tunstall Reservoirs which, although created by man, add another aspect and further quality to the Weardale tapestry. In addition there is so much of historical fascination to see, such as the majestic Auckland Castle, the magnificent 7th Century Saxon Church at Escomb and the Killhope Lead Mining Centre. Furthermore, we must not forget that much of the area is located within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also has some important nature reserves. Wear Valley possesses a unique blend of beauty, history, heritage and landforms, yet for the most part it still remains relatively undiscovered.
The Wear Valley Trail has been specifically developed to encourage both residents of and visitors to Wear Valley, to explore the area, discover its treasures and to partake of its delights. Starting at the Killhope Lead Mining Centre and continuing downstream to end at the busy market town of Bishop Auckland, the Wear Valley Trail provides an excellent single, linear, 43 mile long-distance walk that should prove appealing to those more experienced walkers who are searching for a new challenge. However, the Trail has been divided into twelve different sections that can be completed in either a linear or circular format.
Whatever your approach, we hope that you will enjoy your experiences and find your personal discovery both stimulating and rewarding.
CREDITS AND TECHNICAL DATA
ISBN 0-86309-193-8
50 internal pages printed on 150GSM matt artpaper + 4 page cover printed on 350GSM gloss artboard.
Printed full colour throughout. Gloss laminated outer cover. Wiro bound.
Over 40 Colour photographs. 200mm high x 140mm wide approx.
Printed in England.
Recommended retail pice: £4-99
Walked and written by: DOROTHY GIBSON
Photographs copyright of DISCOVERY PHOTO LIBRARY LIMITED
Published by WALKS OF DISCOVERY LIMITED
Suite 24, Innovation House, South Church Enterprise Park, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 6XB.
Tel: 01388 601222
FAX: 01388 601444
Web: www.discoveryphotolibrary.co.uk
Web: www.discoveryguides.co.uk
E mail: enquiries@discoveryguides.co.uk