We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Billy Row & Roddymoor
This is a moderate circular walk of 5 miles, starting in the village of Billy Row, and then gradually ascending in a NW direction, to the hills above Crook. There is a mixture of terrain, with large sections of track and lanes, but there are also some fields with uneven ground that could be muddy if the rain continues! As there may be cattle or sheep in the fields, I would advise against bringing dogs on this walk.
The ascents are not too taxing, as the whole walk starts and finishes at a high level. At the highest point, we are very close to the village of Sunniside and there are great views for miles, to the south and east. From there, we descend a little, keeping these views all the way: we head back in an easterly direction, through the village of Roddymoor, and back to the start point.
After the walk, refreshments are available at the Blue Stone Tea Shop in Crook, which is excellent and only a 5 minute drive away. Directions are given further down.
9.50 to meet and 10.00 to leave, at the Old Civic Centre carpark, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA.
10.35 (slightly later time to allow for driving distance) at the Village Green in Billy Row, nearest postcode DL15 9TA and What3Words is ///reclining.cracks.judges Directions to Start Point from Chester le Street:- A167 S to Nevilles Cross; Turn R onto A690; After Brancepeth Village, R onto Stockley Lane; R onto North Lane; Drive through Stanley Crook and about half way through the village, take L turn onto Billy Hill and you will enter Billy Row; as you drive down the hill, watch for L turn onto The Green, signposted for West Lodge Nursing Home. The Green is split into 2 sections and it is usually easier to park on the furthest one. Although there should be enough space to park, please be mindful of residents’ needs and also, please carshare wherever possible. Directions to Cafe:- The Blue Stone Tea Shop is situated in central Crook and the best carpark to use is the one situated opposite Crook Town Football Ground, DL15 9PW. It is a 5 minute drive to get there and What3Words is ///farm.landed.latitudes From the Village Green at Billy Row, turn left down the hill towards Crook and continue to follow this B6298 road until you reach a mini roundabout: turn right and in approx 100 yards, you will see the road into the carpark on your left. There is always plenty of parking capacity there and you will see the football ground on the opposite side of the main road. To get to the cafe, walk along the main road in an easterly direction, towards Crook market place. This is Commercial Street and the Blue Stone Tea Shop will be on your left, just before you reach the market place. It is just a couple of minutes walk from the car park.
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