26th Dec Herrington Country Park and Newbottle, from Penshaw Monument

If you need to briefly escape the festivities for a breath of fresh air - - - this is a moderate circular route of 6.5-7 miles, starting just below Penshaw Monument. Walkers can decide on the day whether to climb up to the monument, at the beginning or end of the walk, with the views always making it worth those extra few steps. 

We set out in a southerly direction into

Herrington Country Park and cover a number of paths around the lakes and features of the park. We leave the park via West Herrington and continue south, past Herrington Hill and woodland, towards Newbottle. After a few yards on High Lane, we return in a northerly direction, on a different path, to pick up a track on the edge of Herrington Country Park. We return through the middle of the park, cross the A183 and head back towards the start point. If not already done, the climb up to the Monument can be the final gem of the walk - perhaps even lunch with a view!

Many of the paths in the park are wet and muddy, so suitable boots are essential and gaiters might be good. Please note that the Penshaw Tearoom is not open on the 26th, so don’t forget your turkey sandwiches/mince pies/remains of selection box etc, to keep up your strength!