We are the Ponteland Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Stuart H.
Walking from St Andrew’s Church, onto road past Bolam Hall, then access via gap in fence woodland paths around Bolam Lake. From Low House Wood car park turn right towards Belsay. Through the White Gate to Harnham across fields and footbridge. At Castles Farm cross footbridge follow track. Over concrete bridge and on bridleway to Sandyford. Take well defined footpath and steady incline to East Shaftoe hall. Then take the ascent to Shaftoe Crags, climbing up to trig point. Onto long grassy descent walking around crags and up through gap in rocks (Salter’s Nick). Walk down to the crossroads, then take the ladder stile to enter Bolam Parks. Cows and sheep but they are not interested. Walk diagonally to gate and then across a field to back of the church accessing through some thick vegetation to gates into churchyard and back to the cars.
Terrain: Inclines – steady and moderate, roads, woodland tracks, well defined tracks, fields and grassy paths. In summary a moderate walk, of approximately 8 miles enjoying lovely open countryside and 360 views at Shaftoe Crags/Trig Point.
Public Toilets at Boatside Wood Visitor Centre, Bolam Lake, which can be accessed at the early part of the walk and at the end.
Will stop for lunch at Piper’s Chair/Devil’s Punchbowl along with hydration stops.
There is the café at Boathouse Wood Visitor Centre, ice cream van. Blacksmith’s tearoom, Belsay or Highlander Pub/Beer Garden.
START/PARKING /MEETING POINT – ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, BOLAM (THERE IS NO CHURCH SERVICE ON, PLENTY ROOM FOR PARKING)
