We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a moderate circular route of just over 8.5 miles. We start from Broompark Picnic Site and head W on the Deerness Railway Path. After a very short stretch, we turn S and cross the river, before heading up the hill to meet the road. There is approximately 0.5 miles of road walking (on grass verge) to the W and then we climb SW up the hill, towards the attractive and historical Brandon Village. Looking backwards, there are expansive views over the Deerness Valley and Durham Cathedral can be seen in the distance. From there, we head NW towards the edge of New Brancepeth and continue W in a loop around Esh Wood. From Hill House, we head N onto the old Roman Road path and then E, towards Biggin Farm, and back to the road. A very brief spell of road walking is followed by a descent, back to the River Deerness. Finally, we rejoin the Deerness Valley Railway Path and head E, back towards Broompark Picnic Site.
Although one of the photos shows some beautiful Belted Galloways, they are enclosed in a separate field. The only livestock I expect to be sharing the route with us, in some places, are sheep. There are sections of field walking (with a mixture of stiles and gates) which are muddy in places, and a couple of steep paths, so gaiters and sticks might be handy. However, the majority of this route is on bridlepaths and railway paths, so boot cleaning shouldn't take too long!
A shorter route will also kindly be provided by Dave Marshall.
09.50 to meet and 10.00 to leave, at the Old Civic Centre Car Park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA
10.30 at the Broompark Picnic Site, Durham, nearest postcode is DH7 7RJ, but please check map too. What3Words is ///focal.glue.stamp Directions from Chester le Street A167 S to Nevilles Cross Traffic Lights; turn R onto A690 W; at next roundabout, take 2nd exit onto B6302, Broom Lane; after about 0.5 mile, look for brown sign on left, for Railway Paths Picnic Area; this left turn will take you to the Broompark Picnic Site car park
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