We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Corbridge & Riding Mill
This is a moderate circular route of just over 8.5 miles, that has a mixture of fields, woodland paths and lane walking. It does involve 3 separate ascents and there are some steep sections, where sticks may be helpful.
We set out from Corbridge Village car park and head south. After crossing the railway (by road bridge), we start on the longest ascent, which is fairly steep in places. This is helped by the zig zagging of some quiet lanes and we are rewarded with views in all directions, at the top of Prospect Hill. There is a gradual descent east to Riding Lea and then south, through steep woodland, to cross the Riding Mill Burn near Spring Dean.
A second climb starts gently through fields and then more steeply, through woodland to the east. After High Plains, we start to descend to the north, coming into Broomhaugh and the edge of Riding Mill. We cross the Riding Mill Burn for a second time, into very pretty woodland.
The third climb takes us up into another residential area and a short stretch of lane walking, close to Riding Lea. We briefly retrace our earlier steps on the River Tyne Trail and then descend to Farnley Gate. There is just over half a mile of road walking on the A695 west, but there is either pavement or a wide grassy verge throughout. Finally, we turn off on a footpath at Farnley Grange and head downhill through woodland to the railway line. After crossing the railway, it is an easy and pleasant path, close to the River Tyne, that leads us back to the car park.
Dave Marshall will kindly meet us at Riding Mill, to allow a short walk option that finishes after 5 miles.
Directions from Chester le Street:-
There are various options but I think this is the quickest: follow A1M/A1 north to Junction 75; turn left onto A69 and follow to the Styford roundabout; take 2nd exit onto B6530 for Corbridge; when you reach the traffic lights, and Angel pub is on your right, turn left onto the B6321 to cross the River Tyne; at the roundabout at the end of the road bridge, turn R for the Corbridge Village Car Park.
09.20 to meet and 09.30 to leave, at the old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA
10.15 at the Corbridge Village Car Park, NE45 5AX. What3Words reference is:- ///padding.decking.grouping NB This car park can get very busy so please car share wherever possible, to minimise the number of spaces needed.
