We are the Ponteland Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Jean C.
The walk begins in the village of Great Bavington, and sets off over fields towards Thockrington Church. After a pause at the beautiful church, in its wonderful setting, we follow single-track roads to Little Swinburne and then follow Carrier Lane towards Hallington Reservoir. Lunch will probably be on the grassy bank beside the reservoir. Then, we follow St Oswald’s Way for the last leg of the walk back to Great Bavington.
Terrain: Mostly single-track roads and some farmland with some stiles and one or two rougher stretches, generally dry on the pre-walk on April 1st. A couple of slight inclines. Panoramic views throughout most of the walk.
Refreshments: Coffee and lunch stops on the walk; refreshments for those who wish at the Running Fox at Kirkharle Courtyard (closes at 5pm)
Great Bavington Starting point/parking: to reach Great Bavington from Ponteland, the simplest route is to follow the A696 through Belsay and a further 6 miles to the turn-off on the left for Kirkharle Courtyard. Then follow this road another 2 miles to a turn-off on the right on a sharp bend signposted Great Bavington. Go downhill towards the village and park on flat grass just after a small crag before you enter the actual village (map co-ordinates NY 983 803, postcode NE19 2BH).
