We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Brian S.
Hallgarth
A moderate 5 mile walk commencing at the entrance area to Hallgarth Manor where we will initially head south past St Lawrence Church and over Coalford Beck. We then head north along good public rights of way. Continuing north we reach Pittington Hill which starts off as a gentle incline and finishes off with a steep ascent via wooden rising steps for about 100 metres or so. At the top we are rewarded with some beautiful views of the Durham countryside. Heading downhill again we follow the path along Cobblers Hill to High Moorsely Farm where we walk adjacent to the High Moorsley weather radar station notable because of its golf ball on stilts shape. Following the old railway path which affords some wonderful views of West Rainton Church Steeple in the distance we then turn towards High Pittington, again with some wonderful County Durham scenery to eventually reach our start point again at Hallgarth.
At the time of the recce the footpaths were frozen solid with sporadic ice patches. The weather forecast over the next week or so indicates lack of rain; therefore there is an expectation of good walking conditions on the day. There are only about 4 or 5 easy stiles along the route.
Our meeting point after the ramble will be at the Farmhouse Kitchen at Leamside just opposite the three Horseshoes Pub. The owner "Annie" has reserved an area of seating for us.
There is plenty of parking at the Kitchen. What3Words: bucked.gambles.dollar.
Brian Scott
0950hrs for 1000hrs departure leaving the Civic Centre Car Park , Chester Le Street, DH3 3UA.
1030hrs outside of Hallgarth Manor. Please car share as much as possible as parking could create an issue. Please do not park in the grounds of the manor as that area is for patrons only. Directions to the start point: Although there is a number of shorter routes the simplest is to take the A1M to the A690 and head towards Sunderland. At the second set of traffic lights turn right towards Pittington. Follow this road for about 500 metres and cross over the first junction by the Blacksmiths Pub. (It is rather awkward but turn right and then immediately turn left). Follow the road for about 400 metres and take the first left on the bend that goes right - there is no signpost. After 400 metres Hallgarth manor is on the right. What3Words: zone.daylight.buggy
