We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Walk Details - Sunday 29th June, Hedley Hope Nature Reserve.
This is a moderate circular route of 8.5 miles, starting from the Nature Reserve Car Park, near to High Hedley Hope, about a mile just west of Esh Winning. Overall the route is quite steep in places with some parts needing extra effort to reach the top.
We initially head through the reserve and then ramble south towards Hedley Hope Hall. The PROW is not marked here and we do have a steep descent before reaching Low West Ho. There is a number of temporary fencing here to keep cattle at bay. A gentle walk up hill again through fields of sheep will see us reach Sunniside Farm. We then head in a north easterly direction through rolling fields with some magnificent views of the Durham Countryside. Just before we reach the Byrne we will stop for a spot of lunch - we may have some sheep joining us! After crossing the footbridge we say cheerio to the five mile group who head north back to the car park. The 8.5 mile group then follow a rather overgrown but easy path towards Easy Hedley Hope. We then head slightly south toward Stanley Hall Farm. This part of the route is a bit of a long hill but we are rewarded again with some fantastic views. Walking through the woods we eventually meet up with the Deerness Valley Railway Path and then head east and encounter some easy stepping stones when crossing the Byrne again. Heading back to the car park the PROW is rather steep and we shall take a breather at the top. Lots of sheep at the top and we then pass through some corn fields to finish off the walk.
Please be aware that the going underfoot is heavy and good strong walking boots are recommended.
Due to an abundance of livestock, dogs cannot be permitted.
Distance is 8.5 mile for the long walk and 4.8mile for the shorter walk.
Directions from Chester le Street
Take the A167 towards Durham. At the Plawsworth roundabout, turn right towards Witton Gilbert along the B6312. On reaching the A691, take the first left at the next roundabout by the Gulf Garage and head towards Langley Park and Quebec. Turn left at Quebec along Clifford's Bank. Turn right on reaching the B6302. On reaching the T junction at Cornsay turn left onto the B6301 and continue for about a mile and a half and the Nature Reserve Car Park is on the right side. It is well sign posted.
Car sharing is strongly advised as parking may prove difficult.
0950hrs for 1000hrs departure at the old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA
1040hrs at the Hedley Hope Nature Reserve Car Park Car. The nearest postcode is DH7 9EW and the What3Words reference is ///plug.deposits.erupt
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