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.
Northumberlandia
Something different for a Thursday Ramble.
The "Lady of the North" which is a stunning human landform structure is set in an old quarry and is man made and unique to the North East. It was built using over 1.5 billion tonnes of earth works and cost over £3 million to set up.
Walk Details:
We depart the visitor centre car park and almost immediately enter the Northumberlandia monument. It is quite a breath taking sight on first experiencing.
We take an initial flat pleasant walk around the man made lakes where there is an abundance of wild life and this will lead us to the many meandering paths. We then walk gently uphill to the highest point where we are afforded a 360 degree panoramic view of the countryside. On a clear day the Cheviot Hills can be seen in the distance.
Heading back down we then walk along a wide hard core road where the countryside is a little unexciting and lacking colour but we are rewarded by distance views of the Lady which provides a different perspective of the monument.
Joining the path of the main Edinburgh to Newcastle railway line we then cross over using the authorised chicane where we watch out for 120mph oncoming trains. No dawdling here!
On the other side of the line we follow the PROW through a small wood and then onto the very quiet road and start our return and pass the Cramlington Windmill ruin.
Crossing over the railway line again we head in a straight line direction towards the Lady, again providing a different view. There are lots of cattle and horses in the rather drab countryside here but they are all fenced in. In a few years time the plantations in the adjoining fields will mature and no doubt present an area of beauty.
Distance is approx 5.5 miles.
Directions:
From Chester le Street, take the A1 North and then take the junction 80 exit for Seaton Burn. At the first roundabout take the A1068 towards Cramlington
Keep to the A1068 and after the first roundabout keep going for a further 600 meters and Northumberlandia is brown sign posted to the left. Go past the Snowy Owl inn and the car park is on the right.
Car Parking: There is ample car parking at the Visitor Centre. There is however other council led group walking on the day and it may get rather busy. Car sharing is therefore recommended. There is a voluntary donation of £3 for each vehicle.
Cafe: The cafe has a small indoor eating area and ample seating space outside. Prices are very reasonable and with a good selection of goodies. The staff have been warned about the potential demand for bacon sandwiches and scones!
0950hrs for 1000hrs departure leaving the Civic Centre Car Park, Chester-Le-Street, DH3 3UA.
Start Time: 1040hrs at the Northumberlandia Visitor Centre Car Park. Post Code NE23 8AU. What3words: campsites.item.treating
