We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
We meet at the minor road entrance almost opposite the pub (The Fox Hole) and we are take the PROW to the rear of the village. This area is mostly hidden from the public but should not be missed. We pass firstly by the Roman Fort which features the Latrine Area and then onto the East Fort Gate and Defences. There are a number of pictorial display signs along the way and these are well worth a few minutes to read. Piercebridge is situated along part of the roman supply route (Dere Street) and the bulk of stones for Hadrian's Wall would have been transported along this route.
Heading south we then meet up with the Teesdale Way and follow the riverside path for approximately two miles. At the time of the recce the trees were in full autumnal bloom and the array of colours were magnificent. On the 16th we should still see the remnants of these colours. Leaving the Teesdale Way we then head north across some very green countryside and towards Dyance Farm. Passing through a field of cattle who now appear well used to us humans as they displayed a total lack of interest in me! Heading onwards through fields of sheep we then reach the most delightful village of Summerhouse where we shall have a spot of lunch. After lunch we say farewell to the five mile group.
Heading east from the village we cross an open field and the underfoot for the next mile or so is rather heavy until we reach the tiny farm village of Denton. Turning south we follow the PROW towards Honey Well Barks Farm. A few deer were spotted in this area scattering away in the distance. We then continue south through fields where there is an abundance of sheep and then return to the finish point.
Please be aware that the is a myriad of stiles and gates along this route.
Distance for the short walk is exactly five mile and nine mile for the long walk. The nine miles is slightly longer than planned. However, the route is very flat indeed with only a couple of undulating areas.
Directions:
From Chester le Street, take the A1South and take exit 58 towards Corbridge along the A68. Continue along the A68 over two roundabouts. About a half mile after the second roundabout, turn left at the Black Smith Arms Pub. Continue along this road and at the next crossroads turn left and then immediately right. Follow this road for its full length and turn right towards Piercebridge at the junction. After half a mile turn left into Piercebridge and then immediately left and into the meeting point.
Car Parking: There should be ample parking places. If the area is full then please park in the village and walk to the meeting point. Please be aware that double yellow lines now exist in various parts of the village. It is therefore strongly recommended that car sharing is put to good effective use.
As it is an earlier start time we should be back at CLS well before darkness sets in.
Dave Marshall has kindly agreed to meet the five milers at Summerhouse village.
0920hrs for 0930hrs departure leaving the Civic Centre Car Park, Chester-Le-Street, DH3 3UA.
Start Time: 1015hrs at the small access road just as you turn into Piercebridge off the A67 Postcode: DL2 3SJ. What3Words: survey.rationing.screamed
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