Durham City Ramblers is an active and friendly group with a varied weekly walk programme mainly in County Durham
Exiting the car park we cross the A695 and make our way through the residential areas of Riding and Broomhaugh, historically separate hamlets divided by the March burn, but with the same interesting past including witches' covens and raids by the Scots. Dere street (Roman) also passes through the village. Leaving the history behind, our course leads southwards towards High Plains, and if the weather is good, fabulous views down the valley await us, then towards Healey, where you have the opportunity to visit the stunning church of St. John. Still heading south, we head through Balehill Plantation, then west and North to Healey Mill (our lunch stop). From here we ascend upto Eastwood House and Hemmels Fell. We cross a couple of fields and Riding Mill Burn, then ascend up to Riding Lee Farm. This Ascent is very wet and muddy, with lots of visible tree roots, fortunately not too long of an ascent. We then return to the start through the residential area.
Terrain: Moderate difficulty. Minor roads, fields, woodland paths. Very wet and muddy in several places on recce, poles and gaiters recommended. Inclines not too long or steep, however running water, mud and tree roots on a couple.
The Wellington, Riding Mill
