Rowlands Gill to Low Spen circular: Sunday, 10th August.
A moderate walk of approximately 8.2 miles, enjoying the countryside and woodland of the Derwent valley. There will be plenty of shelter and shade provided as we progress through a mixture of woodland, field edges and some road walking.
Starting in Rowlands Gill, we will head north east along the Derwent walk for a short while, before beginning a steady ascent north west towards High Thornley. We then turn west, enjoying views over the Derwent Valley as we head towards Spen Banks. We then descend south to Low Spen and our lunch stop with a view. After lunch we will cross into Chopwell woods to continue south to Lintzford and ascend to Middle Friarside. From here, we turn north east back down to our starting point, where the shop in the car park will be open for Ice cream!
Dave Marshall has kindly offered to provide an option for a shorter walk.
Directions:
From Chester le Street, take the A693 north towards Stanley. Turn right at the main roundabout in Stanley onto Station Road and then sharp left at the small roundabout towards Tantobie. Carry on to the junction at Pickering Nook. Turn right and then immediate left towards Burnopfield. At the next junction turn right for approx 500 yards and turn left, immediately after the terrace houses on the left, down onto Link Road. Turn left at the junction and head down the hill to Rowlands Gill. After you cross the bridge, follow the road right. After approx. 400 yards turn right, just opposite Maquire's Fish shop, and follow the road down into the car park.