We are the Ponteland Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
We enter the Park briefly, taking in the waterfall and following the path around the lake before a gentle incline up Whickham Hill, offering views to Blackburn fell. From there we traverse Washingwells, the site of a Roman Fort, to Buck Hill. A descent from there to join the course of the Black Burn through pasture, meadow and woodland, and at Sunniside, crossing the A692 to join the Tanfield Railway path. After a short distance we leave the path to cross open fields, then enter and descend through Fugarfield wood back to the A692 and the Park. Taking the high path through woodland before dropping down to join the Black Burn once more and the very scenic return trail to the lake and start point.
Terrain: mixture of well laid out paths including: park, pasture, field, woodland, bridleway, burnside. Generally flat, with a very gentle incline to the hills. One short steeper incline. Three sets of short decent steps. Some low stiles. Grade : Moderate.
Refreshment : Hydration stops. There is a Cafe at Watergate Park, and a Public house within a few minutes of the carpark.
Main car park Watergate forest park. Nrst. Post code: NE11 9RQ. what3words period.chart.cigar. Grid: NZ229605. Directions to start point. Join the A1 until junction 68 taking slip road to roundabout for the exit onto A692, SP Consett/ Whickham. Then take right turn at traffic lights SP Whickham B6317. Look out for signage after a short distance for the entrance to carpark on left, (with a sharp turn in). Journey time approx 20 mins. from Ponteland.
