We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a moderate 8.8 mile route, with some steep ascent to reach the Elephant Trees. The views of Weardale, throughout this walk, are really stunning. We start from the car park in Wolsingham (detailed below) and walk south through the town to cross the River Wear. We then head west on the riverside path, close to the Weardale Railway and through some fields and meadows. After the caravan site, we begin to climb in a SW direction, joining the Weardale Way at West Biggins. We continue uphill to our lunch stop, on the edge of Pikeston Fell, and the photo shows the views from this location. The Elephant Trees are about 200 yards to the west and we take a close-up look at them, before heading east on the Weardale Way, on a moorland track, which is level but quite rocky underfoot. After just over a mile on this track, we start to gently descend NE: the path does a long "zig zag" through farmland towards the river and then through town, and back to the car park.
There will also be a shorter walk option, kindly made available by Dave Marshall.
A lot of this walk is over farmland and with all livestock now out for the summer, we will meet sheep with lambs, cattle with calves and possibly, the occasional horse. They all seemed settled to me and we should be able to walk at a distance from them, but I would advise against bringing dogs on this walk.
09.50 to meet and 10.00 to leave, at the Old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA
Directions from Chester le Street Take preferred route to Lanchester Follow B6296, signposted to Wolsingham Cross A68 at High Stoop Continue on B6296 into Wolsingham Turn Right at the market place and follow the A689 west to a layby on your left, (see details below). Note later start time to allow for driving time. At the end of Wolsingham, you pass the de-restricted speed sign and shortly after that, you will see West End Garage on your right which has a post code of DL13 3DJ. Very soon after the garage, there is a layby on your left, which we can park. Please drive in slowly as it is a bit potholed but improves after the first few yards. What3Words reference is ///postings.duos.acted
