We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Stanhope
This is a moderate 8.5 mile route with some steep climbs in a few places. The walk starts on the south side of the Stanhope Ford and begins with a gentle SE riverside walk, along the Weardale Way. We then start a slight climb towards Parson Byers and the walk continues over fields and out in a loop, to the east of Hill End. From there, we walk over fields in a SW direction, towards Bishopley. There is a steep climb up the lane to meet the road and at Hill Top House, we reach the moorland section of the walk. This is an ideal point for the lunch break, with stunning views all around.
From there, we continue west along a moorland track and eventually north, over a grouse butts path, with further great views at the height of the moor. We descend off the moor towards Ridding House and rejoin the Weardale Way. For a short stretch, we retrace our earlier steps, towards Parson Byers. There, we pick up a higher level path to return on. Finally, we descend down a steep hillside over fields, and return to the start point, through the Stanhope Show Ground.
There will also be a shorter walk option, kindly made available by Dave Marshall.
General comments: The “uphill and down dale” terrain on this walk can make the route a little slower. I estimate that total walking time, including lunch break, will be approximately 5 hours. There are a number of stiles on the way and gaiters and sticks may be helpful in the muddy sections. As there are many fields with very young lambs, I would advise against bringing dogs on this route. Please also read the parking advice below carefully. Parking spaces are limited and car sharing is strongly advised.
09.50 to meet and 10.00 to leave, at the Old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA
10.50 at the car parking lay-by, on the B6278, just before you reach the south side of Stanhope Ford, on the road from Stanhope to Barnard Castle. The nearest postcode is DL13 2PQ and the What3Words is ///wobbling.bedding.shine If you cannot get a parking space here, I would suggest that you drive back over the bridge towards Stanhope and park in the lay-by on the north side of the river, immediately after the bridge. The What3Words reference here is ///songbook.houseboat.cluttered It is almost a 10 minute walk from this lay-by to the start point, however you may choose to take this option first, if you get to Stanhope in good time! Directions from Chester le Street - Take preferred route to Lanchester - Take B6296, signposted to Wolsingham - Cross A68 at High Stoop - Follow B6296 to Wolsingham - Turn R onto A689 west for Stanhope - Drive through Stanhope - At the end of the town, take B6278 on the left towards Barnard Castle - Follow road to cross river and reach start point on your left, just before Stanhope Ford *You will pass the alternative lay-by for parking in, on your left, just before you cross the bridge.
