Guided Walks 2014

Guided Walks Programme Durham’s Countryside Service

April - September 2014

County Durham’s beautiful countryside is home to a massive variety of plants and animals and the area has a fascinating historical and geological heritage come and explore with us.

We have walks to suit everyone; from short, easy walks to long, hard hikes all are welcome. No need to book, unless otherwise stated simply turn up and enjoy.

April

May

June

Contact the Countryside Service

www.durham.gov.uk/countryside countryside@durham.gov.uk 03000 264 589

Facebook/Durham-Countryside-Volunteers

Sign up for our e-news

July

August

September

Walks by theme

Creative walks art, photography, writing April May June July Sept

1, 12, 26 17, 24, 27 8, 21, 24 19 13, 27, 30

Geology walks April 9, 13, 20, 23 May 4, 21 June 1, 8, 15, 29 July 2, 6, 12, 27 Aug 3, 6, 10, 17 Sept 14, 21, 24

Local history walks including Archive office tours April 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 30 May 1, 2, 4, 5, 11, 14, 18, 20, 21, 23, 24, 30, 31 June 1, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19, 26, 27, 28 July 6, 8, 10, 11, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 Aug 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29 Sept 3, 9, 12, 13, 14, 20, 21, 25, 26, 29 Nature walks April 20, 21, 23, 27, 30 May 5, 10, 14, 18, 24, 25, 31 June 1, 5, 8, 15, 22, 28, 29 July 9, 12, 13, 15, 20, 23, 27 Aug 9, 10, 25 Sept 17, 20, 28, 29

Walks by length

Easy access suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs April 24, May 27 June 26 Aug 28 Short walks under 4 miles April 1, 12, 17, 26 May 10, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29 June 8, 17, 21, 24 July 8, 15, 19, 26, 29 Aug 10, 12, 19 Sept 9, 13, 23, 25, 27, 29

Mid length between 4 and 7 miles April 2, 10, 13, 20 May 4, 8, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 June 1, 6, 15, 29 July 10, 11, 12, 16, 18, 20, 27 Aug 3, 7, 15, 17, 21, 22, 28 Sept 12, 14, 20, 27, 28 Longer 8 miles or over April 4, 5, 9, 18, 21, 23, 24, 27, 30 May 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 14, 21, 31 June 4, 5, 8, 11, 13, 14, 19, 27, 28 July 2, 5, 6, 9, 13, 23, 25, 30 Aug 1, 2, 6, 9, 13, 24, 25, 27, 29 Sept 3, 6, 13, 17, 21, 24, 26, 29 1

Grades

VILLAGE/TOWN Suitable for most levels of fitness. Short walks mainly on surfaced paths or pavements.

EASY Country walk suitable for most levels of fitness. Good paths.

Relatively flat. Possibly a few stiles.

MEDIUM Country walk suitable for people of average fitness. Comfortable walking in undulating landscapes, avoiding strenuous climbs.

Some stiles. Boots essential.

HARD Requires a good level of fitness. Walks with steep or strenuous climbs or rough moorland. Boots essential.

LONG Requires a good level of fitness. Typical country walk which is suitable for people who can manage distance (over 8m). See accompanying grades for information. Boots essential.

OPEN ACCESS Not on Public Rights of Way. Walk may have extra hard elements, terrain may be difficult, unsurfaced and sometimes through heather.

No dogs.

Costs £4 All walkers.

Free Under 5’s and carers accompanying a disabled person. £10 Family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children under 12) Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Estimated timings Duration of the walk is a guide only. Pace depends on number and fitness of the group and weather conditions. Leader will adapt the walk to suit the pace of the slowest participant. All walks are circular unless otherwise stated.

Clothing/Smoking Boots and waterproofs are advisable on all walks. Jeans are not appropriate. Walks are non-smoking.

Feedback Tell us what you thought of the walk at www.durham.gov.uk/countryside

Dogs Dogs are allowed on walks, unless otherwise stated. Must be well behaved, active and kept on a short fixed lead. Route may be long and over steep ground with stiles to cross. Dogs remain responsibility of the owner. We reserve the right to refuse your dog onto the walk.

Getting there Map references - six figure references indicate the starting point of the walk. They can be used to find a place on a 1:50 000 or 1:25 000 Ordnance Survey map. For instructions on reading grid references see map or go to www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Postcodes Nearest postcodes are included but they may not be the exact start location. Some locations are remote and postcode given may be some distance away. Consult a map as well. If you are reading this online, follow the link GM (Google Maps link to nearest postcode).

Imperial or metric? To convert miles into kilometres, multiply by 1.6

April

Key

Tues 1 April Photography walk: Sinister Durham

guided walk local history geology nature

exercise/countryside view photography

bring a camera, walk may be cancelled in heavy rain

map and compass skills

sketch - bring sketch pad, pen, pencil,

colours, walk may be cancelled in heavy rain

creative writing - bring pen and notebook families

little legs, big fun family walk especially suitable for families

easy access

suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs

no dogs allowed

packed lunch needed charge for event

GM Google Maps link (To the nearest postcode)

Car parking If the start is not a car park, ensure parking does not create a hazard and does not obstruct entrances or other traffic. Please car share or use public transport wherever possible.

Public transport Services shown are those which can realistically be used to reach the start.

Check before travelling. Help with journey planning - from Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or www.jplanner.travelinenortheast.info Severe weather In severe weather conditions, contact us to see if the walk is going ahead (phone is monitored outside of office hours) or go to Facebook/Durham-Countryside-Volunteers

walks

How to claim your free parking and drink

Prior to walk, meet steward at parking machine hut next to the Visitor Centre to collect free parking pass.

Spend £3 in café after walk and get a free hot drink - show walk card.

10am 2hr

Philip Nixon - Photographer Start: Londonderry statue, Market Place, Durham City, off A690. DH1 3UJ. GR NZ274426 Map 88/308 Buses: Any bus or train to Durham easy

2 miles

GM

Wed 2 April West Auckland: no need of a watch

10am 3hr

Derek S Newby - Local Historian Start: Park on minor road north of Lloyds/Hollands lawnmower/tractor centre, close to the new West Auckland bypass roundabout, off A688, signed to St Helen’s Industrial Estate. DL14 9AX. GR NZ195269 Map 92/305 Bus: Any bus to St Helen Auckland easy 5 miles

GM

Fri 4 April 10.30am 6hr On the edge - Chop Hardy and Pedham’s Oak Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Roadside outside Edmundbyers Church, Church Lane, Edmundbyers, between B6306 and B6278. DH8 9NQ. GR NZ015499 Map 87/307 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium-long 10 miles

Sat 5 April 10am 5.5hr Waldridge Fell and No Place Steve Shippen - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: First car park on left from Waldridge Village, behind St Barnabas’ nursery. DH2 3RY. GR NZ253496 Map 88/308 Bus: Go North East x25 easy 11 miles

GM

Wed 9 April 10.30am 6hr Teesdale fellwalking Mike Knipe - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Bowlees picnic area (charge for parking), Newbiggin-in-Teesdale, off B6277.

DL12 0XE. GR NY908283 Map 92/OL31- OL19 Bus: No suitable service hard-long 11 miles

Thurs 10 April Aycliffe amble

GM

11am 4hr

Dara Dastur - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Aycliffe Village Green, The Green, Aycliffe Vilage. DL5 6LX. GR NZ284225 Map 93/305 Bus: Arriva 8, 21 Walk, exercise, lunch, cost medium 7 miles

GM

Sat 12 April 10am 3hr Creative writing: Pens and swords Chris Robinson - Writer See notes on p2 for equipment needed.

Start: Outside Durham University Botanic Gardens, Hollingside Lane entrance, Durham City. Park in Hollingside Lane only. DH1 3TN. GR NZ274408 Map 88/308 Bus: Arriva 6, Go Northern x21 easy 3.5 miles

GM

Sun 13 April 11am 5.5hr Harehope Quarry to Pikestone Fell: north edge John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Harehope Quarry car park (with kind permission), on A689 Frosterley. DL13 2SG. GR NZ037364 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium 6 miles

Thurs 17 April 11am 3hr Little Legs: Big Fun family walk Walking, games, trails and quizzes. Age 6+ accompanied by adults. £3 child, adults free Start: Neptune statue, Market Place, Durham City, off A690. DH1 3UJ. GR NZ274426 Map 88/308 Buses: Any bus or train to Durham le easy 4.5 miles

GM

leg s

Litt

WalkExploreDiscover

Fri 18 April 10.30am 5.5hr Pennypie and the Carriers Way Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Blanchland main car park (small charge), Blanchland, off B6306. DH8 9ST. GR NY964504 Map 87/307 Bus: No suitable service medium-long 10 miles

GM

Sun 20 April 11am 5.5hr Tilting at windmills in coal measure country

John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Opposite Village Hall, East Hedleyhope, 1 mile south of B6301. DL13 4PT. GR NZ156402 Map 88/307 Bus: No suitable service medium 6.5 mile

GM

Mon 21 April 10am 6.5hr Deepdale and two disused railway lines Ian Gray - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Post Office, Galgate, Barnard Castle.

DL12 8BE. GR NZ049166 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Any bus to Barnard Castle medium-long 13 mile

GM

Wed 23 April 10am 5hr Panoramic views of southwest Durham

Derek S Newby - Local Historian Followed by an optional guided tour of the Locomotion Railway Museum.

Start: Locomotion main car park, directly in front of Museum, off Dale Road, Shildon. DL4 2RE. GR NZ238256 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to Redworth Road or any bus or train to Shildon then walk

GM

medium-long 8 mile

Thurs 24 April 11am 4hr Wolsingham and Tunstall reservoir David and Fiona Eltringham - Voluntary Countryside Rangers Start: Demesne Mill picnic area, Uppertown, Wolsingham on B6296. DL13 3DB. GR NZ076375 maps 87-92/OL31-07 Bus: No suitable service medium-long 8 miles

GM

2

April

Thurs 24 April 6pm 1.5hr Your County Record Office: an introduction to archives, family and local history www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk Start: Public entrance, County Hall, Durham City, off A691. DH1 5TP. GR NZ267435 Map 88/308 Bus: Train to Durham or bus to County Hall easy

GM

Sat 26 April 7.30pm 1.5hr Art walk: Drawing in the darkness

Sophy Nixon - Artist See notes on p2 for equipment needed, plus a torch. www.durhamartwalks.tumblr.com Start: St Oswald’s Church, Church St, off New Elvet, Durham City. DH1 3DQ. GR NZ276419 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham, or bus to Church St easy 2 miles

GM

Sun 27 April 10am 5hr Durham woodlands - old and new David Butler - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Sunderland Bridge, old road over River Wear, Croxdale, off B6300. DH6 5JL. GR NZ265377 Map 93/305 Bus: Go North East x21, Arriva 6, 7 medium-long 9.5 miles

GM

Wed 30 April 10am 6hr Lambton heritage and Penshaw Monument

Neville McDonnell - Vol Countryside Ranger Start: Rainton Meadows Visitor Centre (kind permission of Durham Wildlife Trust), off the B1284 roundabout. Signposted from A690.

DH4 6PU. GR NZ325485 Map 88/ 308 Bus: Call Traveline 0871 200 2233 medium-long 12 mile

GM

Thurs 1 May 10.30am 4hr Footsteps from Ferryhill

Dave Drinkwater - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Optional pub lunch after walk Start: Car park of ‘The Old Mill Inn’ pub (with permission), Thinford Road, Metal Bridge.

DH6 5NX. Accessed off A688 from west or A177 from east. GR NZ302351 Map 93/305 Bus: Scarlet Band 112 medium 7.5 miles

GM

Fri 2 May 10.30am 6hr ‘I see no ships’ - Shipmasters Hill and Allendale Cottages Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Car park opposite Derwentcote Iron Furness, west of Hamsterley Mill, on A694, NE17 7RS GR NZ130562 Map 88/307 Bus: Go Northern 45, 46 medium-long 10 miles

Sat 3 May Elephant trees

3

GM

10am 6hr

Steve Shippen - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Demesne Mill picnic area, Uppertown, Wolsingham on B6296. DL13 3DB. GR NZ076375 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service hard-long 12 miles

GM

May

Sun 4 May 11am 5.5hr St John’s Chapel to Slitt wood John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Meet opposite Town Hall, St John’s Chapel, off A689. DL13 1QF. GR NY885379 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium 7.miles

Mon 5 May 10am 6hr The Butterstone and Cotherstone Ian Gray - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Post Office, Galgate, Barnard Castle.

DL12 8BE. GR NZ049166 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Any bus to Barnard Castle

GM

hard-long 11 miles

Thurs 8 May 11am 4hr A walk in upper Teesdale Dara Dastur - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Car park at Hanging Shaw, near Forest School, Forest-in-Teesdale, on B6277.

DL12 0HA. GR NY867298 Map 91/ OL31 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium 7 miles

Sat 10 May 1.30pm 2.5hr Tree spotting in spring

Alan Rose - Naturalist and Geographer Start: Houghall Woods parking area, near sign for The Pump House restaurant on A177.

DH1 3PJ. GR NZ286411 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus to Shincliffe Rose Tree easy 2 miles

GM

Sat 10 & Sun 11 May 10am-3pm Where am I? Where am I going?

Beginner’s guide to maps and compasses Day 1 - theory and practical, Day 2 - 6 mile practical in a Weardale location. Course cost is £30. Booking only: call 03000 264 589 during office hours.

Sun 11 May 10am 4.5hr Coal and rail at Beamish Eric Borley - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Eden Place picnic area, Beamish, off A693. DH9 0RG. GR NZ220537 Map 88/308 Bus: Go Northern 8, 28, 28a, 78a, 128

GM

medium-long 8 miles

Wed 14 May 10.15am 6.5hr Teesdale Way: Piercebridge to Blackwell Bill Gallon - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Car park at northeast end of Piercebridge, near phone box, off B6275.

DL2 3SL. GR NZ211159 Map 93/304 Bus: Arriva 75, 76

GM

medium-long 13 miles

Sat 17 May 10am 2hr Art walk: Low Burnhall wood

Sophy Nixon - Artist See notes on p2 www.durhamartwalks.tumblr.com Start: Low Burnhall Wood car park, concealed entrance immediately off Cock o’ the north roundabout heading towards Durham on A177. DH1 3SX. GR NZ269390 Map 88/308 Bus: Arriva 6, 7, Go North East X21 easy 2 miles

GM

Sun 18 May 11am 4hr Brusselton Wood/Shawbrow Hill

Ian Gray - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Locomotion car park ‘A’, off Redworth Road, Shildon. DL4 1PQ. GR NZ231256 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to Redworth Road

GM

medium 7.5 miles

Tues 20 May 6.30pm 2hr Introduction to history of Durham David Butler - Local Historian Start: Outside Castle Gateway, Palace Green, Durham City. DH1 3EQ. GR NZ273423 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham town 2 miles

GM

Wed 21 May 10am 6hr To the end of the Durham Escarpment Derek S Newby - Local Historian Followed by optional tour of the Museum.

Start: Locomotion main car park, directly in front of Museum, off Dale Road, Shildon. DL4 2RE. GR NZ238256 Map 93/ 305 Bus: Any bus to Redworth Road

GM

medium-long 10 miles

Fri 23 May 10am 4.5hr A walk from Willington

Walter Taylor - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: War Memorial car park, Willington, on A690. DL15 0BG. GR NZ205348 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to Willington medium 7 miles

GM

Sat 24 May 10am 3hr Creative writing: Bishop Middleham Chris Robinson - Writer. See notes on p2 Start: Meet outside St Michael’s Church, Church Street, Bishop Middleham (park with consideration in village). DL17 9AF. GR NZ327312 Map 93/305.

Bus: Scarlet Band 33 medium 3.5 miles

GM

Sat 24 May 10.30am 4hr Shincliffe, Old Durham, Houghall

Dave Drinkwater - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Lay-by at High Shincliffe (old route of A177), off A177. DH1 2PE. GR NZ294401 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus to High Shincliffe

GM

medium 7.5 miles

Sun 25 May 10am 4hr Birds of the Skerne Valley John Olley - Countryside Ranger Start: Visitor Centre, Hardwick Park, on A177 on west side of Sedgefield. TS21 2DN. (see p2 for free parking offer).

GR NZ346287 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to Sedgefield, then walk medium 6 miles

GM

Tues 27 May 10am 2hr Beginners ‘point and shoot’ photography walk: Hardwick

Philip Nixon - Photographer Start: Visitor Centre, Hardwick Park, on A177 on west side of Sedgefield. TS21 2DN. See p2 for free parking offer.

GR NZ346287 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to Sedgefield, then walk easy 2 miles

GM

11am 3hr Thurs 29 May Little Legs: Big Fun family walk

Walking, games, trails and quizzes. Age 6+ accompanied by adults. £3 child, adults free.

Start: Neptune statue, Market Place,Durham City, off A690. DH1 3UJ. le leg Litt s GR NZ274426 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham easy 4.5 miles

GM

WalkExploreDiscover

Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Lay-by at Hurbuck Cottages,signposted from A691 near Lanchester. DH7 0RJ. GR NZ133485 Map 88/307 Bus: Go North East 15a

GM

Sat 31 May 10am 6hr Bishop Middleham and Fishburn

Neville McDonnell - Vol. Countryside Ranger Start: Visitor Centre, Hardwick Park, on A177 on west side of Sedgefield. TS21 2DN. See p2 for free parking offer.

GR NZ346287 Map 93/05 Bus: Any bus to Sedgefield, then walk

Sun 1 June 11am 6hr Cronkley Fell in Teesdale

John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Car park at Hanging Shaw, nr Forest School, Forest-in-Teesdale, on B6277. DL12 0HA. GR NY867298 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

GM

Wed 4 June 10am 6.5hr Friends, Romans and Railways

Mike Knipe - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Locomotion car park ‘A’, off Redworth Road, Shildon. DL4 1PQ. GR NZ229256 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to Redworth Road or any bus or train to Shildon then walk hard-long 13 miles

GM

Thurs 5 June 11am 4.5hr St John’s Chapel and Cowshill David and Fiona Eltringham - VCRs Start: Cattle market, St John’s Chapel, off A689.

DL13 1QF. GR NY886379 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Weardale 101 hard-long 8.5 miles

GM

Fri 6 June 11am 4hr North Road, Flass Vale and Durham’s missing river Alan Rose - Naturalist and Geographer Start: Outside The Gates shopping centre, North Road entrance, Durham City. DH1 4SL. Park in any city centre car park.

GR NZ273424 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham medium 6 miles

10am 3hr

Chris Robinson - Writer See notes on p2 for equipment needed.

Start: Outside of Village Inn, Sunderland Road, junction of B1432 & B1283, Easington Village. GR NZ416435. SR8 3AT. Map 88/308 Bus: Arriva 24

Sun 8 June High Pennines

GM

11am 6hr

Ian Findlay - Naturalist Start: Cow Green car park, 2½ miles west of Langdon Beck, off B6277, Teesdale.

DL12 0HX. GR NY811309 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

GM

hard-long 11 miles

Wed 11 June 10am 5hr Story of the Haggerleases branch line

Derek S Newby - Local Historian Start: Manor House Hotel car park (with permission), West Auckland, off A68.

DL14 9HW. GR NZ179263 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to West Auckland medium-long 9.5 miles

Fri 13 June

GM

GM Banks and Braes of Bonny Derwent

medium-long 11 miles

medium 7 miles

Sun 8 June Creative writing: Write Out - Easington

easy 3.5 miles

Fri 30 May 10.30am 4hr ‘Browney Points’ Hurbuck to Lanchester

easy 7 miles

June

GM

10.30am 4.5hr

Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Allensford picnic area, west car park, off A68 north of Castleside. DH8 9BA. GR NZ078502 Map 88/307 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium-long 8 miles

Sat 14 June 10am 5.5hr Dipton circular and Pontop Pike

Steve Shippen - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Car park next to Collierley School, Dipton on A692. DH9 9DJ. GR NZ154537 Map 88/307 Bus: Any bus to Dipton

GM

hard-long 10 miles

Sun 15 June 11am 5.5hr Botanical treasures: Thrislington and Bishop Middleham

John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Road from Ferryhill to Bishop Middleham, opposite Hope House Farm at junction with closed road. DL17 9DW. GR NZ322321 Map 93/305 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium 5 miles

Tues 17 Jun 6.30pm 2.5hr (Black) Diamonds are forever: Durham City and the coal industry David Butler - Local Historian Start: Londonderry Statue, Market Place, Durham City, off A690. DH1 3UJ. GR NZ274426 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham medium 2.5 miles

GM

Thurs 19 June 10am 6hr Here we go around the holly bush (extended version)

Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Malton picnic area, one mile southeast of Lanchester, off A691. DH7 0TH. GR NZ178464 Map 88/307 Bus: Go North East 15,15a, then walk medium 10 miles

Sat 21 June Art walk: Kepier wood

GM

10am 2hr

Sophy Nixon - Artist See notes on p2 for equipment needed. www.durhamartwalks.tumblr.com Start: Kepier Wood car park, off Belmont flyover on A690. DH1 1HP. GR NZ291439 Map 88/308 Bus: Go Northern x20, 220, 261 easy 2 miles

GM

Tues 24 June 10am 2hr Photography walk: Old Durham and the Nobby Stiles boathouse

Philip Nixon - Photographer Start: Baths Bridge, off Old Elvet, Durham City. DH1 3DA. GR NZ278425 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham easy 2 miles

GM

Thurs 26 June 6pm 1.5hr Your County Record Office: an introduction to archives, family and local history

www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk Start: Public entrance, County Hall, Durham City, off A691. DH1 5TP. GR NZ267435 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham easy access

GM

Fri 27 June 10.30am 4.5hr ‘Green around the gill’ - Rowley, Knitsley and Hown’s Gill

Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Rowley Station picnic area on the Waskerley Way, off A68, south of Castleside.

DH8 9AB. GR NZ086478 Map 88/307 Bus: Go North East v8 to Castleside then walk medium-long 9 miles

GM

Sat 28 June 10.30am 6hr Bowes Moor circular

Open Access for 5 miles, see p1 Neville McDonnell - Vol Countryside Ranger Start: Village Hall car park (small charge), at eastern end of Bowes Village, on Gilmonby Road. DL12 9HU. GR NY996134 Map 92/OL31-OL30 Bus: No suitable service medium-long 10.5 miles

GM

Sun 28 June 11am 5.5hr Botanical treasures: coast between Easington and Hawthorn

John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Easington Colliery Viewpoint car park, at sharp bend at bottom of Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, signed off B1283.

SR8 3RU. GR NZ439440 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus to Easington Colliery medium 5 miles

GM

4

July

Wed 2 July High Cup Nick

10am 7hr

Mike Knipe -Volun Countryside Ranger Start: Cow Green car park, 2½ miles west of Langdon Beck, off B6277, Teesdale. DL12 0HX. GR NY811309 Map 92/OL19-OL31 Bus: Hodgsons 73

GM

hard-long 14 miles

Sat 5 July 10am 6hr Causey Arch and Beamish

Steve Shippen - Vol Countryside Ranger Start: Causey Arch picnic area, on west side of A6076, near Stanley. NE16 5EJ. GR NZ205562 Map 88/308 Bus: Go North East x30, x31 Causey Arch Inn

GM

medium-long 11.5 miles

Sun 6 July 11am 6hr Clockwise from St John’s Chapel to Burnhope reservoir John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Meet opposite Town Hall, St John’s Chapel, off A689. DL13 1QF. GR NY885379 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium-long 8 miles

Tues 8 July 6.30pm 2.5hr Industrious Durham: the city’s past industries David Butler - Local Historian Start: Londonderry Statue, Market Place, Durham City, off A690. DH1 3UJ. GR NZ274426 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham medium 2.5 miles

Wed 9 July East of Eggleston

GM

10.15am 6.5hr

Bill Gallon - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Meet outside the Three Tuns public house, Eggleston. DL12 0AH. GR NY999238 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Scarlet Band 95, 96

GM

hard-long 12 miles

Thurs 10 July 11am 4hr Dipton and Derwentcote David and Fiona Eltringham Voluntary Countryside Rangers Start: Car park next to Collierley School, Dipton on A692. DH9 9DJ. GR NZ154537 Map 88/307 Bus: Any bus to Dipton medium 7.5 miles

GM

Fri 11 July 10.30am 3.5 hr Foxholes and the Horsleyhopes Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Watergate picnic area, on Stanhope road, ¼ mile from Castleside crossroads.

DH8 9AP. GR NZ078484 Map 88/307 Bus: Go North East v8 to Castleside, walk medium 6.5 miles

GM

Sat 12 July 2pm 3hr Bowlees and River Tees Ian Findlay - Naturalist Start: Bowlees picnic area (small parking charge), near Newbiggin-in-Teesdale, off B6277.

DL12 0XE. GR NY908283 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

5

medium 5 miles

GM

Sun 13 July 10.30am 6hr Coastal footpath walk Niall Benson - Heritage Coast Officer Return journey by mini-bus. Booking only, call: 03000 26 8131 during office hours. hard-long 9 miles

Tues 15 July 11am 3hr Marbled white butterflies, flowers and dragonflies of Wingate Quarry Gary Whitton - Countryside Ranger Start: Wingate Quarry Local Nature Reserve car park, on B1278 between Thornley roundabout and Trimdon. TS29 6NT. GR NZ371373 Map 93/305 Bus: No suitable service

GM

medium 2 miles

Wed 16 July 10am 5hr Obelisks and observatories Derek S Newby - Local Historian Start: Meet outside of the Town Hall, Bishop Auckland. Park in any town centre car park.

DL14 7NP. GR NZ211301 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus or train to Bishop Auckland

GM

medium 7 miles

Fri 18 July 10am 4.5hr Saunter south of Sedgefield Walter Taylor - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Side road off A689, near the Service Station, south of Sedgefield. TS21 2JX. GR NZ364283 Map 93/305 Bus: Arriva 21 to stops on A177 or any bus to Sedgefield then walk easy 7 miles

Sat 19 July Art walk: Durham

GM

10am 2hr

Sophy Nixon - Artist See notes on p2 for equipment needed. www.durhamartwalks.tumblr.com Start: Neptune Statue, Market Place, Durham City, off A690. DH1 3UJ. GR NZ274426 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham easy 7 miles

GM

Sun 20 July 11am 4.5hr Middridge Grange and Locomotion

Ian Gray - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Includes tour of Locomotion Museum Start: Newton Aycliffe Railway Station, Greenfield Way, Newton Aycliffe. DL5 6UR. GR NZ266243 Map 93/305 Bus: Arriva 5 medium 7 miles

GM

Wed 23 July 10.30am 6hr Baldersdale’s twin peaks Open Access for 5 miles, see notes on p1.

Neville McDonnell - Vol Countryside Ranger Start: Balderhead Reservoir northern car park, near Sleetburn Farm, approach from Romaldkirk on B6277 via Hunderthwaite.

DL12 9UX. GR NY928187 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service hard-long 11 mIles

GM

Fri 25 July 10.30am 5hr Lintz, Mountsett and Friarside Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Lay-by next to Lintzford Garden Centre, Lintzford, southwest of Rowlands Gill on A694.

NE39 1DG. GR NZ148570 Map 88/307 Bus: Go Northern 45, 46

GM

medium-long 8 miles

Sat 26 July 2pm 1.5hr Round Bernard’s backyard: the historic centre of Barnard Castle Chris Wiltsher - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Post Office, Galgate, Barnard Castle.

DL12 8BE. GR NZ049166 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Any bus to Barnard Castle

GM

town medium 2 miles

Sun 27 July 11am 5.5hr Cockfield Fell and the upper Gaunless Valley

John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Village Hall, Pinfold Lane, Butterknowle, off B6282. DL13 5PL. GR NZ104258 Map 92/305 Bus: No suitable service medium 6 miles

Tues 29 July Durham Railtrail

GM

6.30pm 2.5hr

David Butler - Local Historian Start: Grass area opposite 32 Old Elvet, Durham City. DH1 3HN. GR NZ279423 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham town 2.5 miles

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Wed 30 July 10.30am 5hr East Durham trilogy: Meandering around Murton Dave Drinkwater - Vol Countryside Ranger Start: West end of Dalton Park, near to McDonalds, on B1285, just off A19 Murton.

SR7 9HU. GR NZ401468 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus to Dalton Park medium-long 10 miles

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August

Fri 1 Aug 10am 5.5hr A tale of two reservoirs Smiddy Shaw and Tunstall

Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Waskerley Station picnic area, Waskerley village, off Castleside to Stanhope road. DH8 9DZ. GR NZ051454 Map 87/307 Bus: No suitable service

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medium-long 10.5 miles

9.30am 8hr Sat 2 Aug Bus and Boots walk: Cowshill to Stanhope

Steve Shippen - Voluntary Countryside Ranger 9.30am to catch 10am bus to Cowshill for a return walk. Bus fare approx £3 Start: Lay-by next to Stanhope bridge, on road to Teesdale, B6278. DL13 2JR. GR NY985390 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Weardale 101

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hard-long 14.5 miles

Sun 3 Aug 11am 5.5hr Both sides of the Rookhope Valley

John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Off minor road, southeast of cattle grid where signposted public footpath crosses road, on the minor road southeast of Rookhope. Park with consideration.

DL13 2AG. GR NY953404 Map 87/307 Bus: No suitable service

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medium 7 miles

Wed 6 Aug Weardale wander

10am 6hr

Mike Knipe - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Demesne Mill picnic area, Uppertown, Wolsingham on B6296. DL13 3DB. GR NZ076375 OS map 92-87/OL31-307 Bus: Weardale 101

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hard-long 11 miles

Thurs 7 Aug 11am 3.5hr Little Legs: Big Fun family walk

Walking, games, trails and quizzes. Age 6+ accompanied by adults. £3 child, adults free Start: Car park next to Collierley School, Dipton on A692. DH9 9DA. GR NZ154537 Map 88/307 le leg Bus: Any bus to Dipton Litt s easy 5 miles

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WalkExploreDiscover

Sat 9 Aug 10am 6hr Blanchland Moor and Carriers’ Way Open access for 5 miles, see notes on p1 Neville McDonnell - Vol Countryside Ranger Start: Blanchland main car park (small charge), Blanchland, off B6306. DH8 9ST. GR NY964504 Map 87/307.

Bus: No suitable service

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hard-long 12 miles

Sun 10 Aug 2pm 3hr High Force and juniper woodland Ian Findlay - Naturalist Start: High Force car park (parking charge), Forest-in-Teesdale, on B6277. DL12 0XH. GR NY888285 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service medium 4 miles

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Tues 12 Aug An old collieries walk

2pm 2hr

Mike Syer - P3 Volunteer Refreshments available in Community Centre after the walk Start: Bowburn Community Centre (with permission), Durham Road, Bowburn A177.

DH6 5AT. GR NZ307379 Map 93/305-308 Bus: Arriva 56, 56a, 57, 57a, x1, Scarlet Band 58, 58a easy 4 miles

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Wed 13 Aug 10.30am 5hr East Durham trilogy: Dalton, Dalden, Dawdon and a dene

Dave Drinkwater - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Noses Point southern car park, near Seaham Industrial estate, signed from A182, Seaham. SR7 7TT. GR NZ436478 Map 88/308 Bus: Go North East 202, Pygalls 230

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medium-long 9.5 miles

Fri 15 Aug 10.30am 4.5hr Winston, Wycliffe and Whorlton an alliterative walk Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Lay-by east of Winston on A67.

DL2 3QG. GR NZ147171 Map 92/304 Bus: Arriva 75, 76

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medium 7.5 miles

Sun 17 Aug 11am 5.5hr Lead mining relics of Upper Derwent Valley

John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Baybridge car park, ½ mile west of Blanchland on B6306. DH8 9UB. GR NY957499 Map 87/307 Bus: No suitable service

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medium 6.5 miles

Tues 19 Aug 6.30pm 2hr ‘Half church of God, half castle ‘gainst the Scot’: Durham City’s defences David Butler - Local Historian Start: Outside Castle Gateway, Palace Green, Durham City. DH1 3EQ. GR NZ273423 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham town 1.5 miles

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Thurs 21 Aug 10.30am 4.5hr Muggleswick and the three Curricks Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Roadside verge in Muggleswick Village, near Dyke House. DH8 9DH. GR NZ045488 Map 87/07 Bus: No suitable service

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medium 7 miles

Fri 22 Aug 10am 4.5hr Railways, a reservoir and other revelations

Sun 24 Aug 10am 5hr Sir Walter Scott’s Rokeby: a literary walk

David Butler - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Entrance to Bowes Museum, Newgate, Barnard Castle. DL12 8NP GR NZ055163 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Any bus to Barnard Castle

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medium-long 8 miles

10am 5.5hr Mon 25 Aug Tale of three viaducts

Ian Gray – Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Post Office, Galgate, Barnard Castle.

DL12 8BE. GR NZ049166 Map 92/OL31 Bus: Any bus to Barnard Castle

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medium-long 10.5 miles

Wed 27 Aug 10.30am 5hr East Durham trilogy: Easington Colliery, coast and Hawthorn Dene

Dave Drinkwater - Vol Countryside Ranger Start: Easington Colliery Viewpoint car park, at sharp bend at bottom of Seaside Lane, Easington Colliery, signed off B1283.

SR8 3RU. GR NZ439440 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus to Easington Colliery

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medium-long 9 miles

Thurs 28 Aug 11am 3.5hr Little Legs: Big Fun family walk

Walking, games, trails and quizzes. Age 6+ accompanied by adults. £3 child, adults free Start: Causey Arch picnic area, on west side of A6076, near Stanley. NE16 5EJ. GR NZ205562 Map 88/308 Bus: Go North East x30, x31 Causey Arch Inn easy 4.5 miles

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le leg Litt s WalkExploreDiscover

Thurs 28 Aug 6pm 1.5hr Your County Record Office: an introduction to archives, family and local history

www.durhamrecordoffice.org.uk Start: Public entrance, County Hall, Durham City, off A691. DH1 5TP. GR NZ267435 OS map 88/308 Bus: Train to Durham or bus to County Hall

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Fri 29 Aug 10.30am 4.5hr Off to a Winning start

Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Car park behind Co-op, Newhouse Road, Esh Winning. DH7 9JX. GR NZ191417 Map 88/308 Bus: Arriva 43, WMS 52, 725 medium-long 8 miles

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Walter Taylor - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Masonic Hall car park, opposite the Castle Eden Inn, off B1281, Castle Eden.

TS27 4SD. GR NZ423375 Map 93/306 Bus: Go North East 206. Subject to change, check before travelling easy 7 miles

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6

September

Wed 3 Sept 10am 6.5hr A look at the Castle Eden Line Bill Gallon - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Side road off A689, near the Service Station, south of Sedgefield. TS21 2JX. GR NZ364283 Map 93/305 Bus: Arriva 21 to stops on A177 or any bus to Sedgefield then walk

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medium-long 13 miles

Sat 6 Sept Consett circular

10am 5.5hrs

Steve Shippen - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Ebchester Station picnic area, off B6309, Ebchester. DH8 0SU. GR NZ107548 Map 88/307 Bus: Any bus to Ebchester, then walk

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medium-long 10.5 miles

Sat 6 & Sun 7 Sept 10am-3pm Where am I? Where am I going?

Beginner’s guide to maps and compasses

Day 1 - theory and practical.

Day 2 - 6 mile practical in a Weardale location.

Course cost is £30.

Booking only: call 03000 264 589 office hours.

GM

Tues 9 Sept 6.30pm 2.5hr Bridges and Mills: crossing and using the River Wear in Durham City David Butler - Local Historian Start: Londonderry Statue, Market Place, Durham City, off A690. DH1 3UJ. GR NZ274426 Map 88/308 Bus: Any bus or train to Durham town 2 miles

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Fri 12 Sept 10.30am 4hr The industrial past of Salters Gate Brian Page and Dave Liddle Voluntary Countryside Rangers Start: Waskerley Station picnic area, Waskerley village, off Castleside to Stanhope road. DH8 9DZ. GR NZ051454 Map 87/307 Bus: No suitable service

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medium 6 miles

Sat 13 Sept 10am 4.5hr Coal and rail at Beamish Eric Borley - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Eden Place picnic area, Beamish, off A693. DH9 0RG. GR NZ220537 Map 88/308 Bus: Go Northern 8, 28, 28a, 78a, 128

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medium-long 8 miles

Sat 13 Sept 10am 2hr Art walk: Hardwick Park Sophy Nixon - Artist See notes on p2 for equipment needed and free parking offer. www.durhamartwalks.tumblr.com Start: Visitor Centre, Hardwick Park, on A177 on west side of Sedgefield. TS21 2DN. GR NZ346287 Map 93/305 Bus: Any bus to Sedgefield, then walk easy 2 miles

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Sun 14 Sept 11am 5.5hr West of Stanhope: a walk in the park John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Meet by Fossil Tree, Market Place, Stanhope, on A689. DL13 2TS. GR NY996391 Map 92 & 87/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

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medium 7 miles

Wed 17 Sept Paradise regained

10am 6hr

Neville McDonnell - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Car park on West Green, West Auckland, off A68. DL14 9HJ. GR NZ182263 Map 92/305 Bus: Arriva 6, Scarlet Band 85

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medium-long 11.5 miles

Sat 20 Sept 10am 4.5hr Historic places along the River Wear: Bishop Auckland to Witton-le-Wear Derek S Newby - Local Historian Includes a stop at Low Barnes tea room Start: Meet outside of Escomb Church, Escomb. DL14 7SY. GR NZ189302 Map 93/305 Bus: Arriva 86

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medium 7 miles

Sun 21 Sept 11am 6hr Uphill and down dale: Frosterley and Stanhope John Burgess - Geologist and Natural Historian Start: Meet by Fossil Tree, Market Place, Stanhope, on A689. DL13 2TS. GR NY996391 Map 92-87/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

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medium-long 8 miles

Tues 23 Sept 10am 2hr Beginners ‘point and shoot’ Photography walk: Durham Philip Nixon - Photographer Start: North door, Durham Cathedral, Palace Green, Durham City. DH1 3EQ. GR NZ273423 Map 88/308 Bus: Cathedral Bus 40 to Palace Green or any bus or train to Durham easy 2 miles

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Wed 24 Sept 10am 6hr A race around Baldersdale

Mike Knipe- Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Balderhead Reservoir northern car park, near Sleetburn Farm, approach from Romaldkirk on B6277 via Hunderthwaite.

DL12 9UX. GR NY928187 Map 92/OL31 Bus: No suitable service

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hard-long 11 miles

Thurs 25 Sept 10.30am 3.5hr Brief encounters and a near miss Walter Taylor - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Masonic Hall car park, opposite the Castle Eden Inn, off B1281, Castle Eden.

TS27 4SD. GR NZ423375 Map 93/306 Bus: Go North East 206.

Subject to change, check before travelling easy 4 miles

GM

Fri 26 Sept 10.30am 5hr A visit to Jeff and Deb Brian Page - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Start: Blanchland main car park (small charge), Blanchland, off B6306. DH8 9ST. GR NY964504 Map 87/307.

Bus: No suitable service

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medium-long 8 miles

Sat 27 Sept 10am 2hr Art walk: Low Burnhall wood

Sophy Nixon - Artist See notes on p2 for equipment needed. www.durhamartwalks.tumblr.com Start: Low Burnhall Wood car park, concealed entrance immediately off Cock o’ the north roundabout heading towards Durham on A177. DH1 3SX. GR NZ269390 Map 88/308 Bus: Arriva 6, 7, Go North East x21 easy 2 miles

GM

Sat 27 Sept 11am 3.5hr Little Legs: Big Fun family walk Walking, games, trails and quizzes. Age 6+ accompanied by adults. Part of the North Pennines Walking Festival. For more details and to book: email fotnp@hotmail.co.uk easy 4.5 miles

le leg Litt s WalkExploreDiscover

Sun 28 Sept Vintage Bus and Boots walk: Cotherstone to Middleton-in-Teesdale

Ian Gray - Voluntary Countryside Ranger Catch a ride on a vintage bus for a linear walk in Teesdale. Part of the North Pennines Walking Festival. For more details and to book: email fotnp@hotmail.co.uk easy 7 miles

Mon 29 Sept 10am 6hr Park Head and Stanhope Neville McDonnell - Vol Countryside Ranger Part of the North Pennines Walking Festival.

For more details and to book, email: fotnp@hotmail.co.uk medium-long 10.5 miles

Tues 30 Sept 10am 2hr Photography walk: Blanchland and Baybridge Philip Nixon - Photographer Part of the North Pennines Walking Festival. For more details and to book, email: fotnp@hotmail.co.uk medium 2 miles