A Walk about in Weardale

**cessna152towser** · 29th May 07, 12:25 PM

Alighting from the train at Wolsingham I climbed a steep path which led towards Hamsterley Forest.

Rising above the tree line afforded a good view back towards Wolsingham village.

I paused at a crossing of a farm access to get my breath back,

Now almost at the summit of today's walk

Turning the other way gave a good view westwards up the valley.

The walk along the hedgerows led back round onto the public road where it was necessary to climb over this locked gate - not something I have done kilted before!

Descending by the road I was relieved to find the train which would take me back to Stanhope where I had left the car.

**CelticRanger66** · 29th May 07, 12:31 PM

Great Photos C152T!! Enjoyed them alot!

**Splash_4** · 29th May 07, 12:42 PM

Thank you again Alex. You are quite the ambassador!

**cessna152towser** · 29th May 07, 12:51 PM

Back to Stanhope which is an interesting little town. Here the main Weardale road runs inland and gradually upwards towards us.

There is a castle, though it is not open to the public.

Also this fine church

The road to Blanchland rises steeply onto the moorland, looking back towards Weardale.

The route is bleak and uninhabited although it is only about ten miles from Stanhope to the next river valley at Blanchland Abbey.

Peat bogs on both sides of the road

Though there is also evidence of 17th and 18th century lead mines and stone quarries.

Surprisingly there are numerous bronze age brochs and burial chambers to be found - this is one of the few which is easily accessible from the road as much of the surrounding land is boggy. When modern man has abandoned this wilderness as too boggy and windswept, one has to marvel at the hardyness of these bronze age people.
Next and final stop of today's photo tour will be Blanchland Abbey which I'll put onto a separate new thread.