Richard

Penshaw Monument Car Park – Penshaw Monument – Coxgreen Road – Lower Lambton Farm – Penshaw Bridge – River Wear Trail under Victoria Viaduct – across the river to Cox Green – along Weardale Way via Offerton Haugh, Stony Heugh and White Heugh – Offerton Lane – Offerton – Penshaw Wood – Penshaw Monument.

Wall to wall sunshine. Warm in the river valley.

Richard, Diane, Michelle, Bernie, Ken, George, Sandy, Ron.

Michael - sore knee

Ashley - injured toe

Comments

A walk of just over seven miles. It wasn't as muddy as expected, although there were awful steps up from the river towards Offerton and down from Penshaw Monument towards the car park. It was well-navigated.

This was a pleasant walk in ideal weather, with many signs of spring in evidence – birds chirping, lots of daffodils, trees and bushes such as blackthorn beginning to bloom.

It was sheltered and warm along the river valley. We stopped for lunch just after passing under the Victoria viaduct, on some open space provided with seats. Our sandwiches had to be defended from passing dogs.

We crossed the river at Cox Green, passed the Oddfellows pub and the Horse Box Café. We continued along the riverside on a path that was quite muddy in places. We saw an old wooden wreck in the river and lots of rubbish, unfortunately.

There were great views from Penshaw Monument. A couple of Indian dancers were practising within the monument.

Birds: oyster catchers, at least three herons, cormorants, grebe, mallards, swans, redshank, blue tit, shelduck, sandpiper, goosander, chiffchaff.

Twin Farms, Kenton Bankfoot. Joined by Evelyn, Dorothy and Michael. Nice meal, friendly and helpful service.

Walkers en route

Under the Viaduct

View across the river

River Wear

Navigation

At Penshaw Monument