Golden Bough
Walk leader | George |
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Route | Wark – Thorneyhirst – Countesspark Wood – Redesmouth – Buteland – Pitland Hills – Birtley – Wark |
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Weather | Sunny throughout. Some heat in the sun early on but it became much colder mid-afternoon. |
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Walkers | George, Ron, and Sandy. |
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Excuses | Michael - injured back Michelle - injured ankle Ashley - in Thailand |
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Comments |
A good autumnal walk of about 10 miles. The trees had a variety of colours on them, and there were lots of leaves on the ground. Ruby met a friendly dog called Ava at the start. It was pleasant walking along the old railway line and alongside the river in Countesspark wood. There were several good looking stone houses en route.We saw a stone summerhouse at the foot of a garden by the river. We passed the hunting lodge owned by the Duke of Northumberland, and although there was no-one there, a few cars were parked up beside it and we heard a loud gun go off in the woods. The going was a bit harder after Redesmouth with a lot of broken ground which was quite muddy. Grass was covering the evidence of old buildings and enclosures. The hounds were out with the horses, although we did not see them. We encountered lots of cows and even more cow pats – George managed to put his foot in one. There were plenty of sheep as usual, as well as a couple of donkeys and a metal horse at Buteland. We also passed a newly converted holiday home, which had been originally a wooden hut, but was now looking very cosy with painted walls and a wood burner set within a gravelled garden. Wildlife etc.: Badger setts, Magpies, Blue tits, Great tits, Wheatear. Hawthorn tree covered in berries. |
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Meal | ||||
The Highlander, Belsay. Joined by Evelyn, Michael and Michelle. Nice atmosphere, reasonable food.
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Photo Gallery |
Wark from bridge |
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River North Tyne |
Green walk |
North of Blindburn |
Old Railway at Heugh |
Sandy's height |
Fisherman's Log House |
Former Engine Shed at Redesmouth |
Horses by farm
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Sandy and Ruby at lunch spot |
Smart new holiday home |
Looking towards Buteland Farm |
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