A-Walking: Frosterley Circular

All of our walks today took the form of circular routes in the Weardale area. These all started and finished in Frosterley {NZ 024 369}. Jane Thompson (pictured below) led the A-Walk along a superb route that took in sections of both Weardale and Teesdale.


Leaving Frosterley at about 10:30 am on a south-westerly bearing, we undertook our first climb of the day (up to Hill End) and then made our way to Bollihope. From here we had a long climb up to the B6278 minor road at {NY 991 320}. Now heading south, we made our way to Sharnberry Gill and stopped for lunch near the old disused lead mines at {NZ 011 308}.

After a pleasant lunch - sitting in the sun - we made our way through the forest at Sharnberry Flat and then had a good climb up onto Black Hill and Brown Law. After crossing Hamsterley Common, we arrived at the Meeting of the Grains {NZ 050 316}. From here we made our way across Pikeston Fell and, after crossing North Grain Beck, we climbed up-hill to the trig point at {NZ 038 339} - where we stopped for a well-earned tea break.

We started our descent back into Weardale at {NZ 042 344} - just to the east of the Elephant Trees. Our descent-route took us around Harvey Hill to West Biggins Farm - where we encountered some beautiful displays of daffodils (a sure sign that Spring is on its way!).

Continuing down-hill, we negotiated a route to the railway level-crossing at {NZ 035 368} and then followed the public footpath along the south bank of the River Wear in order to reach the new footbridge at {NZ 030 367}. After crossing over the river, we walked along the riverside footpath through Frosterley in order to reach our destination point at about 16:20 pm.

The weather we experienced today was truely glorious! Lots of sunshine, lovely blue skies and some very gentle breezes to cool us down. Today's conditions were a remarkable contrast to those we encountered when we did the pre-walk check back in January (click here to see a description and photos).

I am sure that we would all wish to thank Jane for an excellent walk and a great day out!

Some of the photos that we took during today's walking expedition can be seen by clicking on the pink button below:


Credits:
Many thanks to Jane Thompson and Phil Barker for taking the photographs.

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