Sunday Walks Programme

DARLINGTON RAMBLERS SUNDAY WALKS PROGRAMME May to August 2024

Welcome to the Darlington Ramblers group’s May to August 2024 Sunday walks programme which offers a varied selection of walks ranging from 5.5 to 10.5 miles. The walks are rated as “leisurely”, “moderate”, or “strenuous”. Please read the notes at the end of this programme on the Ramblers’ descriptions of these categories. Walks described as “leisurely to moderate” will be “leisurely” (on easy terrain) for most of their length but with one or more sections seen to be more challenging. Please contact the walk leader of any walk if you would like a more detailed explanation of the route conditions.

We meet at Vane Terrace, Darlington, opposite Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, to facilitate car-sharing. We usually depart at 9.30, but please check for each walk. If you wish to join the group at the start of a walk please contact the walk leader prior to the walk; the leader might have to cancel or change walk details at short notice.

The notes at the end of this programme also include information regarding the suitability of walk routes for dogs, and issues relating to car-sharing. For further details of any particular walk please contact the walk leader. Changes to walk details made after this programme has been issued, will be shown on the listings on the Ramblers national website and the Darlington group website - search for Darlington Ramblers.

For information about the national Ramblers organisation go to: ramblers.org.uk, email: ramblers@ramblers.org.uk, or phone: 020 3961 3232 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Bob King, Sunday walks co-ordinator, Mob. 07707 030164

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MAY

SUNDAY 5th Keld and the Source of the Swale (NY892011; OS Map OL19; Post Code: DL11 6LJ ; W3W waxing.nightfall.performs)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.00 departure, and at Rukin’s campsite car park, Keld, at 10.15. There is an honesty box for parking fees, and toilets at the car park. From Keld we follow the Swale on field paths and some road walking to its source. We then backtrack a little to High Bridge where we have a climb up to Ravenseat and back to Keld on the C2C path. 8 miles. Moderate, with a climb. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: Marg West (Mob. 07986 006266)

FRIDAY 10th Darlington Ramblers Group Meeting. 7.00pm. Britannia pub, Darlington. All group members are welcome to attend.

SUNDAY 12th Kirby Hill Circular (NZ140065; OS Map 304; Post Code: DL11 7JH)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and Kirby Hill Village Green at 10.15. Mostly tracks / field paths via Hurgill Lane / Green Lane / Black Plantation / Jagger Lane / Whashton Hag - return. 7 miles. Moderate May need to extend distance due stream crossing issues . Not suitable for dogs. Car r/t 33ml. Leader: Paul Jackson (Mob. 07704 930015).

SUNDAY 19th Melsonby (NZ139078; OS Map 304; Post Code: DL10 5ND) Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and The Black Bull’ pub at 10.00. Field paths to Langdale,on to Aldbrough, Brettanby Farm and Manor, continuing to Barton, Dere Street and Low Merrybent. 9 miles. Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: David Reed (01325 350997; 07866 118929)

SUNDAY 26th East Witton / Jervaulx Abbey (SE143859; OS Map OL30; Post Code: DL8 4SL)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and Braithwaite Lane, East Witton village green, pub end of village, at 10.30. Cover Bridge / 6 dales trail / Jervaulx Abbey / Ellingstring / Moor Cote Farm / Waterloo Farm. (Potentially reverse route.) 7.5 miles. Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Car 54ml r/t. Leader: Paul Jackson (Mob. 07704 930015) Apologies to anyone who turned up when programmed for March - hoping for better weather this time.

JUNE

SUNDAY 2nd North Gare / Seaton Carew (NZ532282; OS Map 306; Post Code: TS25 2DT; W3W lively.left.exams)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and North Gare car park at 10.15. Starting at the free Carpark at North Gare, walk behind the dunes and then across the sand towards the mouth of the Tees. Turn left and walk through the dunes until erosion rocks are passable. Cross erosion rocks to beach, walk along the beach to Seaton Carew return along path alongside the golf course.

Note:- Some up and down on sand through the dunes, also recommend wear long trousers because of gorse and grasses. 5.5 miles. Leisurely. Dogs are allowed under owners’ control, on a lead at all times. Leader: Martyn Reed (Mob. 07907 358355)

SUNDAY 9th Gilling West (NZ183052; OS Maps 304; Post Code: DL10 5JG)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and outside the church, Gilling West High Street, at 10.00. Via Waters Lane, Jagger Lane, and Hartforth Beck to Whashton Bridge and Ravensworth, returning via Pond Dale and Hartforth. 8.5 miles. Leisurely. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: Bob King (Mob. 07707 030164)

SUNDAY 16th Middleton Tyas Circular (NZ226057; OS Map 304; Post Code: DL10 6QX)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and Middleton Tyas - Vicinity of PUB (Shoulder of Mutton) at 10.00. Church of St Michaels / Murky Hill /South Lingly Moor / Ukerby / Low Gatherley / Moulton / return. 7.6 miles. Leisurely to Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Car Mileage - 20ml r/t Leader: Paul Jackson (Mob. 07704 930015).

SUNDAY 23rd East Harsley and Kirby Sigston (SE424998; OS Map 302; Post Code: DL6 2DU)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and East Harsley Village Hall at 10.15. Field paths and bridleways from the main street, East Harsley, to Ellerbeck, Kirby Sigston and West Harsley, and return. 8 miles. Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Leaders: Christine Hazlett and Margaret Dent (MD 07751 377058; CH 07941 493620)

SUNDAY 30th Langthwaite, Whaw and Booze (NZ005023; OS Map OL30; Post Code: DL11 6RE; W3W innovator.cloth.starch)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and Langthwaite long stay car park at 10.15. Following the Arkle Beck to Low Moor and Whaw and back via Dry Gill Edge and Booze. 10.5 miles. Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: Marg West (Mob. 07986 006266).

JULY

SUNDAY 7th Above Stanhope (Weardale) (NY996392; OS Maps 307 and OL31; Post Code: DL13 2PZ)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and car park, Stanhope town centre (castle) at 10.15. Along the river following Shittlehope Valley, on to Crawley Edge / Crawleyside. Returning via Stanhope Burn Valley. 8 miles. Strenuous. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: David Reed (01325 350997; 07866 118929)

FRIDAY 12th Darlington Ramblers Group Meeting. 7.00pm. Britannia pub, Darlington. All group members are welcome to attend.

SUNDAY 14th Rosedale (SE724959; OS Map OL26; Post Code: YO18 8SA) Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.00 departure, and Rosedale Abbey at 10.15. Northdale, East Mines, Dale Head Farm, Daleside Road, Thorgill, and back to Rosedale Abbey. 8.5 miles. Leisurely to Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: Bob King (Mob. 07707 030164)

SUNDAY 21st Westgate (NY907381; OS Maps 307 and OL31; Post Code: DL13 1SG)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.00 departure and outside Hare and Hounds Pub, A689 Front Street Westgate at 10.30. Park sensitively in the village or there is a small car park area in Westgate down a narrow lane. Turn left immediately before the pub (signed Brotherlee) over a stone bridge then 50 metres on the left. The walk starts uphill following Middlehope Burn then across Hangingwells Common (open moor) to Rookhope. Return via old railway track bed round Northgate Fell to Westgate. 10 miles. Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: Allen Hazlett (Mob.07818 589502, Land: 01325 266328)

SUNDAY 28th Coach Trip to Middlesmoor, Nidderdale (SE092741; OS Map OL30; Post Code: HG3 5ST; W3W always.ourselves.polo)

The coach will leave the Dolphin Centre at 8.30. The cost should be no more than £20. The plan is for a 10 mile walk with a cut-off to make 8 miles. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: Marg West (Mob. 07986 006266).Contact Marg to book a place.

The walk will be followed by a meal at The Crown Hotel, Middlesmoor.

AUGUST

SUNDAY 4th Langdon Beck, Teesdale (NY854313; OS Map OL31; Post Code: DL12 0XP) Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.00 departure, and on the minor road that leads to Cow Green reservoir, just past the Langdon Beck Hotel, off the B6277 at 10.00. Field paths via Wool Pits to High Beck Head, Scar End, Hanging Shaw, Forest in Teesdale, returning via Saur Hill and Hunter’s Close. 8 miles. Strenuous. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: David Reed (01325 350997; 07866 118929).

SUNDAY 11th Urra Moor (NZ572036; OS Map 26; Post Code: TS9 7JA) Meet at Vane Terrace at 9.30, and Clay Bank car park, on the B1257, at 10.15. From Car park set off up onto Urra moor turn down through Seave Green, cross Cold Moor to Cleveland Way through Wainstones and Hasty Bank back to the Car Park. 7.7 miles. Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Martyn Reed (Mob. 07907 358355)

SUNDAY 18th Roseberry Topping (NZ591110; OS Map OL26; Post Code: TS9 6HN)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and Gribdale Gate car park at 10.15. Via Captain Cook’s monument, Mill Bank Wood, Lonsdale, and Hutton Moor to Roseberry Topping, then across Great Ayton Moor back to Gribdale Gate. 8.5 miles. Moderate. Not suitable for dogs. Leader: Bob King (Mob. 07707 030164).

SUNDAY 25th Fishburn and Bishop Middleham (NZ364321; OS Map 305; Post Code: TS21 4AD)

Meet at Vane Terrace for 9.30 departure, and at Fishburn Front Street, just off the B1278, at 10.15. Fishburn Airfield, Bishop Middleham Quarry (SSSI), Bishop Middleham, returning via Holdforth Plantation and Fishburn Woods. 7.3 miles. Leisurely. Not suitable for dogs. Leaders: Christine Hazlett and Margaret Dent (MD 07751 377058; CH 07941 493620)

Please note:

Dogs If the leader permits dogs, they must at all times be under the control of the owner who has total responsibility. If you need to be accompanied by a registered assistance dog please contact the leader prior to the walk.

Car-sharing Passengers on Sunday walks are requested to pay the driver 10p per mile for each mile travelled plus £1.00. If Vane Terrace to walk start is 20 miles, then, with the return journey, this totals 40 miles and a total £5.00.

Difﬁculty ratings for Darlington Ramblers walks

Leisurely - Suitable for any reasonably ﬁt person who does not have a mobility difﬁculty. Likely to include unsurfaced paths. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing recommended.

Moderate - Suitable for people with country walking experience and a good level of ﬁtness. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential.

Strenuous - Suitable for experienced country walkers with an above average ﬁtness level. Likely to include hills and rough country. Walking boots and warm, waterproof clothing are essential. People in doubt about their ﬁtness should contact the walk leader in advance.

For more details, see Darlington Ramblers group and Ramblers national websites.