A Sh-t Wark 11th May 2025
Led by Barbara
Nine members of Cumbria LDWA plus one guest (Teresa) met by the bridge over the North Tyne at Wark. In gorgeous spring weather the group followed the North Tyne trail along the river. Bluebells were out in profusion with the woods aromatic with banks of wild garlic.
A large picnic table on the riverbank in Countesspark woods proved an ideal spot for a morning break before continuing on a disused railway (the Border Counties line) to the tiny village of Redesmouth.
Now heading North-West the party crossed an area of moorland to the relative metropolis of Bellingham. This was our lunch spot, and the local bakery/cafe was a big hit with the group. Leaving the river behind at Bellingham, the Pennine Way was then followed up a long climb towards Shitlington Crags and a descent to the Hall.
Shortly afterwards, three of the party forded the Houxty Burn rather than using the bridge alongside, happily there were no mishaps and the water level was in any case very low.
After a section of road walking the Pennine Way was left behind as the group gradually descended to the east over Wark Common back to the start. A riverside bench provided a good spot to linger at the end of our enjoyable walk at Wark.
Stats: about 16 miles
