Six Cumbria members and a guest member from Northumbria met at Whitley Chapel on a bright sunny morning but a bit on the cool side. 

Started at 08-45 a quick exit was made from Whitley Chapel and down to cross Devils Water river which was then followed upstream through some scenic woodland to a junction near Viewley farm.

The south western edge of Slaley forest was then followed to another junction north of War Law. At this point one member took the direct route to Penny Pie via War Law trig point whilst the rest done two sides of the triangle before all meeting up again at Penny Pie house where a short break was taken.

 

A short road walk to Shildon followed, then a path to the scenic Blanchland, a first visit for one member.

The River Derwent was then followed upstream on the north bank and a brief visit into County Durham before entering Baybridge from where an ascent up the road was made passing Newbiggin.

Shortly after Newbiggin it was path and track again heading North West to a junction with the Carriers Way at Blackburn Head. At this point is a bothy and six of the group took the opportunity to use this facility for lunch, meanwhile the "trig bagger" was off again to bag the one on Bulbeck Common.

 

Once done the group reunited and headed north along the Carriers Way then North west down to Burntshield Haugh and Devils Water again but this time going downstream. Passed Embley farm where shortly after some smouldering rope hanging from a tree had some detonators attached and a couple of these exploded just as we were passing giving everybody a shock!

A short road walk then a path partly blocked by fallen trees took us to a couple of river bridges  to the west side of Devils Water which was followed downstream to pick up the outward route  for the last half mile to Whitley Chapel.