50th Anniversary Pilgrimage -3- Hexham to Kirkwhelpington
Sat 30th Apr 2022
Walk Details:
Event Type
Group Walk
Region / Area
Northern England / Northumberland
Local Group
Northumbria
Distance
22ml.
Start Time
09:00am
Route
This is a linear walk from Hexham to Kirkwhelpington using the St Oswald's Way long distance path. Park in Kirkwhelpington Village Centre, grid reference NY996844, post code NE19 2RT. An organised bus will leave Kirkwhelpington 8:15am taking us to Hexham for a 9:00am start. The bus will be paid for by Northumbria LDWA. The actual walk will start at Hexham Wentworth car park post code NE46 3PJ, grid reference NY937641. We then walk back to our cars in Kirkwhelpington, using St Oswald's Way.
Hexham, Heavenfield, Hadrian's Wall path, Great Whittington, Great Bavington, Kirkwhelpington
General Notes
At Great Bavington, which is about 15-16 miles into this leg, the locals will very kindly be providing coffee/tea & cakes for our stop there. We therefore ask that you bring 5 pounds donation which will go to Great Bavington church funds. 3rd part of the Durham Cathedral to Holy Island Pilgrimage. Dawn 04:45am, Dusk 9:20pm. If you are wanting to do this walk could you please notify myself by email using the details below. Can you please also state whether you will be using the organised bus from Kirkwhelpington to Hexham, as some people may be planning their own transport to do this linear walk. By doing this walk you are agreeing to abide by the rules of Northumbria LDWA with regards to a) Dogs are welcome on leads, but owners must have up to date public liability insurance in place b) Those taking photographs must ensure that all people in photographs have given explicit consent for the taking and distribution of the photograph
Web Site
Start
Finish
Entry Details:
Cost
Walk Report
Yesterday we enjoyed the 3rd section of LDWA's 50th anniversary 'Pilgrimage of Light' walk from Hexham to Kikwhelpington via Acomb, Heavenfield, Stagshaw, Great Whittington, Hallington, Little Bavington and Great Bavington - a 24 mile walk within the magnificent scenery of Northumberland following Hadrian's Wall path and the saint's trails. The day began with bright sunshine which continued until early afternoon before cloud and then a little mizzle drifted across from the west. Not that this dampened our spirits or enjoyment, but it did make the cake and tea laid out for us in the Church Hall at Great Bavington all the more welcome and appreciated. The 'Northern Saints Way of Light' trail continued from Hexham to Heavenfield from which point we began following following 'St Oswald's Way' trail. 'Heavenfield' is the site where, in AD634, Oswald routed the Welsh who, in AD 633, under King Cadwallon of Gwynedd, had invaded the Kingdom of Northumbria splitting it in two. According to tradition Oswald erected and prayed before a large wooden cross with his troops, before the battle commenced. The cross was said to have survived for over a century and a replica stands near the site. Heavenfield is still considered a watershed moment in Northumbrian history, Oswald's success ushering in the golden age of the Kingdom of Northumbria and re-establishing Celtic Christianity in the north of England. Remains of the original 7th century Saxon church erected on the spot which became known as Heavenfield, were discovered by dowsing in the 1950s. The current church is late 19th century, a rebuilding of the medieval church. (Can't resist a bit of history!!!!) Many thanks to Len Fallick for leading another great walk, to Paul Nellist for the historic input, to Mary for organising with the ladies and gentlemen at the church at Great Bavington the superb cakes and most refreshing tea and to everyone for their companionship and banter. There being no pub at Kirkwhelpington!!! - it was home for a Guinness while I soaked. (Beryl Massey)Other Files
GPX
A GPX file of the above route may be downloaded by clicking the link below.
Note: GPX files of Group Walks are created by LDWA Group members, and may be downloaded only by other LDWA members. They should not be made available outside the LDWA, and are used at members' own risk.
Login to Download (Members Only)You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a path or a marker for more info. (interactive map help)
You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a path or a marker for more info. (interactive map help)
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn
At high zoom levels the route is indicative only.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn
At high zoom levels the route is indicative only.
Gallery
Maps:
You can use the interactive controls to zoom in and out and to move around the map, or click on a marker for more info. (interactive map help)
Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2016.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence.
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities.
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn.
© OpenStreetMap contributors under Open Database Licence.
Rights of way data from selected Local Authorities.
Large scale digital mapping is provided by John Thorn.
