Group Walk

Northern England / County Durham

Northumbria

15ml.

09.00

Beamish Hall Hotel c.p, Coppy Lane, 1940's Farm, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0RQ GR: NZ 2127 5489

Circular 15 mile walk, 1920 ft ascent, led by Caroline Tolchard
Leaving the c.p, we will head along Beamish Burn, then through the woods, NE, to the impressive Causey Arch & Tanfield Railway, (celebrating its tricentenary this year!), then eventually turning West at Oxpasture Hill, heading towards Beamish, past Causey Hall farm. We will then proceed through the beautiful Beamish woods, starting at Carrickshill Wood, & continue SW, until we join the Tyne & Wear Heritage Way, heading NW to Kibblesworth. We’ll then follow the Heritage Way East, along the old rail path, then head South back to Beamish Hall through the woods at Ridley Gill

Parking: Beamish Hall Hotel c.p. Please park at the furthest away point from the hotel. It’s a huge c.p, and we have permission to park there for the day, however, the hotel prefers if we don’t park near the building itself, as they often have events held there. This is a moderate walk, with a small number of steep climbs – a nice & easy Autumnal meander, through the beautiful woods around Beamish. The woods are likely to be muddy at this time of year with paths covered in Autumn leaves & exposed tree roots. Well behaved dogs are permitted on leads. The area is steeped in industrial history, & we will visit the oldest railway in the world! ‘Tanfield Railway is a living monument to our industrial heritage,’ & this ‘300th anniversary provides an opportunity to spotlight the real story of the railways.’ We will also viewi the impressive Causey Arch, the world's oldest surviving single-arch railway bridge! There will be a short break at Causey Arch, where I will do a brief historical talk, & then a lunch break at about 9 miles. Drinks, afterwards, will be at The Stables Bar & Restaurant, on the site of Beamish Hall Hotel – a gorgeous place, & very open to all patrons – not to be missed!