The Grey Panthers

Not a long walk, at all. BUt this walk is an excellent example of being able to wander footpaths and country lanes that are right on one's very doorstep.
The Billingham Beck Country Park is a fantastic asset, with many footpaths on which to wander and observe nature. In wet weather this Country Park can be somewhat wet and muddy, but on a fine sunny day the Park is an absolute joy

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory Map)

Some new mapping software is now available which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers web site, - just use QUO!!

The described route starts from Shearwater Lane in Norton (NZ 444 227), but another starting point could be the car park in the Billingham Beck Country Park (NZ 453 228).
Head North up Shearwater Lane to reach a gate that leads to a crossing of the railway line.
Continue North along the field footpath on the other side of the railway line. (To the right of this footpath is a Nature Reserve, with several paths to explore).
At the end of the footpath you reach a hedge (through which there is somewhat hidden footpath by Gravel Hole Farm, though ignore this footpath). On your right is the disused quarry (Gravel Hole).
Turn left and follow the footpath until you reach Calf Fallow Lane.
Here turn right and head downhill along Calf Fallow Lane.
Turn right along the track to Newclose Farm, and then follow the footpath East that takes you towards the A19 main road.
This footpath has several poorly maintained stiles, and is overgrown for much of the way. Care is needed.
Cross the A19 via the underpass.
On the other side of the A19 there is a somewhat unclear footpath over rough pastureland that heads towards the railway line. DO NOT be tempted to follow a path that runs parallel to the A19, but head for the indistinct path that runs under the overhead power lines.
This path takes you to a crossing over the railway line, which is reached by some steep steps.
On the other side of the railway line, descend steps to the Billingham Beck Country Park.
Turn left to follow a path to cross the Billingham Beck, then take your choice of paths to reach the Park's car park (and a pond).
Leave the Park by the main gate and walk Westwards beside the main A1027 dual carriageway.
Take great care crossing the slip road from the A19, and then the slip road to the A19, while heading Westwards.
Just past the A19 / A1027 roundabout, there is a gap in the hedge which leads to an open field. Cross the field to reach a lane that leads you back into the housing estate. Head Westwards through the streets to reach Shearwater Lane.