9.05 miles.
Explorer Map No 307- Consett and Derwent Reservoir
A fascinating walk through lead mining country, - where
all the industry has long since gone. In Rookhope the evidence is all
too clear of a once heavily industrialised, - and polluted, area.
We found that although the walking was relatively straightforward, parts
of the route were extremely muddy and wet. Almost certainly, this walk
would be best enjoyed in Spring or Summer when the ground wasn't too
wet and the views would be even more enjoyable.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from Esatgate Church Hall car park (NY9536838849).
Follow the waymarked Weardale North to the footbridge over the Rookhope
Burn (NY9440041628).
From here, take the road into Rookhope and follow the road to the village
shop.
Just past the shop there is a track heading North East from NY9388842913
which heads uphill for over a mile. This track goes past the winding
house ruins at NY9493044257.
Continue past the winding house for a view of the moors.
Return to Rookhope via the track you came up.
From Rookhope, now take the waymarked Weardale Way South, but this time
cross the Rookhope Burn and travel to the West of the Burn.
At the ruined farmhouse, Bishops Seat (NY9371240548), take the footpath
East to North Hanging Wells Farm.
Turn South along the road by the farm for a short distance, and at NY9447040557
take the footpath along the Rookhope Burn back to Eastgate.