8.8 miles.
Explorer Map OL43, - Hadrian's Wall, Haltwhistle and Hexham
A pleasant pastoral ramble, using farm footpaths and forestry
tracks with some sections making use of relatively quiet roads.
There are no problems with gradients, and the walk would almost certainly
be enjoyable year round.
There may be problems with the ground underfoot at times of wet weather.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from opposite the Dipton Mill Inn at Diptommill,
where there is a parking area (NY92998 61009).
Follow the broad track East then South East from this parking area, and
cross Hill's Road to continue along the waymarked footpath to Dotland
Park Farm. The footpath through the farm is signposted. Continue South
East to the minor road. Turn left, and after a few yards take the waymarked
footpath South to Dye House.
Here, take the road South East, and at the T-junction follow the road
left.
Once you hace crossed the bridge over the Devil's Water river, take the
waymarked footpath left, beside Devil's water and through Shield Hall
Wood.
At Pethfoot Bridge, turn right along the track until you come to the minor
road.
Here turn left and head North for a few yards, until you come to the waymarked
footpath on your right that heads East beneath Hirst Hill.
Where this footpath meets the farm track at Holly Hill, turn left and
continue until you come to the minor road.
Here turn left and after a few yards there is a waymarked footpath on
your right that heads North.
Follow this footpath until it meets the minor road again. At this point,
CARE is needed regarding traffic.
Continue North West along the minor raod, until after a short distance
there is a track on your left that leads to a group of houses.
Past the houses, the waymarked footpath heads South West to Devil's Water,
crossing the river at Linnelswood Bridge.
Continue along the track to the houses at Ordley.
Here take the road North to Newbiggin Black Bank, then take the minor
road and waymarked footpath back to Diptonmill.