9.8 miles.
Explorer Map 307, - Consett & the Derwent Reservoir
This walk is best undertaken in good weather, so that the
tremendous views can be enjoyed. However, even in poor weather, the industrial
archaelogy would in itself be rewarding.
Part of the walk is over 430 M (1450 ft), so can be very exposed. This
MUST be taken into account when planning the walk, - it may be warm down
in Stanhope, but can be considerably cooler up top.
One section of the walk follows a faint and indistinct path across moorland,
from the Weatherhill engine down to lower ground. In poor weather, you
may need to use a compass and map to follow this path.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
The start of the walk is from the Weardale Visitor Centre
car park. (NY99578 39292)
Head West along the A689 towards Alston, and after only a short distance
turn down a minor road to the Stanhope Ford. When the River Wear is low,
the river can be crossed using the stepping stones. However, if there
is any concern at all about using these stones then use the footbridge
that is about 100 yards downstream.
Turn left after crossing the River Wear, and follow the well marked footpath
along the South bank to the Caravan Park.
As you leave the Caravan Park, turn left and cross the River Wear by the
road bridge.
Back on the A689, turn left for a short distance, and opposite the filling
station take the waymarked footpath to the Shittlehope Burn. Follow this
footpath up the Burn, and having crossed the Burn at NZoo586 39234, take
the footpath West to Jollybody Farm.
From Jollybody Farm, take the footpath North that leads you to Crawley
Edge.
Before you reach the B6278 road (to Blanchland), head North North East
along the clearly defined track bed that leads to the Weatherhill Engine.
Continue along the track bed, now becoming the Waskerley Way, to reach
the Tea Rooms at Fell Haven (NZ00271 43169).
From here, retrace your steps to the Weatherhill Engine. At Weather Hill,
a footpath at NY6686 42239 takes you South West, down across moorland,
to reach the disused Flourspar mineworkings at NY987 414.
From here, there is a clear track that leads you South back to Stanhope.