We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Ludworth Tower walk
A moderate 5 miles starting from the village of Shadforth and heading eastwards towards Ludworth. The walk commences at the Public Right of Way (PROW) at the end of the village green near the Farmers Arms. We immediately progress uphill through some lush green fields and after a moderate ascent reach the PROW into Ox Close Farm where they sell home produced fresh milk and some tempting milk shakes from the vending machine. Heading eastwards again we head through open fields where the PROW is quite difficult to identify. We eventually head downhill towards Ludworth where we see some excellent views of the Durham countryside. On leaving Ludworth we ramble towards Prospect Hill where we come close to the very high and impressive wind turbines which were in full flow at the time of the recce. A short walk along the road will bring us to Haswell Moor Farm where the fields are quite muddy and the goats are quite nosy. From there on we head back to Shadforth and pass the magnificent ruin of Ludworth Tower which is about 200 meters in the distance. On reaching the end of the PROW individuals can choose to walk the 200 meters along the road to the tower for a closer view and read about the history or head back along the PROW to Shadforth.
At the time of the recce, conditions were probably at the worst with sporadic mud incessant although in many parts the paths are excellent for this time of year. A bright spell is however forecast and this should have a good drying impact along the route. If you do have gaiters it is recommended that you use them. A word of caution. I gave up counting the stiles as there is over twenty of them. I therefore expect the going to be quite slow over the 5 miles.
Post Walk Coffee will be at the Farm House Kitchen, Pit House Lane, Leamside, just opposite the Three Horse Shoes Pub. For most, this is on the way back to CLS. The Farm House has a good selection of sandwiches and cakes etc.
0950hrs for 1000hrs departure at the Old Civic Centre Car Park, Chester Le Street, DH3 3UA.
Shadforth Village Green Start: 1030hrs From Chester Le Street : At the main A1M roundabout take the A183 towards Lambton Park. At the first roundabout turn right onto the A1052. On passing the Floaters Pub, turn right and after 100 meters turn left onto High Row. Continue on this road until you reach the A690. At the traffic lights turn right onto the dual carriageway and immediately turn left towards Homer Hill Farm. Continue along this road and turn left at the next T junction towards High Pittington. Continue on this road until you reach Shadforth. Drive slowly through the village and in the centre, there is a turning to the right. The Farmer Arms (Painted dark blue with a huge structure of a cow above the window - you cannot miss it!) can be seen from the main road. Turn right onto the village green area. There is limited parking so please park considerably and car share if possible. Nearest Postcode: DH6 ILL What3Words:Blanking.Disband.Lucky
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