High Coniscliffe

High Coniscliffe   

An exceptionally flat and easy walk of just over 8 miles. Starting at the lay by on the A67 between Merrybent and High Coniscliffe we head in an easterly direction and turn onto the Public Right of Way (PROW) just after the Coniscliffe Church. The path down towards the River Tees is well established and in parts is slightly overgrown but easily negotiated. There is an abundance of wild geraniums and other wild flowers along the path. Views of the river are partially blocked due to the dense thicket of countryside growth but we still have views of the very pretty countryside. Occasionally we head slightly away from the river where we are rewarded with some fine views of fields full of summer crop. Golden Wheat swaying in the wind, barley, broad beans and potatoes appear to be plentiful supply over the coming months. For lunch we will sit by the river which offers some excellent views and of course the pleasant sounding of the rustle of water. We eventually reach the very pretty village of Low Coniscliffe which has a number of “Chocolate Box Cover” properties with gardens to match. Heading North we follow the bridle path which adjoins the Baydale Beck to Mowden Bridge. A short walk along the main road with a good footpath will see us reach the next PROW where we head south and then west and over the A1 via a footbridge. Passing by Hall Moor Farm and Lark Cottage we then return to the initial start point via fields and hedged footpaths.