We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
This is a moderate circular route of approximately 5 miles, which takes in stunning views from 2 Durham valleys - Lanchester Valley on the way out and Deerness Valley, as we return. From the Front Street in Quebec, we head NW on a footpath that zig zags across fields - downhill towards the Hamsteels Beck. At the bottom of the bank, there is a very brief spell of road walking towards Biggin Terrace. From there, we head NE, past Biggen Farm and then downhill again, to join the Lanchester Valley Railway Path. There is approximately half a mile of completely level track, heading E: after this, the mid walk challenge begins! We turn S and follow a straight and steep path, up the hill to Esh Village. We pass the Cross Keys pub and cross the road to head towards Esh Hall. From there, we turn W and follow a bridlepath and footpath, back to Quebec village.
The walk is mainly on fields and farm tracks, and with the steep uphill section in the middle, sticks and gaiters may be useful. There are a number of stiles on this walk and we are likely to encounter some horses and sheep, so I would advise against bringing dogs on this walk.
After the walk, refreshments will be available at the Bespoke Tearoom in Sacriston, approximately 5 miles away and on the way back to Chester le Street. The postcode there is DH7 6LE and What3Words is ///unloading.iceberg.blinking Directions are given below.
09.50 to meet and 10.00 to leave, at the old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA
10.30 at Front Street, Quebec. Please can we meet and park next to the former St John the Baptist Church, to avoid parking in front of private houses where possible: the nearest postcode is DH7 9DG and What3Words is ///commutes.riskiest.javelin Directions to the Start Point from Chester le Street Take A167 S to the Red Lion at Plawsworth: turn R at the roundabout onto B6312 and follow this through Sacriston and Witton Gilbert: turn R to join A691 W; at the Kaysburn roundabout, go L to Langley Park; continue through the village and follow Low Moor Road to the R, to Quebec; turn R onto Front Street and continue past the houses on your R, until you reach the former church also on the R; there should be plenty of parking adjacent to the churchyard. Directions to Bespoke Tearoom at Sacriston Return, following the previous route in reverse, to the traffic lights at the crossroads in Sacriston; turn L onto the B6532 and then take the second turn on the L, marked for free car park and for Community Centre; there should be car parking space along this road, adjacent to the Fulforth Centre.
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