We are the Ponteland Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Starting out from the car park we continue toward Comb where we follow a woodland path towards Ridley Shiel. Before reaching there we swing to the right and then go down to cross the Black Burn. From there we have a steady climb to the highpoint of the walk which allows us excellent views over the Tarset valley. We leave the path to pass Heather Hall, Gatehouse and Sneep Farm. We cross the Tarset Burn at Burnmouth and head toward Redheugh and Sidwood and finally cross the Tarset Burn again at Waterhead. We then return along the road to the car park. For those interested the car park is only a short walk to Black Middens Bastle House which is a fine example of a Bastle House. In Gatehouse we also see two sturdy Bastles which have been reroofed.
Terrain - Quiet roads, woodland trails, open fields and forest paths. Uphill sections are steady rather than steep. Three stiles.
Refreshments - Drinks stop if required and Picnic lunch en route. Refreshments available afterwards in the Holly Bush Inn in Greenhaugh or the Bay Horse Inn in West Woodburn.
Black Middens Car Park ( NY7722 8982) Car Park is free but small so please car share if possible and advise Walk Leader of your intention to join the walk. Directions to Start Point - About 3.5 miles north of West Woodburn on the A68 turn left onto the B6320 (SP Bellingham). Follow this road for around 3.5 miles and then turn off to the right (SP Black Middens Bastle 5 miles). Follow this road for around 2 miles and then at the junction turn right (SP Black Middens Bastle 3 miles). Follow the road through Greenhaugh passing the pub and the school and then turn right (SP Black Middens Bastle 2.5 miles). Continue along this road until you reach the crossroads at which point you should turn left (SP Black Middens Bastle 1.5 Miles) Follow this road for 1.5 miles and you will see the car park on the right of the road. The drive from Ponteland should take around 50 to 60 mins.
