We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Mike Crawford
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A moderate, circular, 5.5 mile, walk starting from Watergate Forest Park just off Whickham Highway in Gateshead.
The park is a former colliery site transformed into a wildlife haven with trails, lakes and sculptures.
The walk has good paths, hay meadows, woodland trails, open fields and quite a few descending steps. Providing we don't get too much rain the terrain should be mud free. We will encounter horses and maybe some sheep.
Beginning at the entrance to the park we have an uphill climb to Whickham Hill then across Washingwells which is the site of an old Roman Fort. From there we head up to Broom Lane and Buck's Hill in Whickham. Then down to Black Burn and through ancient woodland which takes us to Lotties Wood which is named after Lottie Brabban a former dairymaid. We the cross the A692 at Sunniside and join the Tanfield Railway path. Further down the path we cross a couple of fields and descend through Fugarfield wood and back over the A692 to Watergate Park where we will encounter wildlife, flowers, streams and waterfalls.
Finally, we will walk back to the carpark passing the Watergate cafe on the way, where we can enjoy a cuppa.
Directions: Head north on the A1(M) leave at J68 and head left on the slip road for B6317 / A692 toward Consett / Whickham.
At the roundabout take the first exit for A692 / Lobley Hill Road towards Consett / Whickham / A692 / Dunston Hill Hospital.
After 300 yds turn right onto Whickham Highway B6317. The park is signposted about 300 yds on the left.
9.50am for 10.00am departure, leaving the old Civic Centre car park, Chester let Street, DH3 3UA
Watergate Forest Park just off Whickham Highway in Gateshead. The carpark is massive - nearest postcode is NE11 9RQ. What3words holly.taker.shock
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