We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
I owe this to the Walk and Talk Trust who are a charity looking to help fund the establishment of a series of walks spanning the region, to be known as the Heritage 100. At present there are 20 available to access on their website http://www.heritage100.co.uk
Thursday's walk is about 6 miles through a mixture of woodland and arable land beginning in Witton Gilbert Dene, a local nature reserve. The first section of the walk follows the Dene Burn through the mature woodlands, until it meets with the River Browney. Next, we head up to the top of the Browney Valley, on a steady incline through fields, then continue to follow the top of the field to the right, with views over the valley.
The route then leads us to a suburban area known as White smocks and then turns back into the Browney Valley heading back down the farm track, passing Holly House and Hall Farm and skirting past Beaurepaire. At this point we cross the River Browney and join the Lanchester Valley railway Path for a short while, then crossing back over the river once more to start a steady incline back up to the finish point and past St Michaels and All Angels at the top of the bank.
Directions. From the Old Civic Centre car park travel on the A167 and turn right for Sniperley park and ride, then right onto the A691. After about 1 3/4 miles there is a sign for Witton Gilbert, turn right onto Front Street, pass a few houses and turn left onto Coach Lane.
Refreshments. Coffee and sandwiches after the walk at Bespoke, in Sacriston, which is on the way back to Chester le Street. The cafe is situated on the cross roads of the B6312 with the Front Street in Sacriston, DH7 6LE. As you are driving back, if you turn left at the traffic lights, there are 2 roads on the left shortly after this, which both lead to car parks. The first road leads to a small car park, however if you take the second road (signposted for Community Centre), there is plenty of available car parking space along the roadside.
Meeting Point - at the Old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA Time - 09.50am to meet and 10.00am to leave.
Starting Point- Car Parking can be found on Coach Lane and by St Michael and All Angels Church. DH7 6SU will get you to Coach lane where there is a lay-by near the houses and a space near the church for 4 car. People also park at the entrance/exit of Coach Lane. what3words ///decks.landlady.dribble
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