Clara Vale is a small village close to Crawcrook. It used to be a pit village but the coal mine was demolished long ago. However, the community is still thriving. We were invited to demonstrate Nordic Walking and help people learn how to Nordic Walk here, at Clara Vale Village Hall. As part of this we were invited to have breakfast before the training session, so we did. While taking breakfast and drinking tea we met with the people who would be training with us.

Continue reading “Learn to Nordic Walk at Clara Vale – 4th May 2019”

We met at Wooler Common Car Park for the walk up one of our favourites, Humbleton Hill. It was looking a little overcast and a little chilly, but we were hopeful. The warm up helped, as did the first little climb up through the woods to St Cuthbert’s Way.

Continue reading “Humbleton Hill – 28th April 2019”

Another great training session at Wallington. This time Martin took the training, as he had recently qualified as a Nordic Walking instructor, Julie was on hand as well. We started in the Visitors Centre by introducing Strolls with Poles and Nordic Walking in general.

Continue reading “Wallington Training – 13th April 2019”

As can be seen above, the weather wasn’t ideal for this walk. The recce was done on a very clear day and the views were great and panoramic. Never mind though, us Nordic Walkers are hardy souls and set off anyway, although there were a few considering just missing out the walk and going straight to the tearoom.

Continue reading “Blawearie – 6th April 2019”

We all met up in Wylam. This was only a small group, so we promptly did a warm up and were on our way. The weather was remarkable for a February day, sunny and relatively warm, especially in the sun.

Continue reading “Wylam and Ovingham – 10th February 2019”

This was the first “Learn to Nordic Walk at Wallington”. So, it was not only a learning experience for the walkers but for us too. We met everyone in the Visitors Centre and introduced ourselves to them. It turned out that one of the ladies was Polish, giving another meaning to Strolls With Poles. We gathered their details before giving them a little instruction on how to attach themselves to the poles and explaining the origin of Nordic walking.

Continue reading “Learn to Nordic Walk at Wallington – 9th February 2019”

We arrived at Chopwell Woods early with everyone looking forward to a good day of walking. When everyone arrived, we did the usual warm up before setting off.

Continue reading “Chopwell Woods – 27th January 2019”

We met in the traditional Christmas Walk starting point, Cowhaugh Car Park, Rothbury.  This was the last walk of 2018 and the anniversary of the first Strolls with Poles walk.  What a great day to celebrate with a lovely walk up Simonside. Christmas greetings were swapped.  Ruth handed out Pine Cone Elves, as she wasn’t doing Christmas Cards.  Julie handed out the special mulled wine Strolls With Poles lollies.   A quick warm-up was definitely in order, as it was a little chilly.  Off we went.

Continue reading “Christmas Walk – 8th December 2018”

The day started out wet at the Derwent Walk.  It would continue in the same vein.  However, we were all determined to be outside regardless. We started the day in the usual way by having breakfast at the Land of Oak and Iron Heritage Centre.  The Centre only recently opened and, as well as providing information about the history and heritage of the area, has a very nice restaurant.

Rainbow Bridge

On leaving the Heritage Centre, we headed towards the River Derwent.  We crossed at the Rainbow Bridge.  One of the best viewpoints of the River. This led us over to Clockburn Lonnen, an ancient track that was once the main highway from the North to Durham.  From here we climbed up onto the old railway line.

Hollinside Manor

Right across the railway line we saw the sign for Hollinside Manor.  This is a 13th Century Manor House and is an Ancient Monument.  The ruins of the house are interesting.  An added bonus is that there is an amazing view of the railway and the Nine Arches Viaduct.  From here it is easy to imagine the railway as it was, with steam engines pulling minerals up the line to Consett.

Rowlands Gill

We returned back down to the railway and followed it up to Rowlands Gill.  This is the end of the first part of the Derwent Walk and as far as we were going.  After a short rest and a look at the information board, we headed back the way we had walked.

Thornley Visitor’s Centre

For a little variation we diverted into Thornley Woods.  There are some interesting wooden sculptures carved out of dead tree stumps.  The most of these impressive is the otter. While we were in the area we decided that refreshments were in order.  The Thornley Woods Visitor Centre was convenient and got us out of the rain for a short period.

Swalwell

Refreshed, we followed the path back down to the Rainbow Bridge.  We crossed it for a second time and then joined the railway again.  This time we went North towards Swalwell. We crossed the river again, near the cricket ground.  This path took us to the Dam Head.  Here we were rewarded with a view of a rather large Heron on the far side of the Dam.

The Land of Oak and Iron

It was only a short walk further, back to The Land of Oak and Iron Heritage Centre and a welcome cuppa. A wet but wonderful walk.  See you on the next one. Julie and Martin

Gallery

Continue reading “Derwent Walk – 1st December 2018”