Description
Newbiggin and the Carriers’ Way (Blanchland)
This walk takes us around the Blanchland area and takes us through Newbiggin and the Carriers’ Way.
We will start at Blanchland and walk out towards Newbiggin Fell. Following this path round towards the North, we will meet The Carrier’s Way and head back to Blanchland.
Places of interest
Blanchland
Picturesque Blanchland is built from the stone of the 12th century Blanchland Abbey. It owes its name to the French Canons clad in white habits, that worked and lived in the Abbey. The Canons were also called the Norbertines, after their founder St Norbert.
The White Monk tearoom
The White Monk tearoom also takes its name from the occupants of the 12th Century Abbey. The building looks like a chapel but it was, in fact, a school.
The Lord Crewe Arms
The Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland is one of the oldest hostelries in the country.
The Carriers’ Way
The name comes from the carriers that used ponies to carry smelted lead to the River Tyne during the 18th Century. The constant pony traffic formed the track as we see it today. It is possible that the route was used for centuries before the ponies travelled over it.