Space and Solitude in Upper Geltsdale
Filed under: OtherApprox. Distance: 16 miles
Start: Talkin Village, south of Brampton (GR 549675)
Click to view start position on Google Maps
Map : OL 43 – Hadrian’s Wall and OL 5 – The English Lakes: North Eastern Area
For many people the name Geltsdale conjures up the fact that the area is in fact a major RSPB Reserve. The Visitor Centre is at Tindale Tarn which is to the south-east of Hallbankgate and round the corner from Geltsdale. Near to the centre they are encouraging black grouse but also on this reserve (and possibly where we are walking on this route) it is possible to see hen harriers, as at least one pair are resident and protected here. There is also a protected pair close to the Pennine Way near Bellingham, as well as several in the Forest of Bowland. If you see a white largish gull in the air and on closer examination see that it is a bird of prey then most likely it is a hen harrier. Sadly they are persecuted by gamekeepers but fortunately in my part of France that is not the case and indeed a pair nest on arable land not far from where we stay.
Today’s walk starts in the village of Talkin which is to the south of Talkin Tarn and can be a good spot for birds in the winter. Leave the village by the road to the south-east, passing the pub on your right and at the first junction take the road on the right to Talkin Head Farm. Note the attractive gardens passed en route. After the farm, which has holiday cottages, the tarmac surface gives way to a good stone surface and gradually ascends to Holme Gill after about half a mile. Here you can take a riverside bridleway through Low Hynham and High Hynham but on this occasion we keep on the main track which has good views down into the Gelt valley. After about one and a half miles, where the path levels out, there is a junction where you turn right passing an old barn and then The Green which is a lonely habitation.
The path here changes to turf and staying on a contour of 300 metres curls round to arrive at two deserted shepherds houses called Gairs, complete with a rhododendron in the garden! The hill in front is Cold Fell and at Gairs we turn down to cross How Gill and pick up the very clear and well surfaced footpath contouring the fell and head south. There are fine views across the Gelt to Geltsdale Farm and after a further one and a half miles you descend to Old Water at GR587535. The sheepfold on the right (just off the track at the start of the descent) can give shelter on a rough day. You cross this beck by an excellent footbridge, maintained by the Water Board, who collect the water flowing from these fells at Castle Carrock reservoir which will be passed later. After crossing the bridge those wanting a shorter walk can turn right (north-west) to reach Geltsdale Farm and follow their access road to Castle Carrock. For the full walk however, we continue south on the clear track and in less than two miles reach the River Gelt. Here there is currently a problem as the footbridge was washed away in recent floods and has not been replaced. There has also been a landslide just up from the crossing and after heavy rain there will be real problems here. Brian, Clive and myself walked downriver for 200 yds where the river spreads out and plodged across. The only other way to cross would be to continue on the east side of the Gelt around the landslide then follow Eller Beck upwards to where it can be crossed. After we crossed the river, and with surprisingly dry feet as our gaiters had done their job, there is a short distance where the path disappears, but later on this changes to a fine track put in for the shooting fraternity.
On reaching the summit there is a lovely landscape laid out in front of you – the Eden Valley with the mountains of the northern Lakes behind. A steep descent brings you into one of the many Newbiggins found in the north of England. You can miss the village out by using the bridleway from Townhead to Foulsike Wood, but after the moors Newbiggin makes a pleasant change. There is a pub here (Blue Bell Inn) though l do not think it opens through the day, but you never know your luck!
On the main road (still very quiet) you walk north towards Cumrew and at the entrance to Cumrew Farm, about half a mile after Newbiggin, look for the well maintained footpath that goes to Cumrew Church. Here there are seats and a chance for a rest. It is a pleasant stroll through the village and where the street turns left to join the Castle Carrock road head straight on along the access road to Turnberry House. After a little less than a mile, where the road turns right to Thorngerry, go through the gate onto firm ground into a field. There is no waymark here but the way ahead is clear to Albyfield. At the north end of the farmyard close to the house take the gate in front and after crossing one field you arrive at Brackenthwaite and Manor House. Continuing north after three fields you will arrive on tarmac just out of Roughet Hill where we turn left down the hill to soon arrive at the south end of Castle Carrock reservoir. The eastern side has no traffic and is followed into Castle Carrock where again there are refreshments available.
In order to avoid roadwalking go west at the main road and where this road turns south (at the end of a line of white houses) take the bridleway north to the ford and bridge at GR 539562. Return to the road, where it crosses the Gelt which rushes through a chasm underneath the bridge then head north up the road for about 100 yards until you reach the end of a wood and take the footpath to Hill House. The farmer here is a fellow walker and was setting off on the week after our visit to do the Tour of Mont Blanc! After leaving the farmyard and continue in a north-east direction keep to the left of the field to the north-east corner where a gate gives access to another field. Instead of taking the footpath to the road, continue straight ahead in the same direction and after less than 10 minutes you will be in the yard of The Blacksmith Arms where a welcome pint of good ale and good food is available. We felt we had earned it! This is a longish walk with much variation and is ideal at all times especially if you want a bit peace.
Bishop Auckland to Witton-le-Wear (Weardale Way)
Filed under: Weardale WayStart: Bishop Auckland car park
Click to view start position on Google Maps
On previous sections of the Weardale Way I have commented on the various routes of the Weardale Way over the years and the need for clarity with a compromise of a riverside route and a high route. This section has never had that problem as all routes have used the same paths and a cursory look a the map shows the reason why as there is a paucity of paths hereabouts.
We leave the car park and drop down to the river level, crossing the beautiful 14th Century bridge which now only carries a relatively small amount of traffic due to the Newton Cap Viaduct being converted to road traffic in 1995 following the closure of the railway line from Durham to Bishop Auckland.
After crossing the bridge we ascend for a short distance on the road and almost immediately turn right (west) upriver on the waymarked path past sports fields down to the just above the river, and the through the wood of Broken Bank. In wet weather the path can be slippery here. You then continue alongside the river to the village of Escomb. Look out on this section for kingfishers which breed on this section of the River Wear.
We arrive at the village of Escomb where you will find the Saxon Church of St John the Evangelist. Nikolaus Pevsner in his classic architecture books “The Buildings of England” states that “Escomb Church in the desperately sordid surroundings of its village is one of the most important and most moving survivals of the architecture of the times of Bede”. The masonry, which is large blocks, probably came from nearby Vinovia. A key can be obtained from a nearby house and inside can be found a fragment of the original Saxon flooring as well as part of the Saxon crosses.
Escomb Church is now over 1300 years old but 130 years ago it was in ruins with a collapsed roof and damaged walls and windows. In the latter of the 1800s due to the graveyard being full, a new church was constructed in the area and the Saxon church fell into decay. Fortunately in 1879 the church was saved and restored to what you see now. It is a pity that the new houses built around the church in the 1950s to replace the old cottages had not been designed with more sympathy to the surroundings. What were the planners thinking?
We continue past the church, heading west past the allotments and old gravel pits and after one mile arrive at Witton Park, after passing under the Weardale Railway. We skirt Witton Park and go along the road to Beechburn Bridge. At GR 171305 we leave the road at a stile and gradually descend back to the Wear opposite Low Barnes Natures Reserve, managed by Durham Wildlife Trust. The route alongside the river through the wood can be difficult and even impassable if the river is in spate but normally this is soon cleared and a clear track takes you to the road, which up to comparatively recent times was the main A68, as was Witton Bridge (spelt Whitton on my OS map). After crossing the bridge you cross open ground (look out for Yellowhammers) and climb some steep stairs to recross the Weardale Railway and arrive at Witton-le-Wear village.
This is an attractive village just off the main A68 with grassy well-kept village greens. It is a quiet place with a population of about 500 but 100 years ago the population was 2500. In the past, like much of this area, this village was basically an industrial village with coal mining and brickworks very prominent. The Church of St Philips and St James was rebuilt around 1905 but the site has had a church since the 12th Century. Note the date 1799 above the door of The Dun Cow Inn and in its heyday the village boasted 6 pubs as well as shops etc. Sadly the changes of the last 50 years have altered village life everywhere.
The Belfry house was formerly the Grammar School and there are many pleasant houses and buildings to see here. We head east down the hill, crossing the Weardale Railway for a third time and after half a mile of road walking enter Low Barnes Nature Reserve.
This reserve has an area of 125 acres and is well worth a visit in its own right. The site was a gravel works up to 1964 when the gravel works closed. Indeed the gravel and sand had been depositied after 1771 when the river changed its course. There is an information room and a shop in the reserve and it makes a pleasant lunch stop. A contribution to the Trust for the upkeep of the site would be most certainly appreciated.
From the hide at West Lake recent years have given great views of kingfishers about 10 feet away. Full details of the birds to be seen can be obtained at the centre and this is obviously dependent on season. The area to the north of Marston Lake is alder woodland, on the old course of the river and on other walks recently we have seen evidence of new alder planting on restored sites. In addition there has recently new reed beds created at Low Barnes which it is hoped will attract bitterns.
We walk the length of the reserve on the paths following the direction of the river to exit on the road near to the bridge over the Wear and head north to Beechburn Farm. We now take a path opposite which follows Beechburn Beck passing behind Beechburn Grange. Two fields after Mill Farm (which is passed on the left – please note that the waymark is missing but the post survives) you cross a stile and head north-east through a wood to the A689 which is crossed and the direction continued to North Bitchburn (a corruption of Beechburn). The same direction is continued after going left for a very short distance past the cricket ground to Quarry Burn Lane. Again there is a kink in the path which is just up the road to the left, to Oaks Row where we turn right, crossing two fields by stiles, back to a minor road. Here we turn right to Bracken Hill and cut off the corner to Cringle Dykes on the entrance to New Hunwick.
Passing through farm on your left at the end of the first field, a path to the left, through the gate, is followed south-east to Hunwick which is another pleasant village complete with a pub. The main road is crossed and a path followed, past a gingang converted to a house on your left, to Hunwick Hall Farm. The views ahead here down to the Wear Valley are extensive and the way ahead is clear. Just before Toronto Village, take a clear track on your left which is followed down to the Bishop Auckland to Brandon Railway path. This prevents any road walking and by turning towards Bishop Auckland you arrive back at the start in a few minutes.
The Pack Horse Bridges of Marske
Filed under: Pack Horse BridgesApprox. Distance: 9 miles or 13 miles
Start: Marske Village church
Click to view start position on Google Maps
Map : OL 30 – Yorkshire Dales: Northern and Central
This walk starts in the lovely village of Marske (not to be confused with Marske-by-the-Sea in Teeside!) which is about six miles west of Richmond. It is well known to Coast to Coast walkers, being 112 miles from the western end, but walkers on this route have no time to explore the beautiful side valley of Marske Beck. Indeed in other parts of the Dales this valley could well be elevated to Marskedale. Marske itself is a pretty village enhanced by the grounds of Marske Hall and is on the course of the old road from Reeth to Richmond. For many years the nearby lake was home to black swans which are from Australia. Marske Hall was for many years the home of the Hutton family (no relation to that fine cricketer that Yorkshire produced!) but they did indeed provide two Archbishops of York.
It is best to park in the small car park for the church, on the west side of the bridge in the village where they suggest a small donation for the fine church which we will pass at the end of the walk. Money well spent! Cross the bridge and immediately take the path down to the beck. This is followed alongside the beck and at Pillmire Bridge (which is also visited later) continue through woodland for about 300 metres gradually moving away from the beck to Clints, which is a few mainly holiday cottages. Here we turn left on a broad track through super mature woodland which was a delight when we walked it in early Spring. I think there are some ancient trees in these woods and this is currently being checked with the Woodland Trust although these woods do not belong to them. The woods are known as Clints Wood and the fine limestone scar above on your right is Clints Scar.
At a fork in the path take the track to the left which leaves the woods by a gate. You now cross open pasture to reach and pass Orgate Farm. Do not take the track down to the river but continue up the valley. Down below is Orgate Force, a fine waterfall, but this is not on a right of way and can only be seen from a distance. Just after this leave the bridleway on a smaller footpath and head towards Telfit Farm where after about 300 metres you come to Telfit packhorse bridge. This has a span of 24 feet, supported by a semi circular arch. The arch is sprung from the beck level below and as the path is at the same level as the top of the bridge there is no characteristic hump. This bridge was used by the pack horses operating from Clints lead mine up the hill behind you to the east . Follow the footpath to the access road for Telfit Farm which emerges on the road about 100 metres to the south of the farm. Just after the farm do not take the clear track winding uphill but search out the smaller footpath which contours round Cold Fell to take you to Helwith Brige.
This valley is exquisite apart from the massive scar on the track leading out of the dale to the south-east which has been badly damaged by 4WD vehicles. Do not cross Helwith Bridge but follow the beck upstream for about 100 metres where the beck is then forded and the clear track up the nose of Shaw Tongue is taken. Note here the mining remains further up Shaw Beck. Near the top is an option to take the footpath direct to Shaws but it is probably better to stay on the broad track, presumably constructed for grouse shooting, continuing in a north-west direction (looking across to Hell Holes) to arrive at the access road to Schoolmaster Pasture. Here turn left alongside a new plantation. This is known as Goats Road and drops down to the Padley Beck. The house on the left was formerly the school for the area/ We continue past this just above the beck to the cross roads at Hurst where there is a seat provided by the Council for the Preservation of Rural England (CPRE) in memory of one of the locals who made good but always loved this area.
All around are remants of the lead industry with spoil heaps and the remains of bell pits. It is worth the few minutes to head north for a short distance to see the cemetery alongside the old chapel, now being converted to a house. In the 1800s there was a fair population here including a pub which l vaguely remember. The Romans worked here for lead and the straight road which we now take to the south-east is a Roman Road which went to Boroughbridge and l believe Bowes. We only follow this for a short distance and take the access road on the left for Prys House. Where this goes downhill and turns left at GR 062021, continue straight ahead on a bridleway making initially for the farm of Low Greenas. After passing a spring, head slightly left to High Greenas, which is now only farm buildings, to emerge onto Helwith Road. This is crossed and, ignoring the bridleway over Skelton Moor, take the old mine road east passing some mining humps to arrive at a gate looking down into Marske Beck. Just before this gate is another one on your right which is waymarked and followed this footpath down to a ford over Moor House Gill where you turn left and follow a path, alongside some newly planted trees which have been damaged by rabbit activity. The recent heavy snowfalls has enabled the rabbits to reach the bark above the protective sheaths.
The footpath goes through several fields to pass through Moor House and just after you reach a t-junction. Here the short route follows an old lane downhill through an avenue of trees to come out on Skelton Lane next to two fine restored old houses which look 17th century. Turn right downhill and after about 400 metres look for the footpath on the left. This passes by a fine old tree with branches reaching down to the ground to arrive at Pillmire packhorse bridge. Note the waterwheel upstream which was built in the late 19th century in an effort to provide electricity for Skelton Hall, but l believe this was not a success. The bridge, which is late 18th century, was probably used for the lead industry and is on the line of an old route from Marrick Priory to Marske Moor, where the monks took their sheep for grazing. The purpose of such a big structure is a little uncertain as Marske Bridge (15th century) is not too far away further downstream.
After crossing hte bridge we head diagonally uphill, ignoring the footpath taken at the start of the walk to the access track to Clints and this is followed east to Marske village. The first building on the left was the school and note the old style railings now in disrepair which enclosed the school playing field. Further along was the reading rooms with a sundial. We now turn right down to the bridge, but before reaching it, turn right to go to the fine 12th century St Edmunds Church. You can return to the road through the churchyard and in a few minutes arrive back at the start.
This 9 mile walk can be extended into a 13 mile walk by turning right at the t-junction after Moor House and following the bridleway south-west, contouring under Cock How, and down to Nun Cote Nook at GR 080989 where a bridleway is taken under Shaw Bank to Low Oxque and on to Downholme Bridge on the Swale. A fine footpath follows the river downstream before climbing back to Cat Bank and Marske.
A Walk on Pikestone Fell
Filed under: OtherApprox. Distance: 12 miles
Start: Demense Mill Picnic Area, Wolsingham, on B6296 (GR NZ076375)
Click to view start position on Google Maps
Map : OS Explorer 31 – North Pennines: Teesdale and Weardale
This walk is best done on a day of good visibility. It makes a good winter walk as you are not too far off lower ground but is best in late Spring. Being on heather moorlands there are obviously grouse about and the area is effectively managed for grouse shooting and complete with good tracks. Other moorland birds will normally be seen such as curlew, golden plover, and snipe near wetter patches.
This walk can equally be done from The Grove in Hamsterley Forest onto Pikestone Fell but this start at Demense Mill Picnic Area is arguably a better start. Demense means the land of a medieval manor and there was a corn mill here, hence the name. We head towards the Church of St Mary and St Stephen through a kissing gate. This term could come from the habit of courting couples demanding a kiss from their partner before letting them through. However, more likely it described the fact that the gate touched or kissed the two lips of the fence opposite. We now cross the old mill race which carried water in a stone culvert from a spot 500 metres above the weir on Waskerley Beck to power the grinding stones. The church goes back to Norman times but was heavily restored in 1848 and only the tower has Norman characteristics. Leaving by the main gate you pass the Masonic Hall which in earlier days was the Grammar School and was founded in 1612. Further down Church Lane is Padua House. Note the blocked up windows which were blocked up to prevent excessive payment of window tax.
At the main road a footpath opposite leads down to Wolsingham Bridge which is crossed. This bridge also crosses over the Weardale Railway now happily reopened to Bishop Auckland. The station here dates back to the early days of railways. We climb the hill for a short distance before turning left and taking a footpath uphill, parallel to the road to avoid road walking. This footpath returns to the road as the access road to Chatterley and we continue up Wear Bank. Just after Rushy Lea Lane the busier road of Howles Lane branches off to the left and this is ignored. We continue upwards heading south for about one and a half miles to Blackburn Lodge. Here we have made a height gain of about 600ft from the river. The road surface now changes to a good track to Doctors Gate. This track has been enhanced and is popular with mountain bikes. Doctors Gate is interesting as here have been found remains of mesolithic, neolithic and bronze age flint tools in the old quarries . It is thought that these people possibly used the site for a temporary hunting camp on their way to the higher dales returning to valley bottoms when the weather cooled in the winter.
Pikestone Fell , although normally quiet, does have its busy days particularly when it is used for the Durham Challenge Walk run by the Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA). This is a fine organisation, who as their name implies, are involved in long walks such as 100 miles over a weekend. Full details of all their events can be found on their website. Continuing on from Doctors Gate we come to the edge of Hamsterley Forest. This was established in the 1930s using many unemployed men from the coal and engineering industries. They were employed in Instruction Centres both here and elsewhere in the UK. We descend a short distance into the forest at Potato Hill before taking the footpath heading west-north-west at GR069308. This is another airy walk over to Meeting of the Grains where the North and South Grain join to form Ayhope Beck. Here was the farm of Ayhope Shiel which was converted to a bothy by the Mountain Bothies Association but had to be closed due to the constant vandalism. Their places are not advertised now as this is not uncommon, a good example being seen on the Southern Upland Way.
We continue north-west, following North Grain to the escarpment and end of the Open Access near to Allotment House and the well known elephant trees. This broad bridleway is taken east looking down on Weardale to Harthope at GR064349. The bridleway of Rushy Lea Lane is taken for a short distance before going left and down on a footpath to Spence Hill, Towdy Potts and Ashes House before emerging back on to the road just above Wolsingham Bridge.
For a further look around Wolsingham we will turn right at the main road to pass Whitfield Cottages. Note the evergreen oak trees here known as Holm Oaks, as they are rare in the north-east. Peel Cottage which follows was named after Sir Robert Peel and this was the first police station in Wolsingham. Turning left at the old Town Hall we go up the B6296 for a short distance and then take the quieter Meadhope Street which winds round to Waskerley Beck and its numerous mallards. We are now at the bridge and follow the road alongside the beck back to the start. The houses on your left were a new development from the St Annes Convent which was modified and extended.
Bloodybush Edge and Cushat Law
Filed under: Scottish Border AreaApprox. Distance: 11 miles
Start: Ewartly Shank (GR 965134)
Click to view start position on Google Maps
Map : OS Explorer 16 – Jedburgh & Wooler
It was some years since l had last been on the top of these hills although they were used quite frequently for our Mountain Rescue Exercises and the recent visit to the Cheviots to place the plaque at Yearning Saddle, in memory of John Weatherall, prompted another visit (see below for further information). These are two of the 2000ft hills where l had not kept a record of my previous visits, so all in all, a good idea to revisit. The SMC Guide for the Southern Uplands by Keith Andrew suggests that High Bleaklow is the best starting point for these hills but l beg to differ. In my view the narrow road from Alnham to Ewartly Shank gives a good start just short of the farm at GR905133 near the spot where the Salters Road joins the tarmac. There is a small place of the road where you can safely park and not obstruct any farm traffic.
The importance of salt in former times is often forgotten but the list of Salters roads is numerous in both towns (Gosforth) and country where place names give the clue to former use (Saltwick near Ponteland). We proceed up the Salters Road through the farm (passing to the left) past the house before returning to the line of the Salters road immediately on the right over a stile and behind the barn. After a short section through a wood you descend sharply on the track over Shank Burn and then climb just as sharply up the other side. It is now a steady climb over open moorland with only the sheep and wading birds for company to the col at Little Dod. The hill visible on the left is Hogdon Law with Cushat Law also seen from near the col. A pleasant view ensues here down to the valley of the Breamish at Low Bleakhope where tarmac is reached for a short distance. It ends at High Bleakhope and the farmer here does not care for careless parking and obstruction on the road as his signs indicate. This is the last habitation of the valley and after a further half mile just past a shed the path crosses the river. In past times there was a rudimentary bridge here but this was swept away in the floods of 2007 and it is necessary to ford the river. In times of flood this will be difficult but the good news is that there has been new concrete foundations erected and it looks very much as though we will have a new bridge here soon.
The way now climbs uphill past a barn and onto Nagshead Knowe and after a further half mile you reach a shooter’s track which continues on to the forest edge. The corner may be cut off where the shooters track starts but it is wet underfoot. At the forest edge you have a choice; to continue on down to Uswayford Farm, much beloved of Pennine Way walkers, or strike up the forest edge or actually up the side of the fence which is about 100 yds from the forest virtually due south. The gradient increases after the end of the forest but nowhere is difficult and this brings you to the trig point at the top of Bloodybush. The Uswayford route which is 2 miles longer and involves more climbing is done by descending to Uswayford Farm and taking the track south east up Bills Sike.
At the forest edge at GR895130 cross the fence and follow the faint track to the summit of Bloodybush Edge. This has fine views all round but particularly to the north to Cheviot. In bad weather it should be impossible to get lost here as there is a fence to follow basically east all the way to Cushat with only a moderate climb to the top after you reach the edge of the forest. The track here, wet in places, goes south-east and at the top there is a welcome shelter of rocks. Continuing in the same direction downhill, ignore the first fence going off to the left near to Sting Head at GR933129 and continue to the next fence junction at GR942121 where you head north. It is very wet here as the copious cotton grass indicates and we head north and reach Hogdonlaw Sike under the shapely top of Hogden Law. A good track now emerges on the better ground which is followed downhill. Keep your height and do not be tempted to go directly to Ewartly Shank which is in view as by doing so you avoid fences and emerge onto the tarmac road about 400 yds above the car.
It is a pleasant easy finish to what should be a pleasant walk. It all depends on the weather but in adverse conditions you always have the fences to follow in what is wild country. When we did this in June we spent six hours in the hills and saw nobody.
An Alternative Walk in Case of Poor Conditions
If the cloud base is low a very good walk in the same area can be carried out by starting at Alnham Church (GR 991110). Head off north-west immediately past Pennylaws Plantation on the Salters Road which is well waymarked and at GR 985121 leave the Salters Road and continue north over Alnham Moor for about 2.5 miles to Alnham Moor Farm on the River Breamish. The river is left immediately on the bridleway to the west past Meggrims Knowe above the river to the oddly named Snuffles Scar at GR940160. We then go along the riverside on the farm access road to Low Bleakhope. The way back is by Salters Road walked on the other route with a stiff climb to the col at Little Dod and then down to Ewartly Shank . After this pick up the Salters Road after the farm at the fingerpost which, after passing White Gate, reaches the point where you left the Salters Road earlier. It is now a short walk downhill back to Alnham Tower.
It is a great pity that some of Salters Road has been badly damaged after Uswayford by illegal vehicle use. Much money has been spent on its restoration and it is to be hoped that the increased police presence and action in the region brings results. If you see any such activity take a note of the registration of the vehicles and report them to Northumbria Police and follow up to see if there has been any result.
Plaque for John Weatherall Placed on Pennine Way
On May 8th 2010 several members of the PWA including Trevor Hardy, Bill Button, Doug Moffatt, Ron Powell, Graham Daniels and Bill Gallon placed a memorial plaque on the refuge at Yearning Saddle in memory of the Pennine Way Assocation President, John Weatherall, who died in 2008.
The plaque states:
In Memory of John Weatherall
(1927 – 2008)
Founder Member and Former President
of the Pennine Way Association.
The group were joined on the day by members of the Ramblers Assocation where John was active, and by members of the Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team as John was the Leader for many years in the 1960s and 1970s. It was during this time, as a member of that team, that I and many others got to know him well and where he gained our respect for the way he carried out his duties.
John was also the Footpath Officer for NCC for many years where, often in difficult circumstances, he led the way into the improvement to rights of way in the county from which many of us benefit today.
This is the second time that we have acknowledged the efforts of our past Presidents as we also erected a plaque to John’s predecessor Ken Willson on the new bridge over Maize Beck between Cauldron Snout and High Cup Nick.