Washington Village

Walking, Completed walks

14/04/23: Rainton Meadows to Low Moorsley led by Sandra Graham. This was an easy 6.5 mile circular walk along mostly level paths starting at the car park at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve (beside the cafe). We followed a path through the Reserve to follow old railway lines to Pittington Road before making a stop for refreshments at Homer Hill Farm Shop before returning to the Nature Reserve via West Rainton. We enjoyed beautiful Spring weather and even spotted some Exmoor ponies at the Nature Reserve.

10/02/23: Silksworth Park to Secret Garden, Doxford Park. An easy 4 mile walk along mostly level paths.

26/08:Old James Steel Pond (Mount Pleasant) to Herrington Country Park, via Offerton, led by Paul Stevens. A six and a half mile walk of moderate difficulty (due to a couple of steep inclines) that gave us extensive panoramic views over Penshaw and surrounding areas.

12/08: Marsden to South Shields, led by Tania Le Marinel

29/07: Alternative Angel walk led by Carol Craggs and Terry Harris

08/07: South Shields to Cullercoats via the Tyne Ferry, led by Sylvia Baskeran. After crossing the Tyne on the ferry, we walked along the river/coast from North Shields to Tynemouth and most walkers continued to Cullercoats. A popular linear walk of 8.5 miles in total.

24/06/22: A 4.5 mile circular walk around Hetton Lyons Country Park, past the Eppleton wind turbines before returning to the Lakes Cafe for a successful planning meeting. A very hot and humid day! Thanks to all who attended and contributed.

10/06: Breckon Hill Woods, a 6.5 mile walk ably led by Pat Davis. We started at the entrance to Breckon Hill Woods opposite the Floaters Mill. We made our way through the wood to the park at Chester-le-Street for an opportunity for a short rest & refreshments before returning via Lumley Castle to the Floaters Mill. The walk was made even more enjoyable when we spotted several duckings and cygnets. A really great walk!

29/04/22: Lambton Estate, a 6 mile walk ably led by Julie and Paul Stevens. Most of the walk was spent inside the Lambton Estate which provided breathtaking views over the river Wear across to Lambton Castle in addition to the paths through the Estate's woodland.

08/04/22: Seaham Heritage coastal walk. This easy 6 mile walk started at Noses Point car park and took us along good coastal paths with little change in elevation except for crossing the steeply banked Hawthorn Dene. Just past Beacon Point, we headed for the coastal outskirts of Easington Colliery. Then, at a point just short of Fox Holes Dene, we returned to Noses Point partly along cliff paths and partly alongside a railway track. The muddy paths didn't dim the enthusiasm of walkers for the wonderful coastal views and enjoying the brisk sea air. We missed Sylvia who is recovering from Covid. Thanks go to Lawrence for steering us along the right paths!

25/03/22: Finchale Abbey area, a 6 mile walk led by Pat Davis which started at the entrance to Cocken Woods and went down to the River Wear. We then walked along the track to the footbridge and had time to look around the Priory ruins. A particular highlight was going round the lake, before heading back to the Finchale picnic area for a picnic lunch.

11/03/22: Knitsley to Lanchester, a 6.7 mile walk ably led by Pat Davis. We started at the Knitsley Farm Shop car park and followed the old railway track to Lanchester, where we enjoyed a refreshment break in the village before returning to Knitsley using the same track. An easy, mostly level track with panoramic views in bright sunshine. What more could we ask!

25/02/22: Watergate Park, an approximately 5 mile easy/moderate walk led by Carol Craggs and Terry Harris. This was a new walk for the group and very enjoyable it was too! If you've not visited there before, do so, you're missing a treat as you'll see from the following photos taken by Malcolm!

28/01/22: Roker to Whitburn, led by Paul Stevens. This was an easy six mile linear walk mostly on the level. Once again, we were lucky to walk in good weather as well as in good company!

14/01/22: Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, led by Sandra Graham. This was a 6.5 mile circular walk along fairly level paths starting and finishing at the Nature Reserve. The group enjoyed much anticipated al fresco lunch at Homer Hill Farm Shop.