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Walk 2815 - Pennypie and Blanchland from Baybridge

  

Region   North Pennines AONB
County/Area   Northumberland & Durham
AuthorLou Johnson
Length3.8 miles / 6.1 km
Ascent650 feet / 197 metres
Gradeeasy/moderate
Startgrid reference NY957499

Photo from the walk - Pennypie and Blanchland from Baybridge Photo from the walk - Pennypie and Blanchland from Baybridge Photo from the walk - Pennypie and Blanchland from Baybridge 
Click thumbnails for larger images.

This walk starts in the Derwent Valley and climbs onto the fringes of the moors before dropping down into the valley at the picturesque village of Blanchland. There is ample opportunity to explore the village before return along the River Derwent back to the start.

The start is the car park and pic-nic area alongside the River Derwent at Baybridge (Grid ref. NY957499). After parking, exit onto the road and turn left. Turn left again into the lane that runs in front of the cottages and begin the steady climb out of the valley onto the moor. The lane is quite steep in places and with excellent views up valley you have ample excuses to stop and admire the view. Passing the access road to Birkside Farm on your left the climb is nearly over. Reaching a bridleway sign (Grid ref. NY951508), continue straight ahead across the moor to reach the track in front of Pennypie House (Grid ref. NY949517).

Turn sharp right here and follow the lane through the hamlet of Shildon and down the small side valley into Blanchland. This village is picturesque, historic and unusual with many of its stone buildings around the perimeter of a large cobbled square. Blanchland Stores and the old post office are two buildings of note and with two places offering refreshments there is ample excuse to stay awhile and explore.

To continue, walk south through the main square and follow the road south to cross the River Derwent into County Durham. Just over the bridge turn right onto the signed footpath. This path leads through pleasant woodland offering views to the river and beyond. After approximately one kilometre the path reaches a road. Turn right here, cross the river again and the car park is on your left.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

OS Explorer1:25,000Sheet OL43
OS Landranger1:50,000Sheet 87

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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