Walking Britain North Pennines Walk
Hannah's Meadow, Baldersdale and Brown Rigg Moss
Maps | |||
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL31 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL31 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
Walk Route Description
This walk explores the surroundings made famous by the lone farmer Hannah Hawkswell who used traditional methods to earn her living. The route uses sections of the Pennine Way, which in this immediate area offers two routes. It is wise to choose a clear day to fully enjoy the North Pennines' remarkable skies and landscapes.
The start is the car park at Balderhead Reservoir (grid ref. NY929186). Exit the car park and return to the road and walk west towards the High Birk Hatt, Hannah's Meadow gate (grid ref.NY933189). Turn right off the road and follow the Pennine Way north. The path takes you through Hannah's Meadow Nature Reserve and down to the shores of Blackton Reservoir. Cross Blackton Bridge and continue to the junction where the two Pennine Way routes diverge (grid ref. NY933181). Take the right fork and continue past Clove Lodge to reach a minor road, which is followed for a short way.
Turn right off the minor road following the Pennine Way signage and continue across Cotherstone Moor to reach a stile at Race Yate (grid ref. NY942160). Once across the stile turn east along a marked path for approximately 1.5 miles across the Great Allotment. Like many paths in this area, the going can be rather wet underfoot if there has been plenty of rain! This section of the route offers a true taste of the area with little sign of life apart from wildlife and sheep.
Reaching the Pennine Way at Ladywood Rigg (grid ref.NY968163), turn left. The onward route is generally well trodden and easy to follow soon reaching the minor road passed on the outward section of the walk (grid ref. NY948178). Pick up the path a few metres east and head north to east Friar House where the Pennine Way turns almost due east. The path leads you to the junction where the two Pennine Way routes meet and all you ned to do is retrace your steps back to the start.
Other walks nearby
Walk 2228 Romaldkirk Moor from Mickleton - easy/mod - 7.6 miles/12.4 km
Walk 1005 Harter Fell & Grassholme from Middleton-in-Teesdale - moderate - 8.0 miles/13 km
Walk 1482 Crossthwaite common from Middleton-in-Teesdale - moderate - 9.8 miles/15.8 km
Walk 1483 Eggleston to Romaldkirk from Middleton-in-Teesdale - easy/mod - 9.8 miles/15.8 km
Walk 1484 Kirkcarrion from Middleton-in-Teesdale - easy - 3.5 miles/5.7 km
Walk 1485 Hamsterley from Middleton-in-Teesdale - mod/hard - 16.5 miles/26.8 km
Walk 1488 Railway Walk from Middleton-in-Teesdale - easy - 2.5 miles/4.1 km
Walk 3099 High Force, Low Force and the River Tees from Bowlees - easy/mod - 7.5 miles/12.2 km
Walk 1768 Thomas Gill and Ravenseat from Tan Hill - moderate - 8.7 miles/14.1 km
Walk 3424 Cronkley Fell from Hanging Shaw - easy/mod - 7.0 miles/11.4 km
Recommended Books & eBooks
Pennine Way Map Booklet
Map of the 270 miles (435km) Pennine Way National Trail, between Edale in the Peak District and Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. This booklet is included with the Cicerone guidebook to the trail, and shows the full route on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps. This popular long-distance route typically takes three weeks to complete.
More information
Walking in County Durham
Guidebook offering detailed descriptions of 40 day walks, plus 10 traffic-free cycle routes along old railway trackbeds. Together they cover 450 miles and spread all over County Durham to show the region's history and natural wonders. The terrain covered ranges from field paths to open moorlands, from the North Sea to the high Pennines.
More information
The End to End Trail
