Seven go walking from Matfen. September 20th.
Matfen is an Estate Village, west of Newcastle, north of Hadrian's Wall. It has a 19th century church, Holy Trinity, a pub and a village store and cafe.
Brian, Margaret, John H., John C., Dave, Harry and I are having breakfast and a walk from the village. The walk, most of it across fields, is covered by two maps. :
OS explorer 316 Newcastle on Tyne and OS OL 43 Hadrian's Wall
And it's a low cloud day, with drizzle to come. The paths are generally well marked, one or two gates well hidden and some of the stiles are in need of repair.
Leaving the village we walked south, turned right at the next road and entered the first of many fields. Fortunately the grass was short and dry, and although the crop had been cut in one field there was a clear footpath across it. Thank you farmer.
Just beyond Clarewood we joined St. Oswald's Way. Close to a narrow River Pont we passed the ruin of the Whittington Mill and a couple of friendly horses.
Once in Great Whittington we headed up the village street, passing the pub and turning right to find the footpath over fields to the farm at Shellbrae, at just under four miles. We held a Herbie, sitting on a bank under a spreading tree.
Picnic spot. Apple pies, almond slices, cookies and, of course, sweet and savoury from Mrs A.
Back in the fields we rejoined St. Oswald and stayed with him to Bingfield east Quarter. (mile 6) Once through the farm we joined a road, but soon, at a finger post, turned left and headed for Fairspring (mile 7). After as hort stretch of tarmac we took to the fields again for Ryal.
All Saints at Ryal. A 12th century chapel of ease with a great deal of 19th century restoration.
At Ryal South Farm we were back in the fields, walking almost a straight line back toMatfen. One field was being ploughed, we had no option but to walk the edge, the turned earth would have been a nightmare. And from Matfen some of us went home, some went tot a pub.
Contains OS data, copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2024
The walk is about 10 miles, easy going with a couple of short and fairly gentle climbs.
