Gadgie Walks: We're on Matt Ridley's Ground

We're on Matt Ridley's Ground,

Picking up gold and silver ! (Northumberland )

March 26th.

One of the last days of full lockdown, next Monday we can meet in a group of six for a walk but today it's Margaret, Brian and I doing another local walk from Stannington, a small village a few miles north of Newcastle and just off the A1.

The walk is covered by OS Explorer 316 Newcastle upon Tyne.

There is a large car park next to the Ridley Arms pub that serves the village hall. Very quiet today, and free.

Booted and wrapped against a steady westerly breeze we started off down the village road which used to be the A1. On a section that leads to a dead end we spotted the sign post on the right and headed off across fields in a westerly direction, right into the wind. The fields had evidence of large scale ridge and furrow from medieval times or even before so it was a bit of a roller coaster walk.

Footbridge close to the start.

We left the fields and entered Catraw Plantation, part of the Blagdon Estate. The route was well marked with at least a couple of large signs with black arrows on a white background pointing the way. We obligingly followed the markers to Bellasis Farm and then on across fields to Bellasis Bridge.

Bellasis Bridge. I've cycled over it often but this is the first time I have walked over it. It is very narrow and oncoming traffic is not easy to see. The river it crosses is the Blyth.

We walked south along the road from the bridge before turning left to the Cheese Farm at the delightfully named farm Make me Rich. Unfortunately, because of covid the cheese farm and tea room were closed, a shame, they make tasty cheese for Grommit.

Northumberland cheese farm.

From the farm we followed a good track alongside a plantation, crossed another track and came to the farm at Bog House, another interesting name. The path went round the farm and then on, on well marked tracks to Home Farm. Further on we came to New Kennels. There is a mini business park here, including the Northumberland G

Heritage shop. Presumably closed today.

And then we were at the A1. We walked north alongside the road for a while to a marked pedestrian crossing. The A1 is a busy road with fast moving traffic and needs crossing with care. Fortunately it is a dual carriage way which makes crossing a little easier using the central reservation.

Once over we walked a short distance north before turning into the woodlands bordering both banks of the River Blyth.

Peaceful woodland walk after the noise of the A1

This wonder of Victorian engineering carries the main East Coast line between London and Edinburgh. We waited to see a train. Naturally one thundered over when we had moved on.

The footpath follows the river bank through woodland. The edges of the path were lined with anemones and celandines. There were a few birds singing but mostly we met dog walkers. Mostly off leads too, the dogs that is.

When we reached the Plessey Woods Country Park we called a Herbie at an area close to the river which has wooden staging. Useful for small children hoping to catch tiddlers and older people wanting a swim.

Herbie time at a table just beyond this spot. Titans, savoury flapjack and Maid of Honour tarts from Mrs A.

After a late lunch (seven miles nearly) we continued east a short distance before turning back on ourselves, climbing up the bank towards the visitor centre and then following a footpath on Stannington Banks. It was quite high up with a good view of the river below. We saw three deer and heard a woodpecker. Eventually the path headed back down to the river and we retraced our steps along thje bank, passing under the railway again, crossing the A1 carefully again and heading back to Stannington. The Ridley Arms was sadly closed of course but they were advertising a Friday evening fish and chip take away service. Tempting but it was only 3.30 pm so we went home.