Gadgie Walks

John Martin with a variation (Northumberland) June 14th

Another popular gadgie walk, based on the route along the River Allen that inspired the work of artist John Martin who created huge pictures, often with jolly biblical themes such as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the Last Judgement.

The walk starts from a small car park near the Shaftoe Academy for the sons and daughters of gentle folk in the small Tyne Valley town of Haydon Bridge. Drive west on the A69, turn off into Haydon Bridge, take first left, appropriately called John Martin Street, go past The Anchor Hotel and turn left by the club, up a short stretch and park, free.

The walk is covered by OS OL 43 Hadrian's Wall but is well marked.

Parking near the Shaftoe Academy for the children of gentlefolk.

Leaving the car park we walked down to the road, turned left, took the right fork and headed towards East Lands End, the farm where the artist was born

Top: plaque recording John's birthplace

Middle, part of info board

Bottom Lovely warning sign.

Continuing on the lane, overtaken by a lady on an electric bike, we reached The Lees Farm.

When I was a lad, Old Shep was my dog, o'er hills and meadows we'd stray

The path goes through the farm yard, several dogs around, all friendly

The path goes through the farm yard and then climbs across several fields to a minor road. We turned right and walked downhill to the entrance to the National Trust Allen Banks Woods.

Entrance to the wood and more information about the man.

The path passes a charcoal burner;

The people who operate the charcoal burner use Rhododendrons and sell their product

Overgrown pond, hardly room for a pair of Mallards.

We walked through the woods to a junction on the paths, Normally we turn right and follow the path downhill to walk along the riverside and through fields. Feeling a little adventurous we took the left hand path and walked the higher ground above the valley.

Destined for the charcoal burners.

Eventually we left the woods and crossed a couple of fields to a small house on the road, turned right and wandered downhill to Plankey Mill, Herbie Spot.

At Plankey Mill. Slim pickings today as there are only three of us; apple pies, savoury flapjacks and tarts from Mrs A. As Brian said, probably lose weight for a change on this walk.

River Allen near Plankey Mill

Back on the track we crossed the fields to Allen Banks Woods and climbed the footpath, quite steep too, until we reached the ruins of the old peel tower.

Top; remains of peel tower. Bottom , information board.

From the ruins we walked the narrow ridge to a field and crossed diagonally to th a gate. Through the gate the path goes steeply down to a footbridge and then steeply up to more fields. We crossed the field to the farm at Harsondale, turned right and walked the concrete track to the road end. Turning left we continued on the road to a junction. Straight across and down through sheep filled fields to West Deanraw.

At this farm we turned right and walked even more hard tarmac to Langley Castle.

Look carefully, Langley castle through the trees.

We took the track opposite the entrance to the castle, walked uphill and then across fields above Haydon Bridge. The footpath turned left, went through woodland and emerged on a road heading for the town. We walked under the A69, turned right, crossed the playing field and were back at the car.

Today's rehydration point was the Duke of Wellington at Riding Mill which was serving its own brew, named for Arthur Wellesley, and Black Sheep. Both were in fine form.