Gadgie Walks: WYLAM, WHITTLE AND HORSLEY

Wylam, Whittle and Horsley Woods. February 2nd

Four of us, Brian, Margaret , Harry and I are off for a walk from Wylam, along the Tyne for a while then up Whittle Dene. After more rain its probably going to be muddy.

To get to Wylam from Newcadtle head west on the A69 and turn south at the sign post. Through the village towards the station and make use of the free car park just before the bridge over the river.

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

Craftily we left the car close to the Fox and Hounds but I'll pretend we started the walk from the car park, it's not far away.

Breakfast at the Coffee Tree, a gaggle of giggling maidens were also in, lycra clad, frightening.

Conveniently parked off road near the Fox and Hounds in Wylam.

From the car park:

The old railway line by the car park has been a cycle/walking/riding track for years. Heading roughly west on the track we soon reached Hagg Bridge and crossed the Tyne.

River Tyne and Hagg Bank Bridge. Originally a railway bridge, the line joined the present track on the south side of the river.

The track on the bank of the river is firm, there is a short diversion nearer the river but after 2.5 miles we reached the Visitor Centre near the bridge to Ovingham.

Mural at the Visitor Centr.

We crossed the river using the footbridge next to the narrow, one way road bridge into Ovingham. Turning left just before the church we walked down the road and by an old bridge spotted the sign post for Ovington. We crossed a couple of fields before reaching the village, arriving close to the Social Club.

Ovington Social Club

We took the track on the left of the club for a few hundred yards before turning left on another farm track then crossed a field or two to the gate into Whittle Dene.

A steep path took us down to the stream and an equally steep path took us to the other side. A large rock infront of a low cliff made a sheltered Herbie Spot. (Apple pies and sweet and savoury from Mrs A).

Whittle Dene. We spotted a deer that promptly vanished on our approach.

A few yards south back down the track from the Herbie spot a gate took us into fields and on to Whittle Farm. Following the farm road we reached the bridge across the A69. (mile 6)

One of many clumps of February Fair Maids on the farm road.

Once over the dual carriageway we turned right and walked along what looks like the old road used before the A69 was built to a few bungalows, turned right, under the A69, turned left and headed for Horsley.

Just beyond the very last house in the village, on the right, is a sign post for Wylam. A narrow footpath next to the stables took us to a couple of fields. Crossing one to a rickety stile we decided not to take the usual route back to Wylam but headed for Horsley Woods. The first part was a firm woodland path but later we wandered along a muddy trail until we reached the road by the old Victorian pumping station.

Victorian pumping station.

Approaching Wylam on the road we went down a set of stone steps, crossed a field, went up a set of wooden steps and were back at the Wylam end of Hagg Bank Bridge and soon we reached the car, changed and went to the Fox and Hounds. Tim Taylor's on offer.