On a dry, calm but overcast morning, 5 of us alighted the coach at Coldstream house on the A167 just a couple of Km from where we had finished a couple of weeks earlier.  With Ann leading, we crossed the road and entered a field.  Where to walk was the question, as there was no option that didn’t involve walking in mud.  Anyhow, we carried on WSW and made our way to Tudhoe colliery where we crossed the B6288 next to the school and continued WSW before the track turned SW and headed to Tudhoe.  As we entered the village, there was a pub on our left with tables and forms outside, an ideal coffee stop. 

After coffee, we made our way SW along muddy paths and after crossing the Valley Burn via a footbridge, we entered a housing estate.  Housing estates together with woods can be the most difficult to navigate but Ann did very well and soon we were passing through Black Plantation from where we turned W through Whitworth Park on a much better track.  From here we had views of Whitworth Hall Country Park where Ann had planned a lunch stop before finding out that the park was currently closed.   We checked out the church but there was no seating outside the building which was locked.  So  we continued SW along Hagg Lane.  For the first time in the walk we had some interesting scenery looking to the north and the Wear valley.  In addition, the sun which had been trying to make an appearance, came out in full glory.  After descending down a slippery path we arrived at the Hagg Beck which we crossed and headed up to Byers Green.  Unfortunately we had strayed slightly off the path and were on the wrong side of the fence so a slight back track and a crawl under the fence was required to bring us into Byers Green.  Here we found the village green and although there were seats they were spread around  the green and as a seat was required to spread out our Christmas lunch, we stood enjoying the sunshine and ate some of the vast quantity of food before us. 

After lunch, we headed SE up the road and then joined the track of an old railway heading ESE.  This then joined another track heading S.  This track provided good footing as we headed past an old station, passed Binchester and about 1Km further on we came to 2 bridges over the track about 50 m apart.  Ascending some wooden steps just before the second bridge, we cut back to the first bridge, crossed the railway line and headed W.  After descending a field which was soggy in places, we crossed through a fence into Hazel Bank Plantation where we found a form, ideal for our afternoon stop.  As we were in good time, we sat there for a lengthy spell enjoying the December sun. 

On our way again, we descended down a good firm track until we reached a burn a short distance before the R Gaunless.  Three of the group took the opportunity to wade into the burn in an effort to remove mud from their boots.  Whether it had much effect is questionable considering the amount of thick mud sticking to the boots.  We then followed the track southwards towards Auckland Castle passing a number of Christmas words and decorations on the way.  As we passed the east wall of the castle to turn west  past the south wall, we entered the tunnel of light, a 100 m long tunnel covered with Christmas lights.  Leaving the tunnel, we passed through Auckland Tower, leaving the AGLOW festival and made our way down Durham Rd to the coach.  Charles had booked an area of Weatherspoons for our use, so after changing, we headed there to finish off what had been an enjoyable day, particularly the route after lunch.  Thanks Ann.