Distance 14.2 Km  (8.8 miles)     Ascent  341 m  ( 1118 ft)       Average moving speed  4.22  Km/hr  (2.6 mph)    Start  10.21  am   Finish  15.02 pm   

This walk uses the disused Derwent Valley Railway line which carried passengers and goods between Newcastle and Consett.  The line which opened in 1867, finally closed in 1962 and most of it was subsequently opened as a bridleway.  After overnight snow and slippery side roads we wondered what lay ahead of us. 

Leaving the bus at the Red Kite, Winlaton Mill, our small group of 4 led by Peter Craig let Heinrich’s group go ahead before following them on a snow covered footpath which headed down towards the R Derwent.  We then skirted the Clockburn Drift which gave us nice views of a small ice covered  lake.  We then completed a loop around  Goodshields Haugh, a pleasant walk alongside a tree covered R Derwent.  This then brought us onto the Derwent walk.  Heading SW we soon crossed the Nine Arches viaduct.  After about 1 Km we arrived at a table with forms, an ideal spot for a coffee stop.  After the stop we headed on towards Rowlands Gill.  After a short distance along the path, I realised that I had left my walking poles at the coffee stop but Peter Webster, the youngest member of the group, hurried back and retrieved them.  Thanks Peter

Reaching Rowlands Gill we crossed the A694, failed to find the RoW, but used the grassy area adjacent to the road to reach the path leading to the bridge over the R Derwent.   Back on the Derwent Walk, we  crossed the river and continued to head SW along a mainly straight and level track.  With about an inch of snow underfoot the going was still fairly good as the snow was mainly soft and there was little ice around.  Approaching Lintz Green railway station we stopped to look at a large wooden Paddington Bear complete with sandwich.  All that remains of the actual station is a small section of the two platforms but this is useful as a seat although it has become more overgrown since. our last visit here.  However, it was still adequate for our lunch stop.  Continuing SW after lunch, we crossed another viaduct over the Pont Burn and shortly after Peter C looked for a path descending from the left side of the railway line.  Well, he found it easily enough, but as it was very steep and covered with snow, he decided to forgo the route through Medomsley and continue on the Derwent Walk.  Having seen the path, who were we to question his decision. 

 As we continued along the Walk, it was noticeable that there was only a light covering of snow but the going was still good and not slippery.  On the rhs of the path at a somewhat lower level were some very attractive large houses, part of Hamsterly Mill.  As the track bent slightly to the right and we left Byerside Wood there were some good views to the north with White Byerside Farm nearby. The track then swung to a southerly direction and climbed slightly (about 80 m from the Pont Burn viaduct) and this meant that there was a greater depth of snow but it still allowed for easy walking.  With no trees on the NW side of the track, we had excellent views to the north, We soon reached Ebchester Bank and it was a very short walk up the road to our destination, the Derwent Walk Inn.

Thanks Peter C for a very enjoyable walk.