Blanchland - Carriers' Way - Newbiggin - Blanchland

This is an enjoyable walk from the picturesque village of Blanchland, up and out onto the open Pennine moors, along a section of an old carriers' way and then descending back to Blanchland. The walk passes the tiny hamlet of Shildon, which is near the remains of a lead mine and smelt mill. It then continues to Pennypie House, which once sold pies for a penny as the name suggests (this was a pre-decimal penny). The route then crosses open moorland until it reaches the old carriers' track which was used by pack-horse trains carrying smelted lead to the Tyne Valley. Although the carriers worked in the 18th Century the path may be much older, even prehistoric. You leave the Carriers' Way by a shooting hut, then descend back into the valley of the Derwent, passing the lodge for the shooting parties and returning to Blanchland. This is a picturesque village once owned by the Crewe family and before that was the site of a Premonstratensian abbey. They were also known as White Canons due to the colour of their habits. The bar of the Lord Crew Arms was once the private chapel of the bishop.

Further details of Blanchland's history can be found at www.blanchlandhistory.org.uk and some photos at www.blanchland.org

England - North England - Northumberland - North Pennines

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Walk id: 5087

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

5.6 Miles

Height gain

222 Metres

Duration

2 Hours 37 Mins

Average rating

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