St John's Chapel – Burnhope Reservoir – Wearhead – West Blackdene Circular

A great circular walk from St John's Chapel in upper Weardale that takes in the lanes, fields and roads on the southern slopes of the valley on the outward lap of the journey to the picturesque Burnhope Reservoir. After crossing the reservoir dam the route descends to the valley floor to follow closely the River Wear on the return leg of the walk back to St John's Chapel.

The walk starts with a stiff pull up an enclosed lane onto the lower slopes of Chapel Fell. The route then heads west through the valley of the Harthope Burn before a long stretch of walking on a quiet minor road with hardly any traffic that reveals terrific views of upper Weardale spread out below. After passing through the valley of the Ireshope Burn the walk heads up another enclosed lane to emerge onto the Open Access Land of Ireshope Moor. A brief visit to the edge of the moor is followed by a little moorland road-walking that takes you across the dam wall at the picturesque Burhope Reservoir. Further downhill road-walking follows that takes you down to the valley floor to visit Wearhead, the birthplace of the magnificent River Wear. The final lap of the walk back to St John's Chapel keeps company with the fledgling river as it starts its long winding journey to the sea.

England - North England - Durham - Wear Valley

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Walk id: 8949

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

7.7 Miles

Height gain

276 Metres

Duration

3 Hours 34 Mins

Average rating

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