Tow Law - Hedleyhope Fell - Waterhouses - Tow Law

Alan Anderson

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The long, narrow Hedleyhope Fell begins on the outskirts of Tow Law and runs north-east for 2.75 miles, sandwiched between the B6301 on the high south side and the Hedleyhope Burn on the low north side. There are numerous wind turbines surrounding the fell due to its exposed high altitude, although none are actually on the fell. The very gradually descending route across the fell passes through heather, grasses and marshy ground and is fairly easy to follow, thanks to evenly spaced marker-posts. In 1.5 miles the route intersects the Hedleyhope Burn which it then continues to follow, crossing and recrossing the burn over a multitude of footbridges as the burn enters a delightful wood before finally emerging at a minor road.

The next section of the walk is undulating as the route follows farm tracks, lanes, fields and roads that take you to the farthest point of the walk, the village of Waterhouses in the Deerness Valley.

The return leg starts along a very pleasant railway path through and beyond Waterhouses, before the route once more takes to the open fields to ascend a high, panoramic hill. A steep descent follows through lanes and fields to intersect and cross the River Deerness.

The final section of the walk passes through yet another delightful narrow wood, followed by a little field-walking on farm tracks before the route meets a wide, stony track. This rises gradually up the upper reaches of the Deerness Valley and delivers you back into Tow Law.

England - North England - Durham - Countryside