Led by Terry Harris. We will meet at the Bowes Incline Hotel, Northside, Birtley, Chester-le-Street, DH3 1RF to start the walk at 10am (toilets, coffee etc. available). The walk begins adjacent to the A1 (close-up opportunity of the new footbridge) then right along the track to Dunkirk Farm and left to Ravensworth Golf Club. We will then walk around the perimeter of the golf course and across the fields to a photographic sighting of the Angel of the North, down to the A167 and right to the footbridge. Having crossed the footbridge we will retreat a little way to find the path leading to High Fell, then take the rough path left through the woods and eventually be encompassed by the Angel. This could be a good place to stop for elevensies or lunch for the early risers. We will then walk very carefully across the roundabout (having a great view of bridge widening workings) and continue along the path to the Bowes Railway Path, through the tunnel and up the steps to rejoin the lane to the Bowes Incline Hotel. Toilets and drinks/meals are available for us here.

Things to be aware of

Although this is a comparatively short walk (4.5 miles) there are several inclines and steps! Also - overgrowing nettles, thistles etc. along the sides of several paths could be threatening (shorts may not be a good idea).