Led by Colin Fitzpatrick. We start at 10.00am from the overflow car park of the Poplar Tree Garden Centre, Shincliffe. (DH1 2NG. What3words: candy.lush.crib). The Manager is OK with our using this private car park, anticipating that some of use might enjoy his Coffee Shop (or toilets), through the door in the far right hand corner of the showroom.

A gentle riverside and woodland walk in the vicinity of Houghall farm. We leave the attractive village of Shincliffe to walk the east bank of the River Wear, crossing at the footbridge near the Maiden Castle sports centre. We follow paths along the edge of Great High Wood and onto an old Waggonway before returning to the west bank of the river to make our way back to the village. We can sit on a fallen tree to enjoy a mid-walk break. (Bring a drink and something like a poly bag to sit on). The route forms a figure-of-eight, giving opportunities to return early should the weather turn against us.