One of the first few times I went to stay in Northumberland, CBC introduced me to the South Tyne trail. This is a 5 mile stretch from Haltwhistle to Lambley Viaduct that formed part of the old defunct Haltwhistle to Alston railway line. It was originally built because in the 18th and 19th centirueies, the North Pennines were exploited for their lead, coal and limestone and thus transport links were needed. However, it was a vital link for local communities to travel and thus stations were built along the route. Sadly, it was closed in 1976 and began to fall into disrepair although became a good route for walkers.
Excitingly, apparently a group of railway enthusiasts in a society of some sort are going to rebuild the line and run trains along it. It must take an incredible amount of money to do such a thing. Still, I hope it will still have a path near it so you can partake in this serene and easy walk all the way. I've walked the route a few times- in Summer, Winter and now Spring.
On Saturday, it was a rather sunny day so I suggested to CBC and WOMOTM (father-in-law) we take a walk there. WOMOTM hasn't been well, so we joined the route somewhat further, starting at the Car Park at Featherstone park station.
The carpark begins with a birdlike totem which it is obligatory to photograph. The route is a very easy one so if you are a walker who likes the flat, this is the route for you. A path is very well marked.
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| Photo by WOMOTM |
Along the way, the path is lined with trees, sprouting out of each other and the odd fungus growth.
Here and there are benches to enjoy the view and have a rest and the odd relic from the past.
You can see an old buffer for the sidings and the platform at the previous Conewood station. The station itself is now a house. An old water pump can be seen and various other items.
I saw one sign of Spring, these primroses growing, fighting against an ocean of brown deadness.
Finally, you reach the most impressive part of the journey, Lambley Viaduct.
You find yourself on the old tracks and great views can be had from the viaduct.
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| Photo by WOMOTM |
Walk towards the end and peek round the gates and see the old Lambley Station, also a house now, apparently once lived in by Catherine Cookson.
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| Photo by WOMOTM |
The viaduct is crafted from Sandstone sourced locally from nearby Slaggyford and Bardon Mill and opened in 1852. Following the line's closer, up until 1995/6 when the viaduct was restored, it was falling into disrepair.
It is a rather steep hike down the path to the Tyne and the river itself is very brown with the peat but still offers a childlike opportunity to skim stones or send them in with a hefty PLOP in my case. Or for you to balance a rock on your head. As you do often.
If you find yourself in Northumberland, I can heartily recommend this as an easy walk. You can join the South Tyne trail further back, but I find this is the most scenic part of the route which is available for public walking.
