Source
None.
Today’s Walkers
Ed, Neil and Paul.
Start Grid Reference
NY682607
Map of Route
Type of Walk
Disused railway, views and historical interest.
Distance and Time
8½km / 5½ miles, 3 hours.
Difficulty
Low, hard in places including slippery steps with a high rise.
Our rating (up to 5*)
4*
Description
On another lovely summer’s day, we parked at the small public carpark alongside the disused Alston Branch railway line at Featherstone Station. Leaving the carpark we turned left and headed up Hall Bank for about 100yds before turning right onto PROW 516/006, heading through the woods and behind Station House. With some overgrowth, and a very steep downhill section through the second set of woods, this path was our most difficult challenge of the day. We were glad that we would not be returning this way. Re-joining civilization at Bridge End, we crossed the road bridge, heading for Crow Wood. Architectural interest was taken in the bridge noting that, roughly at its central point, the alignment of the stonework appears to show that the bridge was built from either end and ‘bodged’ together in the middle. It’s also a very steep bridge for both vehicles and walkers. We followed the road to the left for around 100yds before heading into Crow Wood on PROW 516/007. Once again this was a little challenging in places due to water erosion and slippery surfaces. After crossing Hartley Burn we crossed the sturdy pedestrian bridge across the river South Tyne. At this point we were close to Featherstone Castle (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Featherstone_Castle) with some lovely views of its Gothic construction. Turning quickly right we headed along PROW 516/014 passing the water gauging station on our right. This path runs next to an old access road so walkers can choose to walk on or off road. We noted how river erosion had washed away a good part of the road structure. The path changed to PROW 516/015 (without any deviation from the route) and very quickly we came upon the former prisoner of war camp (https://co-curate.ncl.ac.uk/featherstone-prisoner-of-war-camp) located at approximately NY673603. An engraved sign on the stone pillar at the camp entrance details a brief history (see picture below).
Castle and entrance to camp
Sign
Fascinated by having had a POW camp so close to home, we sat on a low wall and discussed this whilst taking our lunch. A lot of remains still exist showing both foundations for POW huts and, more substantial, administration buildings. Following the old track away from the camp, whilst still on PROW 516/015, we reached the road at Thorneyhole Wood. Crossing the road, with a slight twist to right, we took PROW 516/035 which, once again, changed its reference to 512/016 as we exited the woods. This was the first time we’d seen a path associated with the Daft As A Brush Charity (https://www.daftasabrush.org.uk), who have a section in their website for the River Tyne Trail. At a small cottage we passed behind it and walked up a steep, unnamed track, towards Shafthill Farm. Our aim was to access the Alston Branch railway line at this point. Passing underneath the old stone railway bridge, we found that access was not possible so, at the sharp 90 degree left turn in the track, we headed right onto an unnamed path towards Castle Hill. Part way up the hill, and at the edge of the woods, we found PROW 512/036 that took us through a pleasant pine wood. Not realizing that this path would lead us directly to Lambley Viaduct, we took a short unnamed path to the right and joined the old railway line not far from Shafthill Farm. Turning left we headed along the old line to the viaduct, stopping to look at the information board.
An impressive structure, Lambley viaduct (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambley_Viaduct) allowed us to have some great views up and down the River South Tyne. The line itself is a popular route for walkers (known as the South Tyne Trail) and so we passed, and chatted to, many people on route. After admiring the views we did a 180 degree turn and headed back along the old railway line. A brief afternoon tea stop came next as we sat on a bench just at the northerly side of the viaduct. If we’d brought additional cups we would have had a roaring trade in selling tea to the number of walkers who passed by. Tea completed we carried on along the old line passing the old station at Coanwood before arriving back at Featherstone Station. Another grand walk.
Middle Aged Ramblings 