Gateshead/County Durham : Ousbrough Wood and Causey Arch
11 people attending
14 places left
A pleasant 11 mile walk on the border between Gateshead and County Durham taking in the hidden beauty of Ousbrough Wood before ascending to Beamish Hall hotel and on across rolling countryside to the Tanfield railway, the world's oldest railway, built in 1725, well before the steam engine. We'll wind our way along the valleyside along the Causey Burn until we come to Causey Arch, the oldest surviving single-arch railway bridge in the world. After we've explored the beautiful valley, there's a rumour that there is a most excellent tea shop nearby with apple crumble, but it's only a rumour mind! Come for the scenery, stay for the history and cakes!
Picture Credits
All the photographs for this page were taken by the walk leader, ncl_toby and permission is given to ODL to use them.
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What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
Please bring a packed lunch and a flask. We'll likely stop for afternoon tea and cake (and rumoured apple crumble!)