There are many walks beginning from Edge Knoll Holiday Cottages. From leafy riverside strolls to energetic moorland marathons, there is walking to suit the taste and ability of all outdoor lovers.
Bills Walks
If you’re a seasoned Northeast rambler, then you are probably already aware of Bills Walks, a comprehensive guide to walking in and around County Durham. If you’re not, well you are now!
The Wear Valley Way
A walk indeed, and one very close to Edge Knoll Farm and indeed my heart, in more than just proximity.
This walk is a long-distance trek starting at Killhope Mine about thirty miles West of your cottage and ending at Sunderland about thirty miles East. The walk runs through Edge Knoll Farm and is how I discovered and fell in love with this beautiful haven which was later to become my home. My son and I walked different stages of the way after television personality John Noakes had publicised the opening in a television documentary around 1973.
Following the course of the River the Weardale Way runs over open moorland from the west then leads you through the coal mining areas of Durham County to the sea at Sunderland. with the Edge Knoll about halfway along the walk.
Hamsterley Forest and The Cross Keys Inn
Of course, not everyone enjoying a peaceful break in beautiful countryside will desire such a mammoth undertaking, even if it is spectacular.
Equally captivating is Hamsterley Forest and although along the Weardale Way, taking a right turn at the farm gate will point you in the direction of a lovely 2/3 mile walk to get there. The Largest Forest in County Durham has walking tracks, horse riding, downhill cycling to suit all abilities (including Black Runs) as well as easy cycle rides for families with children.
There are three rights of way leading from the farm gate, for those wanting a half-day stroll with a pub meal in the middle try the walk to Hamsterley Village, lunch in the Cross Keys pub restaurant and return via the West side of the village through rolling fields back to your chair in the courtyard to enjoy the rest of the day with a glass of wine on your terrace.
We have more walks if you’re interested, just let us know when you get here and I’ll be happy to point some out.
The Elephant Trees photograph by Andy Ditchfield at Skyward Aerial
