Northern Rambler

  The Spennymoor to Byers Green section of the railway line was opened in 1841. It was part of the Clarence Railway Company’s “Byers Green Railway.” Initially, the train transported coal and serviced Port Clarence in Teesside. The route between Byers Green and Bishop Auckland opened in 1885, after which the line was opened up to passengers. The line closed in 1939. The line from Bishop Auckland to Spennymoor is now a path of 4.3 miles, frequented regularly by walkers and cyclists, designated as The Auckland Way. It begins – if travelled in a southernly direction – just in front of Rosa Street School in Spennymoor. This starting point hosts one of the Norman Cornish information points. These information points were set up to commemorate the various places around Spennymoor which Cornish either painted, or to which he had some kind of connection, and form the Norman Cornish trail. This is the old part of Spennymoor, as you can see from the architecture of some of the buildings, suc...

  I’m back in Spennymoor. I'm Only here for two weeks over the festive period. But I intend to fit a few walks in. This walk is special to me. It is not my favourite, nor one I’d especially recommend. It is, however, the one trodden by these feet more than any other. How did it come to acquire this record? The uninteresting answer: its proximity. From my childhood home, in the village of Middlestone Moor, just south of Spennymoor, it is the obvious choice for someone wanting a relatively short expedition from their doorstep. It is the closest place, by foot, from my council estate, to something resembling the countryside. Ideal if you want to take the dog for a walk or go for a short jog. I usually refer to this route as “the lines”. But although it runs alongside the former railway line that is now the Auckland Way, I don’t think it was ever a railway track. It provides access to Bishop’s Close Farm and cottages – hence its other name, the farmer’s track. I’ve also heard people ca...

  When it comes to Lancaster and its surrounding area, there is perhaps no better view than the Crook O’Lune. It has all you want from a walking destination; beauty, wildlife, literary and artistic associations and a rich history. It offers something for everyone. For the keen hiker, there is plenty of walking territory along the meandering Lune. Cyclists are keen visitors, since the spot is located alongside a stretch of the Lancashire cycle way. It is also an ideal location to sit and have a picnic whilst admiring one of the best views in the county. In this post, I will provide some background to this iconic location and describe some of the walks around it. The Crook O’Lune is situated in between the villages of Caton and Halton. Entering via Caton, you will cross a fairly narrow bridge crossing the Lune, which runs adjacent to the cycle way, before shortly turning into the car park. The main part of the car park is often full, especially at the weekend, though there is an ov...