A canny Weardale walk up to the Monument

This is the return to a route previously visited earlier in the spring.

Join Steven for a fairly leisurely eight mile circular walk starting on the south bank of the River Wear before heading past Worm Hill and towards the Folly where, weather permitting, we'll get far reaching panoramic views of the surrounding area, before heading back down to the river and the start point.  

The route sets off following the river upstream in a wooded , fairly quiet part of the valley before skirting villages and entering a park on the land reclaimed from a previous coal mine and reaching the short steep stepped ascent to the well known and loved landmark.

"Whisht! lads, haad yor gobs, an' aa'll tell ye aall an aaful story,
Whisht! lads, haad yor gobs, an' aa'll tel ye 'boot the worm"

*Folk song from 1867

The route then gradually loses height and after following the edge of woodland falls a little steeper through pasture to a quiet lane that winds downhill to return the group to the river and the end of a good day out.

This walk is absolutely ideal for beginners or members who have not been active for a while and want to return to exploring the northeast.

The walk leader has taken the photographs on this event page and has kindly given permission for OutdoorLads to use,

IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement

You MUST complete the Participation Statement,  here, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this participation once, not for each event. 

Micro Events – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:

• Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
• All are required to practice social distancing – staying 2m (not 1m) apart at all times, including the lunch stop.
• Unfortunately, there won’t be any planned pub / café stops en route or at the end, and please don’t share sweets or snacks with others – we’re sorry!
• Please bring your own hand sanitising gel for your own use throughout the day. Use of face coverings is at your own choice, but please bring one with you just in case it's needed. 
• Each person can only attend one OutdoorLads micro event a week. (Leaders to leave at least three days between events they lead.)
• On walks, one person to hold open gates and allow everyone to walk through – so minimising surfaces that multiple people touch. 
• Be aware that opportunities for toilet stops may be minimal if facilities are closed.
• Please, please cancel at your earliest opportunity if you are unable to attend or are unwell, so that we can allow others to take up these valuable event spaces.
• Much as it's difficult - no handshakes or hugs!

Micro Events Participation Statement

OutdoorLads draws your attention to the fact that travelling and being away from home increases the risk of receiving and transmitting Coronavirus, whilst it is present in the UK. You are likely to choose not to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst there is a risk of Coronavirus transmission. However, should you choose to participate in OutdoorLads events whilst the risk is present, you must be aware of and follow the law and government guidelines, both when travelling to and from events as well as when participating in events.

Please note that every person participating should be aware of (and accept) that those members perceived as ‘in charge’ or leading the event are not experts,  do not need to be experts, and are not regarded by OutdoorLads, or themselves as experts, but are amateurs with some experience in the event type and who are happy to impart their knowledge.  Any advice given should be considered with this in mind by the recipient.

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