Wark, the North Tyne and Birtley

Seven and a half miles and 350 metres of climbing in around four hours, upstream from the bridge at Wark, over to Birtley and back along the flank of the valley with Chipchase Castle in view. Park on the green at Wark or in the small free car park by the bridge, both free and both no more than a dozen spaces, which is ample for how few walkers come here. The riverbank offers safe off-lead stretches and easy access to the North Tyne, but this is working farmland with sheep and cattle in most fields, hand gates and two stiles, and a mile of quiet lane at the Birtley end.