Blanchland Circular Walk

About

Distance:2.0 KM (1.5 miles)
Grade of walk: Easy
Time:1 hour or less
Explorer Map:Outdoor Leisure 26

You'll never forget this timeless stroll through one of England's oldest and most beautiful villages with its striking mixed woodland situated right on the River Derwent. It's set in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and since the walk only takes about an hour, you'll have plenty of time left to enjoy some of our other historic attractions just a few miles away. Hexham Abbey has a fine example of a Saxon crypt and a Saxon chalice as well as fascinating 15th Century paintings, while Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum, is a fully restored lead mining site and a national award winner.

Start / Parking
Car park in Blanchland. OS Map Grid Reference NY965505

Recommended Route

Starting from the car park in Blanchland turn right into the village. In front of the prominent archway, once the main entrance into Blanchland Abbey, turn right and follow the road for a short distance to the playing field and the village hall on your left. Follow the signposted permissive footpath to Baybridge alongside woodland on your right and grass fields on your left.

At the end of the path turn left and follow the road past the picnic site on your right. From the picnic site you have an opportunity to explore some of the river bank and watch its wildlife. Cross the road bridge over the River Derwent and go uphill for a short distance.

Turn left into the woods onto a signposted path. The path leads you through mixed woodland with occasional glimpses down to the river and the meadows on the other bank.

At the road turn left again and cross the river into the square at Blanchland. Pass the small stone building, the former village pump. The hotel on your right was once the abbot's lodge, the abbey kitchens and the guesthouse. Go through the archway you saw at the start of the walk and from here cross the road and retrace your steps to the car park.