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Longshaws and River Font Circular Walk.

 

Introduction

This circular walk starts at Oldpark Wood, South of Netherwitton.

The route follows farm tracks, tarmac roads and footpaths through fields, crossing the River Font twice.

The route can be followed in either direction, we followed an anticlockwise route.

Some parts of the route can be muddy after rain.

Total distance - just over 4 miles.

Country lane near Longshaws River Font

Walk

There is some roadside parking on the narrow road between Netherwitton and East Thornton. This is on the East side of Oldpark Wood.

The O/S grid reference is approx. NZ1114388378.

The starting point for the walk itself is the junction of this road and the small road to Longshaws.

Road to Netherwitton at Oldpark Wood.
Road to Netherwitton at Oldpark Wood.
Start of the walk - road to Longshaws.
Start of the walk - road to Longshaws

 

From here, walk east along the road towards Longshaws, enjoying views over the River Font Valley to the north.

After passing a wood on your left and the electricity pylons that run past here you will reach Longshaws.

Road to Longshaws
Road to Longshaws

Road to Longshaws

 

Continue past the farm on your left staying on the track. This track can become very muddy in places and you may need to pick your way along the edges past the deep puddles if there has been rain.

Looking back to the farm at Longshaws.
Looking back to the farm at Longshaws.
Start of the muddy track.
Start of the muddy track.

 

After about half a mile from the farm the track turns sharp left, this is likely to be the muddiest point, after that the track should be OK.

The worst place - junction of track from Nunriding.
The worst place - junction of track from Nunriding.
Much drier section.
Much drier section.

 

Follow the track which now runs roughly north with some fine pine trees alongside.

Pines along the track to Wood House.
Pines along the track to Wood House.

Pines along the track to Wood House.

 

After about another half mile you will pass Wood House on your left before arriving at the River Font.

Cow byre at Wood House.
Cow byre at Wood House.
Ford over the River Font.
Ford over the River Font.

 

Cross the river by the Ford if dry or by a small footbridge on your right if flooded.

Ford over the River Font.
Ford over the River Font.
Footbridge over the River Font.
Footbridge over the River Font.

 

After crossing the river follow the track uphill until you reach a road, just past the house on your right.

Turn left along this road which is the road from Morpeth to Netherwitton. Take care along here as some traffic may be travelling quite quickly.

Turn left towards Netherwitton.
Turn left towards Netherwitton.
The road to Netherwitton.
The road to Netherwitton.

 

The road runs alongside the River Font (which is flowing in the opposite direction) towards Netherwitton.

After about 3/4 of a mile you will pass a wood which may be felled depending on when you do this walk, but should still be apparent. (You will cross under the pylons again here).

The River font is to the left of the road here.
The River font is to the left of the road here.
Tree felling
Tree felling.

 

Just past the wood is a small road to the left towards Longshaws Mill.

Turn left along this road, shortly passing through a gate and crossing a cattle grid.

Turn left to Longshaws Mill at this sign.
Turn left to Longshaws Mill at this sign.
The road to Longshaws Mill.
The road to Longshaws Mill.

 

After a short distance you will arrive back at the River Font, crossing it once again by ford or footbridge depending on the height of the river.

Ford over the River Font at Longshaws Mill.
Ford over the River Font at Longshaws Mill.
The footbridge is further upstream.
The footbridge is further upstream.

 

The road continues to Longshaws Mill (a private residence), where the footpath continues on through the property and uphill into a field. A possible detour here is to follow a footpath to the right towards Shelly, we didn't take it.

View from Longshwas Mill to Oldpark Wood.
View from Longshaws Mill to Oldpark Wood.
The footpath from Longshaws Mill.
The footpath from Longshaws Mill.

 

Walk uphill following the path which once again can be muddy and is obviously well used by horses or cattle in places.

View back along the path from Longshaws Mill.
View back along the path from Longshaws Mill.
View towards Netherwitton and beyond.
View towards Netherwitton and beyond.

 

Continue following this path uphill until you reach the road you walked along to Longshaws.

Turn right at the gate onto the road returning to the starting point and then to your parking place.

Emerging back onto the road to Longshaws Farm.
Emerging back onto the road to Longshaws Farm.
The road back to Oldpark Wood.
The road back to Oldpark Wood.

 

Notes

Walking Gear:

- Good waterproof walking boots essential. Gaiters advisable if there has been rain.

- Waterproof clothing advisable depending on the weather forecast - we started in warm sunshine and finished in dull cool weather.


Food and drink advisable.

Map - Ordnance Survey Landranger sheet no. 81 Alnwick, Morpeth and Surrounding Area.

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