This attractive walk takes you from Blanchland, along the River Derwent, up on to open moorland. The moorland is exposed and can experience harsh weather. The wild landscape surrounding Blanchland bustles with evidence of people, from Mesolithic hunters to lead miners and modern land managers. Everywhere you look you see the imprint of our ancestors. Many landscape scars have been hidden by nature and it is hard to believe that in the not-so-distant past this quiet landscape was once home to major industry.

Walk information: Distance: Approx 14km (9 miles)
Length: Allow at least 4½ hours
Grade: Hard – hill walks with steep, strenuous climbs.
Rough Moorland. Boots essential
Useful maps: OS Landranger Map 87 Hexham and Haltwhistle
OS Explorer Map 307 Consett and Derwent Reservoir
Start/Finish: Blanchland car park (donations welcome)
Grid Reference NY 964505