11. Coquetdale

start: Alwinton
distance: 19 miles
OS map: 80

This is a circular route which takes in the upper Coquet valley then heads uphill to follow part of Clennell Street. There's a public car park in Alwinton just past the pub. Start here and head W up the valley. Being pretty much of a 'dead-end' there isn't too much traffic so relax and take in the tranquillity of the place.

The road crosses and recrosses the river for a few miles. You're looking for a track signposted for Uswayford at (860 115). Follow this for 2 miles until you can take a path to the R at (875 138) going up to the top of a small grassy hill. Down to a gate and into the trees heading upwards again. Don't go right to the top of this hill - Middle Hill - but bear L looking for a path down through the trees to a small stream and abandoned house called Fairhaugh.

SE from the house the track heads upwards in no uncertain manner and I'm not too proud to get off and push here. At a T junction we join the Roman road Clennell Street and, in fact, it is this that we follow back to Alwinton. Be careful not to miss the path at (900 096) where the forestry track goes off to the L, you carry straight on.

jb, gala

Download GPS data in GPX format.

back
next
home
map and routes