Walks from Stanhope Guidebook

by: Keven Shevels
Stanhope sits at the point where Stanhope Burn joins the River Wear and from which it gets its name 'Stoney Valley'. This collection of eight walks explores the countryside and history of this part of Weardale, delving into both the prehistoric and more recent past. Traversing the valley floor and the high and low moors that surround the town these walks take a trip into a landscape heavily influenced by man.

Each walk chapter begins with a short description of the route plus practical data including distance, ascent, terrain, time, start point with grid reference, OS Explorer map sheet number and suitability for dogs. The route descriptions are clear and comprehensive with grid references given for major navigation points. Each walk has also been assigned a Ferguson Grading System rating and the book gives details of this system and how to interpret the grades. The book includes an informative introduction to the area and is illustrated with colour photographs. There are only very simple outline sketch maps and we would recommend carrying the relevant OS Explorer map (OL31 or 307) and a compass on these walks.

The walk locations are:
Crow Coal Hill - 9.3 miles
Collier Law and the Stanhope Burn - 9 miles
Carrs Top - 9.9 miles
Fatherley Hill - 6.3 miles
Eastgate Circular - 5.9 miles
Stanhope and the Park Plantation - 6.9 miles
Frosterley Circuit - 7.6 miles
Rookhope Circular - 12.6 miles

ISBN 9781905444465 Pages 96 (2011) 148mm x 210mm