On the day of this walk the temperatures were due to be 24o as we set off at 10am, and rising to 27o by 2pm. As it happened by 1pm the temperatures were 27-28o and when I arrived home at 3pm it was 30o. A decision was made to cut out part of the walk where there was no shade and be in the areas where there was shade to shelter us as the heat increased. There was also the option, on the return journey, to take the bus from Witton Park up the long hill to High Etherley.
Having cut out the route with the views we walked down to Witton Park, not an interesting route, but on arrival we took time to see and admire the War Memorial with the beautiful sculptures by Ray Lonsdale. A little way up Main Streel is Carnwood House where the Bradford Brothers were born. The plaque on the garden wall tells the story of each Brother. Although the War Memorial is to remember all who gave their lives in two wars it is that family of four young men who went to war and only one returned which really makes the impact….every time you visit!!!
From Witton Park we joined the Weardale Way and tread that old, old path to Escomb. The old Saxon Church looked cool but we headed to the river for some welcome shade under the bushes where we ate our lunch. The heat was starting to build up so the plan to walk around the lake was abandoned and we headed for the Saxon Inn to top up on fluids before our walk back. The heat was stifling as we walked back to Witton Park and there was no discussion about whether we should get the bus back up the hill. Everyone just flopped down and sat or sprawled in the shade under the trees by the bus stop at the bottom of Main Street. Right on time the little village bus to Toft hill arrived and the Air-Con was on at full blast. What a blessing!
Author and Photos Isobel M