An ennead of walkers started from Westgate , the Western extremity of the Bishop’s Park, following the Weardale Way on the south side of the river, past Daddry Shield on into St Johns Chapel. The green pastures were looking fresh with many Common and Black Headed Gulls feeding among the small flocks of Swaledale sheep. Blue tits, Chaffinches, Great tits and Greenfinches called from the riverside trees, while a Grey Wagtail took flight from one of the small limestone waterfalls. The weather was a mix of light rain, cold winds and breaks of sunshine.

After a short stop in the centre of St Johns Chapel, we walked up the main street past old Terraced houses and moderner bungalows. We turned North crossing the river and watched a Dipper bobbing up and down. In one field we saw new lambs, one running across the field, full of the joys of Spring. A steep climb, took us up to the start of Side Head, an undulating road with fabulous views of Weardale below. As our lunch-stop finished, fine snow started to fall, followed by a bigger flakes and  we saw an advancing wall of grey and white in the valley below.

The snow finished as quickly as it started and we proceeded along the road in clear blue skies and sunshine. Passing West Slit Reservoir we disturbed a flock of 40 Oystercatchers and 20 lapwings. Dropping down to Low Slit Mine we stopped for refreshments and took time to read the information boards. The last mile towards Westgate was the clartiest of the day, yet enjoyable as we walked through ancient woodland with the smell of Ransomes and Middlehope Burn tumbled over a series of waterfalls.

Author - John S

Pictures - Carolyn McG, Sue F and John S