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.… ¹

On the morning of 13th February at 09.40am there was a snow blizzard in High Etherley/Toft Hill. This was not encouraging as we were about to start our February walk 50 minutes from then. However, people would be already on their way so fingers crossed and hopefully the blizzard would not last long. Good luck… ¹

On a beautiful sunny day we walked from Wolsingham station into the village to catch the bus to Harperley Roundabout. From here we strolled past Hollin Hall, south across the fields to Wadley before turning west along the Weardale way. After crossing a footbridge on the River Wear we walked uphill through a field of… ¹

Thursday the 8th of August saw us meet up at Wolsingham station, a group of ten, plus Nigel a visitor from Scotland, who I'd met on the trail a few days earlier. Nigel hadn't heard of U3A. I hope our walk has spurred his interest. The weather forecast gave the possibility of light rain. However… ¹

The previous two days had been wet and cool and so it was a relief, as we gathered on Durham City riverside, that it felt slightly warmer with only a light cloud covering overhead. We headed up the quaint cobbled street of Sidegate, at the top, by the side of the main road, is the… ¹

A Wonderful walk full of flowers, birds and geology In June, a small group of 8 started from Bowless Visitor Centre car park for the wide-open valley and fields of Upper Teesdale. Walking towards High Force via White Hill and Dirt Pit we passed green fields with Rooks quietly feeding and admired the views dotted… ¹

We had a lovely day for our walk in May. We set off from St Cuthbert`s Church, High Etherley to walk along by the Cricket Pitch then down the Old Railway to Phoenix Row and onward to East Park. Walking along East Park we talked about places which used to be there until fairly recently;… ¹

We found a good day for our walk on 11th April and 11, (well 10 and a bit, if I'm included), hardy souls set out from Stanhope Dales Centre at 10.30. Heading into the Market Place and down to the Batts, the route took us along the river to Stone Bridge, which, although looking battered… ¹

Under a leaden sky, nine enthusiastic walkers set off on the Cotherstone circular walk from Barnard Castle, knowing that mud would be a prominent feature of the day! Well it didn’t let us down and was certainly very attracted to our boots and trousers, however that didn’t detract from a very enjoyable day in the… ¹

Although our first walk of the New Year was hastily rearranged on 11th January, the trip found a good day and a mud free walk around Stanhope. Beginning at the ever convenient Durham Dales Centre, we took a pavement walk up Crawleyside Bank to the intersection with  Stanhopeburn lane and followed it to turn, and… ¹

A group of 7 plus myself, set off from outside St. Cuthbert’s Church and took, a very wet, slippery and muddy Bridlepath down to Witton Castle, where a much appreciated coffee stop in the Castle café, was enjoyed.  Refreshed, we set off along, again a very wet, muddy path, down the steps to pass through… ¹

In July the group met at Westgate Village Hall for a walk led by Janet and Peter. We walked the Slitt Wood and West Rigg Geotrail. It was a beautiful summer's day and we were walking in short sleeves. ¹