Hexham to Haydon Bridge – 29 October 2022
The first time we visited Haydon Bridge was in 1999. Nearly 19 years later we visited again in 2019 and here we are again with lucky number three in 2022. We do not keep records of what the weather was like at all the places we visit and it is doubtful if anyone can remember the weather in both 1999 and 2019. However, if you look further down the page at the weather for Haydon Bridge on the 29 November it looks like it might be raining. So hopefully lucky number three also means that the expected rain might not materialise. But what can you expect in the north of England in October anyway?
Haydon Bridge is in a unique location where the River South Tyne separates the north and south of the village with a railway line also running through the village further to the north. It also used to have the main A69 road dividing it but that changed in 2009 when a bypass was completed that now takes the A69 to the south and west of the village. There has been a bridge in the village for a very long time with the original bridge being rebuilt several times over the years. This bridge is now open only to pedestrian traffic with road traffic coming in from the west and east on the old A69 route.
Two of the routes start their walks in Hexham and both walk out along the south side of the river passing the Meeting of the Waters which is where the River South Tyne and the River North Tyne meet to become the River Tyne. Just to the west of the Meeting of the Waters is Bridge End presumably taking its name because it is the last bridge on the River South Tyne. Both routes cross here with the 11-mile route heading north to Warden Hill on which stands an iron age fort. This route then goes north and west and skirts the village of Newbrough before heading south to Haydon Bridge.
Just to the west of Newbrough is a Norman church which used to form part of the original village of Haydon before it re-established itself closer to the river. The old Norman church is constructed of stones taken from the nearby Hadrian’s Wall.
After crossing the river at Bridge End the second walk of 10 miles stays on the north side of the River South Tyne and passes the village of Fourstones before going through Crow Wood and joining the route of the 11-mile walk close to the Norman church.
We have a shorter walk of 9 miles which is doing a circular route out of Haydon Bridge. This route starts on the approach road leading into Haydon Bridge and heads southeast before turning north to cross the River South Tyne at Ridley Bridge. The route then turns east and heads back to Haydon Bridge crossing the River South Tyne once more using the original bridge.
One of the benefits of visiting Haydon Bridge is that it is a short distance to travel and that means we will finish the walks by early afternoon and be heading back home before it gets dark. So if you fancy a good walk close to home with some sections along the Tyne you can get in touch with us from our Contact Page and you can download the walk descriptions below and the GPS routes here.
The image for this post was taken on a walk from Corbridge to Hexham in February 2016.
