PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY
Parish of Belford with Middleton
Prepared by John Fawcett
Definitions.
1. Footpath: over which the right of way is on foot only.
2. Bridleway: over which the right of way is on foot and horseback with an
additional right to drive animals;
3. R.U.P.P.: (Road Used as a Public Path) over which there are vehicular
rights but over which the main use is on foot and horseback.
The public have no rights to ride bicycles on public footpaths and may only do
so on bridleways provided they give way to walkers and horseriders.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 1 (GR 10483390 - 08863470)
After some 200 yards along the lane on the west side of Belford Community Club,
the lane forks. The left fork is Belford 1 with a public footpath signpost
and kissing gate both in good condition (GR10483390). The path follows Belford
Burn (on the right) for a short distance to another good kissing gate where it
becomes a headland path on grazing land. A further short distance and another
kissing gate is reached after which the path turns in a north-westerly direction
as a headland path through cropped fields.
Two good stiles and a plank bridge facilitate the crossing of Soldier's Dean,
a small boggy plantation. The path leaves the cultivated fields at a stile to
the right of which is a track (not a right of way) to Craggyhall. Now rising up
Juniper Hill on rough pasture the path comes in a short distance to a waymark
which is the division of Belford 1 & 2. Belford 1 still in a
northwesterly direction goes to the northwest of Leigh Heugh and after 3 more
good stiles drops down diagonally across a field to Swinhoe Farm.
At GR 08863470 the designation of this path changes to Middleton 9 on the
Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way. A delightful path with splendid coastal
views southward to Belford and beyond. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 2 (GR 09353440 - 08753464)
This footpath starts at the aforementioned waymark (see Belford 1) and
goes in a westerly direction to the south-eastern corner of the wooded Leigh Heugh
where it is joined by Belford 3 from Plantation Farm to the south. Proceeding
along the southern edge of the wood it then turns north-westerly to GR 08753464
where its designation changes to Middleton 6 on the Definitive Map of Public
Rights of Way.
Three excellent stiles are on this short path a) at the junction with Belford
3; b) as it turns north-west and c) on entering Coal Wood. Good rural views
to the south and the bluebells on Leigh Heugh in the Spring are a sight to behold.
Not suitable for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 3 (GR 09213375-09213443)
A very useful path which starts at GR 09213375 being the continuation of the metalled
lane to Plantation Farm from the B6349 ½ mile west of Belford. On reaching
Plantation Farm waymarks indicate the route to the west of the buildings and through
sheep pens continuing in a northerly direction through a cultivated field to join
Belford 2 at the stile at the south-eastern corner of Leigh Heugh.
A valuable and easy walkable path forming a 3-4 mile circular route with Belford
2 and Belford 1. Suitable for wheelchairs as far as Plantation Farm.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 4 (GR 11203358 - 12223382)
This path starts at what is known locally as 'the hole in the wall', being a metal
gate and steps adjacent, on the south of the entrance to Belford Golf Club. A
public footpath signpost is in position at this point. The route is to the south
of Belford Burn between the golf course and the practice area. After a short distance
a footbridge is crossed and then a stile into pasture; both bridge and stile are
in very good condition.
The path does not follow the eastern boundary of the golf course but proceeds
ENE passing two mature trees to the A1 road which is reached by a good stile.
CARE MUST BE EXERCISED IN CROSSING THIS FAST TRUNK ROAD. On the eastern side,
steps lead down a short embankment to another good stile. The path now passes
through a small, newly planted plantation exiting via a good stile into a small
pasture field. A further stile leads into the Coastal Grains silo complex and
keeping the silos to the south the path reaches a kissing gate leading into pasture.
This is the junction with Belford 5 and the East Coast Main Railway Line
is visible straight ahead. The path passes along the northern boundary of the
cricket ground to GR 12223382 where its designation becomes Easington 5.
The Easington paths are outside the scope of this survey but at the time of the
survey it is interesting to note that in reality the path continues straight to
the railway line joining Easington 8 which after crossing the line goes
to Chesterhill.
On the Definitive Map of Public Rights of Way however, the path goes through the
Belford Auction Mart, crosses the B1342 into a pasture field west of Belford Station
and becomes Belford 6 at the Belford/Easington parish boundary (GR 12503356).
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 5 (GR 12003383 - 12203397)
This short, but important path goes in an ENE direction from its aforementioned
junction with Belford 4 to the Easington/Belford parish boundary at GR 1203397
where it becomes Easington 10 before crossing the rail-line. At the time
of writing these two crossings of the rail-line have been subject to a review
of the safety of all public footpath and bridleway crossings on this route. Neither
crossing meets with Health & Safety Executive requirements and Railtrack together
with the County Council as Highway Authority are investigating what options exist
to improve public safety.
Amongst the proposals are diversions of footpaths to utilise the protected road
(B 1342) crossing at Belford Station or the construction of an overbridge to accommodate
both Easington 8 and 10. As these paths are continuations of Belford
4 and 5, the outcome is very important to Belford as they form the basis of
extended walks from the village. Neither Belford 4 nor 5 is suitable for
wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 6 (GR 11993273 - 12503356)
This footpath probably originated as a pedestrian route from Newlands to Belford
Station. It starts on the short farm access track opposite Newlands East Lodge
on the south road (the old A1 before the bypass was built.) A stile takes one
into a green field where the path goes a short distance NNE before reaching another
stile at the A1 bypass.
The A1 is crossed to another stile in a NNE line. Whilst both stiles are in good
condition they are frequently overgrown with vegetation. After another short distance
in a green field a further stile gives access to a cultivated field where the
path is waymarked on a telegraph pole. This field and the next two usually have
growing crops in them but the path is clearly visible.
Two stiles and a footbridge over Newlands Burn give access into the last cultivated
field before the B1342 south of Belford Station. The path has now reached the
Belford/Easington boundary and becomes Easington 9 turning NNW. Well waymarked
with good stiles this path is sometimes used by workers at the Industrial Estate.
Not suitable for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 7 (GR 10803108 - 10873370)
This is a gem of a path and is Belford's longest. It is said to have originated
for children going from Warenton to school at Belford. It starts at GR 10803108
where the Warenton/Mousen lane turns WNW. The path over the stile goes north on
a headland before dipping down to a plank bridge across Mousen Burn. A delightful
place with wild primroses in profusion on the banks of the burn in springtime.
On rising from the burn the path goes first north-west along the field boundary,
then north-east again as a headland path. This section gives good rural and coastal
views and the path has ample width. Over another stile the path then turns north
to the Whitelee cottage and the route of the path is stiled and waymarked throughout
the cottage garden.
After crossing the private road from Newlands West Lodge to Newlands the path
goes through a small wood and straight on a well marked track between two fields.
A gate gives access into Dinnings Wood where Newlands Burn is crossed by a sound
footbridge. Out of the wood the path goes along a headland strewn with boulders
from ploughing operations in the field before becoming a metalled track to Belford
at the end of Williams Way.
It is a great pity that the Warenton end of this path is not used as much as the
Belford end. It is waymarked and all stiles, gates and footbridges are in good
order. Apart from the metalled track near to Belford this path is not suitable
for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 8 (GR 08503292-07233306)
This path is not visible on the ground but nevertheless the right of way is still
extant. It starts approximately ½ a mile west of Sionside leaving the B6349
in a westerly direction. It passes through a small plantation on the site of disused
coal workings. In this plantation it crosses Belford Burn and at the time of writing
there were still remnants of a plank bridge.
Leaving the plantation through a field gate, the path crosses a field boundary
by another gate before coming to the Belford/Chatton boundary where it becomes
Chatton 5 proceeding then to the North Hazelrigg road south of Dancing
Green Hill. It is a great pity that this path is little used; there are magnificent
views in all directions. The lack of a public footpath signpost and need for waymarking
have been reported to Northumberland County Council by the writer. Not suitable
for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 9 (BRIDLEWAY) (GR 08033273 09843247)
Approximately ¼ mile west of the start of Belford 8 a public bridleway
sign post marks the start of this short route. It proceeds south-east along a
field boundary on Belford Moor before turning ESE and dipping down to cross a
small burn near some disused coal workings. A narrow stretch of woodland is reached
soon after negotiating a newly built stile and the farm and other buildings at
Belford Mains are just a short distance along a well marked track going ENE.
On reaching the farm the bridleway follows the metalled lane for access to the
farm to the Belford/Chatton road where there is a public bridleway signpost. After
the first stretch along the headland the bridleway cannot be recognized on the
ground until the narrow wood is reached. Once again splendid views in all directions
and in winter the air takes one's breath away. The section between Belford Mains
and the Belford/Chatton road is suitable for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 10 (BRIDLEWAY) (GR 07583246- 10022980)
This is another little used moorland bridleway which starts at the public bridleway
signpost ¼ mile southwest of the start of Belford 9 on the B6749.
It goes in a south-easterly direction, crossing the Belford/Chatton road and ending
on the lane going from the B6738 to Warenton at GR 10022980.
Known as Rogues Road, it passes by disused quarry and coal workings as well as
a cultivated field. There are no stiles and the gates are sound. A pleasant rural
ride but much more enjoyable on foot. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 11 (BRIDLEWAY) (GR 10242993 - 11252915)
Again a little used route starting at a public bridleway signpost on the Warenton
Lane at GR 10242993, it proceeds on the south west side of the Ell Plantation
before reaching the B6348 which it crosses. Public Bridleway signposts are on
both sides of the road.
From the B6348 the route goes south to cross the Waren Burn which at the time
of writing was blocked and almost knee depth at the point of crossing. The route
then turns in an easterly direction to the Belford/Chatton boundary at Cocklawdean
Head where it becomes Chatton 33. Not recognizable on the ground but an
excellent route bringing one eventually to Warenford through charming countryside.
Not suitable for wheelchairs.
BELFORD FOOTPATH NO 12 (GR 10312985 - 10102891)
200 yards from the Warenton end of Belford 11, this footpath leaves the
bridleway in a southerly direction unrecognizable across moorland to the public
footpath signpost on B6348. The path crosses the road by two good stiles before
crossing the Warenton Burn. Again the path is not visible on the ground but continues
climbing to the Belford/Chatton parish boundary at GR 10102891, becoming Chatton
12 to Brownridge. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
The last five routes (Belford 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12) are very little used
and as has already been said, this is a great pity. Many circular walks can be
made by utilising them, they are on mainly open moorland with excellent sight
lines all round. They are also free of obstructions. Very good terrain for map-reading.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 1 (BRIDLEWAY) (GR 07343610-05823660)
This is a well-defined farm track from Greymare Farm going west to the Middleton/Lowick
parish boundary where it becomes Lowick 32 (Bridleway) terminating at Holburn.
The path turns south after leaving the farm buildings and turns west half way
down the west side of a small wood, Greymares Tail. The path rises gradually until
it reaches its junction with Middleton 6 & 4. Here there is a signpost.
The path now turns north-west across moorland before entering Shiellow Wood via
a good gate. It reaches a junction with Middleton 2 at GR 06083639 shortly
after which is the parish boundary GR 05823660. Good views to the coast and to
Greensheen Hill and the Cockenheugh. Not suitable for wheelchairs although the
lane from Detchant to Greymare Farm is metalled but quite narrow.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 2 (GR 06083639-06003680)
This is a short but well defined forestry track from Middleton 1 (see above)
going north to the Middleton/Lowick parish boundary at GR 06003680. From this
point the remains of a disused windmill can be seen across a stretch of cleared
woodland looking west. The path continues north as Lowick 31 or one can
turn east along Middleton 11 through Detchant Wood to the Detchant/Fenwick
road at Park Wood cottage. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 3 (BRIDLEWAY) (GR 06393598-06503560)
This is a short connecting route between Middleton 1 and 4. Currently it
is not defined on the ground and is the subject of correspondence between the
writer and the Highways Authority. It is across moorland with a gradual descent.
Good views to Cockenheugh and Greensheen Hill. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 4 (BRIDLEWAY) (GR 06703589-06013528)
One of the several routes to St Cuthbert's Cave, this path is currently obstructed
by a drainage dyke from the nearby peat excavations. It is the subject of correspondence
between the writer and the Highways Authority who are endeavouring to arrange
the erection of a bridge across.
The path leaves its junction with Middleton 1 & 6 going south-west
down into a shallow valley and rising up over the moorland to GR 06013528 just
behind St Cuthbert's Cave. Very good views again as from Middleton 3 and
once over the drainage dyke there are some good mushrooms in late summer. Not
suitable for wheelchairs.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 5 (GR 07603450-06053532)
This path starts out past a pair of farm buildings, Dick's Oldwalls, on Middleton
13 (one of the main routes to St Cuthbert's Cave from Swinhoe Farm). Its other
extremity is its junction with Middleton 4. The path is the shortest route
to St Cuthbert's Cave going north-west from Dick's Oldwalls. There are at the
time of writing several obstructions which the Highway Authority are to address
in the near future after much protracted correspondence and complaining by the
writer.
On leaving Dick's Oldwalls the path runs along the north-eastern edge of a cleared
plantation where there are many tree stumps and hidden boulders. The path leaves
the plantation where it has been newly planted at a ruined building, Detchant
Coal Houses. There are now 3 field boundaries to cross and all are obstructed
by barbed wire fences.
Two of the fields are pasture and the one before the path's termination is moorland.
A pleasant alternative to the main routes to St Cuthbert's Cave but sadly under
used. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 6 (GR 08753464-06733588)
This is the continuation of Belford 2 (see above) from the parish boundary
in a north-westerly direction leaving Coal Wood via a good stile then along the
outside of the wood below Weetside Crag to Swinhoe Farm and the junction of Middleton
13 & 6.
Footpath 6 carries on north-west along a well used track to Virgin Hill Wood past
the Swinhoe Lakes. Exiting the wood by a farm gate the path now veers north along
the foot of Fawcett Hill before reaching its junction and end with Middleton
1. A main route to St Cuthbert's Cave but spoiled in the writer's view by
numerous pheasants in Virgin Hill Wood which have been specially reared for shooting.
These poor creatures are almost tame and their physique is very poor compared
with their wild relatives.
Good views to Greensheen Hill and suitable for wheelchairs but with care. Soon
after leaving Virgin Hill Wood there is a disused railway track on the side of
the path. This is where most walkers going to St Cuthbert's Cave turn off down
a farm track in a westerly direction. THIS IS NOT A RIGHT OF WAY and the estate
agents for Greenwich Hospital Trust who own the land are not prepared to dedicate
it as one.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 7
This is a RUPP and is described with other such ways at the end of the survey.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 8 (GR 08903653-09103740)
The path starts at a farm gate east of Detchant Farm and goes along a headland
to Kettleburn Dene. There are no gates or stiles to facilitate entry and exit
of this small cleared plantation through which runs Kettleburn.
The path continues as a headland path to the A1 where there is no exit, a thick
hedge preventing this. The writer has complained about the obstacles to the Highways
Authority. Not suitable for wheelchairs; only determined walkers will negotiate
this little used path.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 9 (GR 08863470-08513493)
This path is the continuation of Belford 1 from the old Belford/Middleton
parish boundary at Weetside Crag to the ladder stile west of Swinhoe Farm where
it joins Middleton 6. It is only a short distance proceeding along the
edge of a wood before descending a pasture field to the farm in a north-westerly
direction. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 10
This is a RUPP and is described with other such ways at the end of the survey.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 11 GR 08233730-006003680
A pleasant forestry track through Detchant Wood from opposite Park Wood Cottage
on the Detchant/Fenwick road to the Middleton/Lowick parish boundary where Middleton
2 also terminates in Shiellow Wood. Despite evidence of forestry operations
there are some splendid trees to see on this path and with care is accessible
to wheelchairs.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 12 (GR 066736385-06513690)
The parish's shortest path leaving Middleton 11 in a north-westerly direction
to become Lowick 29 en-route to the Holborn/Lowick road via Shiellow Crags.
Middleton 12 is, as stated, only a few hundred yards along a forestry track.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 13 (BRIDLEWAY) (GR08373505 - 07003420)
A very popular way to St Cuthbert's Cave from Swinhoe Farm to the Cockenheugh
at the Middleton/Chatton parish boundary where it becomes Chatton 2 en-route
to Hazelrigg. It is a wide farm track passing Dick's Oldwalls (the start of Middleton
5). Just about useable by wheel chairs but with care passing through open
farmland.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 14(BRIDLEWAY) (GR 10023772 - 10113860)
This path heads north from a public bridleway signpost on the A1-Elwick road.
Initially it is a clearly defined headland farm track until passing into a small
livestock enclosure. On leaving the enclosure the way continues north across a
pasture field to a field boundary of weather beaten hawthorn bushes.
After a few yards a field gate is reached, being the Kyloe/Middleton parish boundary.
At the time of writing this gate was climbable but not openable; it is also obstructed
by a single strand barbed wire fence. From this point the path becomes Kyloe
17 to Fenham-le-Moor.
One gets a wonderful vista of the Kyloe hills when heading south on this path
and towards its northern extremity a fresh perspective of Holy Island, Fenham
Flats and parts of the Lindisfarne Nature Reserve. Only suitable for wheelchairs
from the road to the enclosure.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 15(BRIDLEWAY) (GR 11483693 - 11753780)
At the western end of the hamlet of Elwick the start of this path is marked by
a public bridleway signpost at a farm gate, It is a headland path through two
fields before reaching the Lindisfarne Nature Reserve at Fenham Flats. Suitable
for wheelchairs.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 16 (GR 1360372 - 14453764)
Those wishing to use this splendid path should leave any cars at the western end
of the hamlet of Ross as requested by a notice where there is ample parking area.
The start of the path is reached by walking along the metalled lane through the
hamlet with its charming cottages to a pair of holiday cottages.
From then on, the path is clearly waymarked and after two gates, one with a cattle
grid, the path enters the dunes before reaching the incomparable Ross Sands. The
dunes and the sands are in the Lindisfarne Nature Reserve and all users are advised
to read the notice at the entrance. Splendid views to Holy Island, the Farne Islands
and Bamburgh Castle. Suitable for wheelchairs only on the metalled road.
MIDDLETON FOOTPATH NO 17 (GR 09383496 - 08933517)
This path is the continuation of Belford 13 (RUPP) from the Belford/Middleton
parish boundary through Square Wood in a north-west then westerly direction on
a well defined path until it terminates at the Middleton/Swinhoe road. A pleasant
woodland path of short distance but unsuitable for wheelchairs.
ROADS USED AS PUBLIC PATHS (RUPPs)
The definition at the beginning of this survey is necessarily vague. This is due
to the legal problems that began and continue to exist as to whether RUPPs were
subject to vehicular rights ever since the Definitive Map of Public Rights of
Way came into being through the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act
1949.
The 1968 Countryside Act attempted to solve the problem by requiring all such
ways to be re-classified as either a byway open to all traffic or a bridleway
or a footpath. Again the legislation was dogged by legal argument and little was
done. The latest effort to have all RUPPs re-classified is embodied in the 1981
Wildlife & Countryside Act and Highway Authorities are now carrying out a
review of their RUPPs. There is, however, a big danger for those of us who like
to walk these quiet country tracks. If a public right of way for vehicular traffic
is shown to exist in the re-classification process, then the way must become a
byway open to all traffic. This means that if someone can show a carriage and
pair had a right to use a way many years ago, then a Chieftain Tank also has a
right to be driven on it.
There is throughout England increased use of trail riding motor-bikes, four wheel
drive vehicles of all shapes and sizes in our countryside or should I say spoiling
our countryside. In Belford with Middleton there are 3 RUPPs and the effect of
such vehicles on such peaceful lonnens would be devastating.
BELFORD 13 (GR 10483390 - 09383496)
For the start of this path please see description of Belford 1 which starts
at the same place off West Street. Belford 13 continues as a lane and passes
through West Hall Farm before climbing steadily as a metalled road to Craggyhall.
It continues still in a north-westerly direction as a much rougher track to a
kissing gate giving entrance to Square Wood and also being the Belford/Middleton
parish boundary.
The path continues as Middleton 17 through the wood to join Middleton/Swinhoe
Farm road. A well-used path with excellent local views and accessible for wheelchairs
to Craggyhall.
MIDDLETON 7 (GR 08613510 - 08493645)
About halfway between Middleton 17 it leaves Square Wood and Swinhoe farm,
a public footpath signpost on the north side of the road marks the start of the
RUPP. A very pleasant walk with good gates, it goes north along headlands before
becoming a sunken lane to Detchant. Accessible for wheelchairs in dry weather.
MIDDLETON 10 (GR 09683650 - 10103763)
Another well-used lonnen starting opposite Detchant Lodge on the old A1. The way
crosses the new A1 where care should be exercised before heading north as a wide
but rough track to a bridge over the East Coast Main Line. Here it turns north-east
and goes through a pleasant wood being just inside the Kyloe/Middleton parish
boundary.
A good footbridge is used to cross the Elwick Burn (It will be interesting to
see how a vehicle of any description could use this narrow structure.) The path
then carries on as a wide grassy track to reach the road from the A1 to Elwick.
If one turns left here, the start of the Middleton 14 is reached within
a short distance. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
BY WAY OF CLOSURE
I have gained immense pleasure by carrying out this survey and the parish is very
fortunate having such a splendid network of public rights of way. Many circular
walks with a wide variety of scenery can be devised by using the paths. Sadly,
although there is an ever increasing interest in the countryside, the great majority
of the paths are under-used. The best way of maintaining these quiet ways is to
use them and it would be a tragedy if by disuse they are lost to future generations.
All the paths are shown on the Ordnance Survey 464 Lowick, 465 Belford and Farne
Islands and 476 Chatton and Ellingham 1:25000 Pathfinder series. The numbering
of the paths is taken from the definitive Map of Public Rights of Way which is
maintained by Northumberland County Council without whose valuable assistance
this survey would not have been possible. Our thanks are also due to the previous
vicar of Belford, Reverend Canon Peter Heywood for his tireless campaigning for
the improvement of the parishes' public rights of way. That many of the gates,
stiles and signposts are in situ and in good condition is due to his persistent
efforts for the reparation of the footpath network.
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