Existing problems reported with 531
- This is a follow-up to your previous request #531 "Problem with a Route: Wooal..."<br /><br /><div class="zd-comment" dir="auto"><div dir="ltr">Hi Christian<div>I have now walked the remainder of the WooAln walk from Eglingham to Alnwick and have posted a review. Unfortunately this route does not work. At map ref 156172 there is a turn into Hulne Park and the rest of the walk to Alnwick is through this Park. Hulne Park is a large deer park associated with Alnwick Castle completely surrounded by a 2+ metre wall. There is public access but only through a gate in Alnwick and only from 11am to 7pm (less hours in the winter). It is closed some days and bicycles and dogs are not allowed. At the point of the suggested entry on the WooAln walk there is a large padlocked gate. The only way to get to Alnwick from here is a long walk along a narrow B road with fast moving traffic that follows the Park wall with no off road place to walk. It is not safe to walk along.</div><div>I have suggested an alternative route but I have been getting an error message when I try to upload it. I will try again to post it tomorrow.</div><div>Rick Sweeney</div></div><br></div> Reported 05 Jul 2021
- I walked part of the Wooler to Alnwick route today from Wooler to Eglingham and will complete the route soon and post a review (the part walked today was a fantastic). However there is a problem with the route from Berwick Folly (Way Point 269, map ref 067227) to where the route joins with a bridleway at WayPoint 300, map ref 079221. The route between these points is drawn as a straight line, but it does not follow any footpath or other right of way and it is not over access land for most of the way. I had noted that this part of the route was odd when I reviewed it on an OS map before setting off but assumed that Berwick Folly was an unoccupied derelict property and the route followed an ancient unused byway. However Berwick Folly is a farmhouse with outbuildings converted into very expensive/exclusive looking cottages. The route shown starts by crossing a large very neatly tended private lawn and then into an arable field. We spoke to a charming and helpful resident who told us there had never been any sort of pathway on the SlowWays route and the farmer did not like walkers on even legitimate rights of way over his land! We did find a route sticking to public rights of way until we were into the Access Land and then cutting across to rejoin the SlowWays route which added minimal distance to the walk. I can send you the details of the route I took by email attachment if this would be helpful. Rick Sweeney Reported 15 Jun 2021