Hexbla one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Hexbla here.

This route was walked in mid August on a rainy day after a long dry spell. Route finding is fairly straightforward. It partly follows the Way of Light, one of the Northern Saints Trails, and the day 8 itinerary of Wainwright's A Pennine Journey. There is useful information in the descriptions of both those routes.
After passing Hole House and crossing the Dipton Burn the path ascends to a minor road. The route goes east along the road but in a short distance there is a discreet Woodland Trust sign on the right leading to steps that take you down into Letah Wood. You can continue on a path beside the Letah Burn (could be muddy) to the car park at Newbiggin where the route is regained. However, there appears to be a permissive path south through the wood and that connects to the footpath SW of Newbiggin House Farm taken by this Slow Way.
Once across the footbridge over Devil's Water at Peth Foot the route follows a narrow track that climbs steeply upwards. However, the track is used by 4 x 4s and has been churned up by their wheels. It is also rather narrow in places with little room to escape a vehicle. Also the route then follows the busy B6306. It might be better to follow the route of A Pennine Journey beside the Devil's Water before joining the Slow Way in Slaley Forest. This avoids the roads. There should be good views from Blanchland Moor but there were none on this wet day. The track is another used by 4 x 4s and it is quite churned up in places although these parts can be bypassed at the side. The last part into Blanchland is on a well-surfaced track and passes the former Shildon lead mine engine house. The White Monk's Tearoom in Blanchland is a good place to eat. If being picked up in Blanchland note that there is no mobile phone reception.
Note that the route goes through several fields where there may be cattle.

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