Rowbla one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Rowbla here.

There is a cycle path and road that could be used to get from Rowlands Gill to Blaydon, but this route is in keeping with Slow Ways spirit and takes in some less frequently walked paths.
The route starts in middle of Rowlands Gill village and there are shops and cafes if you need supplies before setting out. The route follows the busy A694 north east out of the village, but then joins the Sustrans Route 14 cycle path which follows the line of the valley all the way to the River Tyne. This is a well made up cinder and asphalt path loved by local cyclists, so listen out the warning bells of a group approaching!
The route then zig-zags right off the track and then cuts back left over the track you have just left and then climbs steeply back to the A694. Cross the road the traffic lights and then go left in to Thornley Lane. Immediate left into, the once signed, narrow, footpath (the post is still there!). The path climbs out of the small estate along the back of the houses and then at the crossroad of paths turn right and follow the field boundary. Head under the old railway line using the arched bridge, then drop down to Huntley Gill. Path is indistinct so you may need to map check to keep you heading in roughly the right direction. If you are on track, the path climbs up to the fields, but stays inside the field boundary heading north west along the top of the steep sided valley. Stay right when you hit the new houses and then bear right at the road. Follow Garesfield Lane north east for 200m and the path on the left is very narrow and unsigned, so easy to miss.
The path takes you through the farm and along on a track and then right on to Barlow Lane (pic 1). 200 metres along the lane, a path appears that drops straight down into the valley (pic 2).
The path turns right along of the back of what looks like a scrap yard and then pops you out on the road. You have to cross the road at a tight bend on a steep hill down, so take care. The path from this point is easy to follow (pic 3) and follows the bottom of the valley all the way down to the river Tyne (pic 4). A short walk downstream (pic 5) and Blaydon station - the end of this route - appears on your right. Do walk along the platform to see the Blaydon Races mural (pic 6). Blaydon itself is accessible across the station footbridge and the A695 footbridge. Plenty of shops and cafes including Costa and Macdonalds.
Nice route along paths I wouldn't have considered walking previously. Not wheel friendly in the middle section and some of the styles will be challenge for those with little legs.

Share your views about this route, give it a star rating, indicate whether it should be verified or not.

Include information that will be useful to others considering to walk or wheel it.

You can add up to 15 photos.