Wolcon three

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Wolcon here.

Dogs ARE allowed on this route. It is a slightly longer version of Wolcon Two avoiding the grouse moor they are banned from. This route has a long section without any resting/eating places and is sometimes fairly steep and probably muddy and/or boggy. If this isn’t suitable then combining WolTow and TowCon would probably be better.

The route climbs out of Wolsingham then follows the side of the valley before a steep drop towards Tunstall reservoir through woodlands (a SSSI for those who are interested). It then climbs again, then along the tops before a slower descent including the signposted “Waskerley Way”, a converted railway line which is also a national cycle route. Road sections are either paved or on (seemingly) quiet, wide verged roads which are access only.

This is a lovely description of the reservoir and woodland section in winter.
https://web.archive.org/web/20210715152602/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jan/16/tunstall-reservoir-mirror-setting-sun

Navigation
* Baal Hill House/Farm to Backstone Bank: The track from Baal Hill to Backstone doesn't appear on OSM map but does appear on OS.
* Backstone Bank Woods footpath alongside reservoir: Not on OS maps, but it is on OSM! Northumberland Water also use it on their reservoir walk.
* Straight on for Consett
The route leaves the Waskerley Way briefly to get to Castleside but stay on that route if you prefer to head straight for Consett.
* Footpath to Castleside just after leaving the Waskerley Way
OS disagrees with OSM and Google Street Maps about where this stile/gate off the road is, but there are signposts. Also about what route to take across the fields. OSM and Google fit better with the aerial views so that’s what this route uses.
* Hownsgill Viaduct
The GPX file shows gradients of 23 and 22% at around 15 km. Ignore them! The route goes across Hownsgill Viaduct but GPX engine doesn’t register it.

Eating / Sleeping
* Wolsingham (start): shops, pubs, takeaway, hotel, B&B
* Bee Hill Cottage Farm aka Bonner Lodge: Guest house just metres from the route, approx at 8.5km.
* Castleside (detour N after 11km, loop adds about 0.5km): pubs, hotel, B&B, chippy, shop, cafe.
* Consett (end): Lots of shops, pubs, etc. Limited accommodation on the outskirts of town.
I founde one camping site 3.5km off the route, head east along Eliza Lane from the Bee Cottage turn-off. However it’s very close to the TowCon One route so that is probably a better fit.

I haven't visited this area and I’ll be pleased if people can suggest improvements or upload alternatives

Dogs ARE allowed on this route. It is a slightly longer version of Wolcon Two avoiding the grouse moor they are banned from. This route has a long section without any resting/eating places and is sometimes fairly steep and probably muddy and/or boggy. If this isn’t suitable then combining WolTow and TowCon would probably be better.

The route climbs out of Wolsingham then follows the side of the valley before a steep drop towards Tunstall reservoir through woodlands (a SSSI for those who are interested). It then climbs again, then along the tops before a slower descent including the signposted “Waskerley Way”, a converted railway line which is also a national cycle route. Road sections are either paved or on (seemingly) quiet, wide verged roads which are access only.

This is a lovely description of the reservoir and woodland section in winter.
https://web.archive.org/web/20210715152602/https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/jan/16/tunstall-reservoir-mirror-setting-sun

Navigation
* Baal Hill House/Farm to Backstone Bank: The track from Baal Hill to Backstone doesn't appear on OSM map but does appear on OS.
* Backstone Bank Woods footpath alongside reservoir: Not on OS maps, but it is on OSM! Northumberland Water also use it on their reservoir walk.
* Straight on for Consett
The route leaves the Waskerley Way briefly to get to Castleside but stay on that route if you prefer to head straight for Consett.
* Footpath to Castleside just after leaving the Waskerley Way
OS disagrees with OSM and Google Street Maps about where this stile/gate off the road is, but there are signposts. Also about what route to take across the fields. OSM and Google fit better with the aerial views so that’s what this route uses.
* Hownsgill Viaduct
The GPX file shows gradients of 23 and 22% at around 15 km. Ignore them! The route goes across Hownsgill Viaduct but GPX engine doesn’t register it.

Eating / Sleeping
* Wolsingham (start): shops, pubs, takeaway, hotel, B&B
* Bee Hill Cottage Farm aka Bonner Lodge: Guest house just metres from the route, approx at 8.5km.
* Castleside (detour N after 11km, loop adds about 0.5km): pubs, hotel, B&B, chippy, shop, cafe.
* Consett (end): Lots of shops, pubs, etc. Limited accommodation on the outskirts of town.
I founde one camping site 3.5km off the route, head east along Eliza Lane from the Bee Cottage turn-off. However it’s very close to the TowCon One route so that is probably a better fit.

I haven't visited this area and I’ll be pleased if people can suggest improvements or upload alternatives