Two hazards on route - section of official route from Pont Low Top wood isn't a path so divert west by 2-300 metres to rejoin at South Field Farm - correct path clearly shown on OS Map. 400metres of path closed just north of Hamsterly Hall - be prepared for steep and complicated route find through the woods (see pic 11). The route is easy to follow and the slow walk up the well made up track (see pic 3) to Low Bradley Farm is rewarded with a great view across the valley to the site of the north east's last open cast mine working. Easy navigation in Pont Woods (pic 8) takes you down to the stream, but then the official route follows the line of pylons out of the valley which can't be followed on foot. Once I was at the B6310, I was already aware that there is no path from the official route under the viaduct up to the long distance Consett to Swalwell C2C cycle path! An interesting walk through the Pont Valley which is much more interesting than if the route had followed the C2C route from Consett to Rowlands Gill....

Andy Redfern

Probably designed for a mid-route pub and Post Office in Satley, both now permanently closed....

Daisy C

An obvious alternative is to carry on to the top of Lead lane where the current suggested route turns right off the road, and to cross the road immediately west of New Ridley and to continue along the lane to Apperly to where the current route meets the lane....

Parmstrong