May 5th Strenuous

Sunday, 5th May 2013

Walk:	St Giles Church, Levy Pool, Goldsborough, Ravock Castle, God's Bridge, Bowes Castle
Start Point:	Bowes Front Street	Grid Reference:	NY 994 135
Distance:	14 miles	Ascent:	1,700 feet
Time:	6 hours
Weather:	An overcast day with the occasional shower and the occasional sunny spell.
Comments:	Eight walkers set off from Bowes for this walk. Apart from a small detour to the top of Goldsborough the walk entirely followed the Pennine Way. The route followed the Pennine Way north passing Levy Pool where it passes the last surviving example of a heather-thatched cottage in Durham. Continuing north we paused for a while on Goldsborough to enjoy the view over Baldersdale. Leaving Goldsborough we headed down towards Blackton Reservoir where we turned south to join the alternative Pennine Way route for the return leg. Choosing our way carefully through the rushy ground we crossed Peatbrigg Hill and Knotts Hills before crossing Deepdale Beck. From here we climbed to Ravock Castle (a dramatic name for a pile of stones), although it does give good views across Bowes Moor. The route continued on to Pastures End where we passed under the A66. Exiting the underpass we continued south crossing God's Bridge before arriving at Trough Heads where joined the alternative Pennine Way again for the return to Bowes.