New Year Cobweb Blower - 2nd January 2011 Penshaw Hill Circular Walk

Hello Everyone!

Penshaw Hill Circular Walk; 3.25 miles, 10.30 kick-off
Ann (one of our Rangers) drove us to the starting point, where 14 enthusiastic ramblers met us.
The intended route was over Penshaw Hill and down Grimstone Banks but in view of the recent inclement weather (snow and sub zero temperatures), I decided that the route through the woods would be better. On the way we discussed the history of the area, which includes German bombers and the mysterious craters (bomb craters or pitfalls?) in the woods and of course the monument itself.
In Penshaw Wood the National Trust people have been busy clearing unwanted trees, such as the Sycamore. Out of the wood and onto the road. The stile at the roadside is very high and I stood by to ensure everyone crossed safely. Passing the old Cox Green/Offerton School, heading for Woodhouse Farm and the Golf Course, we stopped on the crest of the hump back bridge (high visibility for oncoming traffic) and talked about the railway and then saw a Jay.
Proceeding down Copperas Gill, I pointed out the site of the Copperas factory and indicated the site of the lost village of Netherton further downstream. Continuing along the riverside we found a tree* across the path, fortunately this was easily passed.
Cox Green next, where shipping, keel boats, Alice Well, 7th century quarrying monks, a bad tempered postman, Frost’s Ferry and other subjects were discussed. Whilst I was talking, the local Geese heckled me from the safety of the middle of the river (I think I lost that battle!) and we saw a grey squirrel.
Passing through the village we took a sharp left turn and started to climb. The steps* here are in a diabolical and dangerous condition. I was obliged to stop at the worst part and help people up a step about 2 ft high!
After the climb, there were cries for a coffee stop and fearing a mutiny, I found a sheltered spot in the field at the top of the steps where we sat enjoying the view of Washington New Town.
Passing Penshaw North Farm, I indicated what I believe to be the original road from Cox Green to Penshaw. This runs from the existing main road from Cox Green, through the woods and the farm, under the railway to the Bird in Hand pub (now demolished), at Penshaw. The existing main road being made at the time of the building of the railway (I think!).
After crossing a very high stile, we turned right, onto the dismantled railway, and then left onto the path to Penshaw Village. The stile at the village, was built by Sunderland Rangers 20-odd years ago and was in good condition until recently. Now however, we found it broken and a bit dangerous.

In Penshaw Churchyard, I told the tale of the Earl of Perth, how he left the battle of Culloden and supposedly died from his wounds but in fact he came to this area, threw himself on the mercy of the Lambton family and ended up as Ferryman at Fatfield, eventually being interred in Penshaw Churchyard.
From Penshaw Village we went up Hill Lane and at the top of the lane, I told the tales of the Gossip Stones, the Fairies on the lane and of Oliver Cromwell and his friends, the Lilburnes of Offerton. The Lilburnes were a notorious border reiver family and I have no idea what a branch of this family were doing living at Offerton.
Everyone enjoyed the walk (or claimed to have!) and the tea room was open.
My thanks to Ann for her help and for the lift.
Another successful walk.

Peter the Storyteller.
Footnote:
*I reported the problems we encountered on the walk to Sunderland’s Public Rights Of Way Department, the next work day. The steps at Cox Green are an ongoing issue due to field drainage problems and the tree across the path near Copperas Gill was cleared the next day.
Thanks Gordon for the quick work.

FOOTNOTE July 2011:

Since this report was written, the steps mentioned above have been repaired and a lot more work has taken place along the riverside.

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