Westgate to Brotherlee and Daddry Shield Circular Route – Going ahead as planned

Tuesday, 7^Th April 2026 – Going ahead as planned

Westgate to Brotherlee and Daddry Shield Circular Route

 Important:  In the event of bad weather walks may be cancelled, changed or rescheduled for later in the same week.  Please consult the weardale.uk website from 8am on the morning of the walk to confirm the walk is going ahead.  Note we are often able to update the website the evening before.

Walk Route: Starting at the car park at Haswicks (Westgate) village Hall we walk along the River Wear to cross a small bridge at Brotherlee. From Brotherlee the route rises steadily to the open access land at Blackhill End at which point we find our way across open moorland to Swinehope Burn (NB that this stream has to be forded) and Curry’s Allotment. At this point we drop down to Daddry Shield and return along a footpath on the south side of the River Wear to Westgate and the car park.

There are two places where people can shorten the route back to Westgate.

Date: Tuesday, 7^th April 2026

Start time: 10.00 am               Estimated finish: 13.30

Starting point: Car Park at Haswicks, which is the old village hall for Westgate.

Distance: 9.2 km (6 miles);

Time: 3 hours 30 mins.

Height gain 229 m (750 feet) this is achieved in one climb.

The walk consists of footpaths, pasture, one stream to ford and moorland plus two climbs, one which is steady and a short steep valley side. The nearest accessible toilets are Stanhope at the Dales Centre or St Johns Chapel.

Leader: Richard Bellis.

All general enquiries about the group to David Towndrow 07485780121

Walks cost £1 to cover mountain rescue contribution.

Equipment for this walk: walking boots and socks, waterproofs, small snack and drink, walking poles or stick.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed on this walk but must be on a lead.

Public toilets:  In Daddry Shield, if open.

OS maps. Explorer 31 North Pennines.

Disclaimer: Everyone taking part in any of our group walks does so at their own risk.  The group works on the same basis as a group of friends who go out walking together.  Walk organisers accept no risk for anyone attending any walk and will not be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring on a walk or in connection with travel to and from a walk.  None of our leaders are qualified or has first aid training but a basic first aid kit is available.  Participants must read the walk description carefully and assess whether the terrain, distance and height gain of the walk are within their own and their guests’ capabilities and whether their equipment is suitable.