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Walk No.2 - From Moor Road to Hedley Fell - page 2 of 3
Follow this bridleway for about half a mile. You will find two stiles on either side of the pathway (2). To the right you can see Durham Riding Farm, an 18th century "model farm", an example to others of an efficient and productive farm. The layout of the buildings and the strategic position of the water troughs were all carefully designed. It has been recently modernized into private dwellings.
Climb over the stile to the left and walk up the field. After about 300 yards there is a lone tree which marks the point where the path swings abruptly towards the right. Continue to the edge of Hyons Wood, then over a stile and into the wood. Turn to the left and follow the path upwards skirting the edge of the wood. You may be lucky enough to see a deer amongst the hazel and silver birch trees.
The path brings you to the southern edge of the wood where you exit via a stile (3). Continue uphill for about 40 yards to a waymarker indicating the path turning to the right. Follow the path upwards, across the fields past the ruins of a building. These are the remains of Hyons Wood House which was noted for having a roof made of heather thatch. It was destroyed by fire in the early 1950's. Modern farming techniques have now displaced the natural heather.
Follow the path until you come to a stone wall (4). Follow the waymarker to the left and uphill, through a gate, then along the edge of the Northumbria Gliding Club field.
If the weather is suitable you can see gliders being launched, or watch their graceful manoeuvres as they circle above you. You may even be tempted to try a new activity. Enquiries are always welcomed at the club-house (Tel: (01207) 561 286).