In and Around South Charlton, People and Places

Evidence for human activity in and around South Charlton stretches back several thousands of years. From earliest Neolithic burial sites, through possible Roman marching camps to nineteenth century industrial and farming development – a vast canvas of human history has been painted on our landscape.

Walk 6 - South Charlton to East Ditchburn and West Ditchburn

Directions : start

Leave from South Charlton Village Hall and turn left up the East Ditchburn Road. There’s a steep climb after you cross over the cattle grid.

At the top of the climb look to the right toward the coast and you can glimpse the remains of Dunstanburgh Castle (on a clear day).

Turn left onto the Quarry Road admiring the views towards the Cheviots. Bear left at the stone blocks where the remains marking where the engine winding gear once stood. Follow the track downhill keeping the fence on left and quarry to right.

Now follow the bridleway. Pass through gate marked with a horseshoe. Keep fence to your left and head down to Shipley Burn. Slightly to your right is the best crossing place. Be prepared to get your feet wet!

The path takes you uphill, through gorse bushes to a gate. Continue into the next field, keeping the stone wall on you left. To the north glimpse East Ditchburn, but for the LONG walk continue straight ahead on the bridleway.

Long Walk

Continue along the bridleway passing through 3 further gates. Brings you onto West Ditchburn Road. To the left is South Ditchburn farm and beyond it the remains of the post-medieval town of West Ditchburn. Turn right and walk up metalled road to West Ditchburn Farm.

At the farm follow signs to East Ditchburn ¾ mile away. The road bears to right between farmhouse and buildings.

At the end of road there are 2 metal gates. Ignore these and take the small wooden gate between them, sign-posted bridleway. Follow the bridleway down to the burn where there is a bridge crossing.(Pic. foot bridge)

Bridge can be very slippery, so take extra care. Pass through the gate and go straight ahead following path along the lonnen to East Ditchburn. Turn right through the farmyard. There is a signpost outside gate where the SHORT walk joins. (Sign post says ‘Shipley Hill and South Charlton’ but stay on metalled road. Follow the metalled road all the way back to Village Hall.

Short Walk

After crossing the burn and heading uphill, through the gorse bushes. Continue into field. You will see a wicket gate on your left. Continue past this till you see a 2nd wicket gate in wall on your left. An avenue of hawthorns lead down to Shipley Hill but you turn RIGHT here and cross the field, heading north. Head slightly to your right toward the sheep pens.

Through metalled gate marked ‘bridleway’. Walk towards gorse with fence on left. Follow track down to burn again. Cross burn and head up towards the left of the field, keeping the burn on your left. Go through the 5-bar gate marked with a ‘bridleway’ sign.

Keep to the left following the line of trees. Through another 5 bar gate, head up next field with fence on left to East Ditchburn Farm. Turn right onto the metalled road and follow road back to Village Hall.