Heavenfield to Hexham - Way of Light

Start : Small layby at St Oswald's Church (NE464EX) Grid ref. NY 936 695

(S) Begin the walk by visiting St Oswald's Church and Heavenfield Battle Site then walk back to the B6318 Military Road crossing the Hadrian's Wall Path just before the gate. Cross the road (B6318) and walk down the lane (South) directly opposite the entrance to the church. The lane will bend to the right (South-West) and pass Hadrian's Meadow Campsite (summer only).

(1) At the second bend in the lane, take the footpath South across open land passing a pond to your right until you reach a track at Square Wood, turn right following the track South-West, cross the stream and continue in this direction until you reach the road.

(2) Go through the gate and turn left (South) walking down the road with care. You will pass East Wood on your left.

(3) When you reach Halfway House Farm, turn left onto the gravel track, and then cross the style to your right onto into fields heading to the left-hand side of Westfield House in front of you. Continue past the house to the corner of the field, pass through the hedgerow and continue heading in a Southerly direction with the hedge on your right.

(4) When the footpath reaches the treeline it bends to the left, enter the trees and cross the footbridge over Red Burn. The path then turns South into Acomb. The footpath continues South/South-East along the edge of a grassed area and then passes between 2 buildings and emerges onto a track, The Gaps, and then emerges onto Main Street.

(5) Turn left onto Main Street and then right onto The Green. Turn right before the first house (South-East) and walk along the edge of the green, the path will reach a junction, turn left (South) and continue to the lane, cross the lane ensuring the gates are closed behind you and continue walking South-Eastwards towards Acomb Mill.

Turn Southwards and cross the footbridge over Birkey Burn. Continue Southwards across the open land, there will be buildings on your right. Go through the gate and cross the road walking South-Eastwards down the lane. Past St John Lee Church, the road will bend to the left and then reach a junction.

(6) Turn right at the junction and continue walking down the road (South-East) signposted Hexham. At the next junction turn right, walking paralell to the A69 for about 100m, then turn left to cross over the A69 via the Hermitage Bridge. Once across the bridge follow the road to the left and continue South-Eastwards walking parallel to the to the A69 until you reach Rotary Way (A6079).

(7) Turn right and walk South down Roatary Way crossing Hexham Bridge over the River Tyne. Cross the roundabout and then cross a second roundabout into Alemouth Way.

(8) On reaching the third roundabout, turn left onto Hallstile Bank. Follow the road round to Market Street. Turn left into Cowgarth walking past the Bowling Club on your right. Turn left and then right into Hexham Park. Hexham Abbey will be on your left, follow the footpath around until you reach the front of the abbey (E).

Start : Small layby at St Oswald's Church (NE464EX) Grid ref. NY 936 695

Transport: There is a small layby at St Oswald's Church. There are many car parks in Hexham itself.

Hadrian's Wall Country Bus (AD122) and GoNorthEast (680 Tynedale Links) stop at Low Brunton, approximately 1.5km from St Oswald's Church. These services start in Hexham and passes through Wall (yes there is such a place) and Acomb.

This is a long journey to reach the start point so it may be easier to take a taxi. Advanced Taxis and Ecotaxis specialise in trips to Hadrian's Wall.

Facilities: There is nothing at the beginning of the walk which passes through open fields. The Sun Inn and Miner's Arms Inn in Acomb serve food (check opening times as they vary through the week. The Sun Inn aslo offers rooms. There are public toilets, cafes, restaurants and bars in Hexham at the end of the walk.

Terrain: This walk is in Northumberland and most of it is across open countryside. This can be very exposed and the weather is extremely changeable. Please ensure suitable clothing and footwear and be prepared for quick changes in the weather.

Accessibility: This section is across farmland which can be very muddy during wet weather. There are also a number of gates, narrow footbridges and stiles along the route.

Accommodation: In addition to the Sun Inn and Queen's Arms Hotel at Acomb there are many hotels in Hexham itself including a Travelodge. There are also a number of camp sites in the area

• St Oswalds in Lee Church and Heavenfield Battle Site, this ancient church on the site of the battle perches high on a hill.
• St John Lee Church, Acomb is also a delight to see. The church is home to the Oakwood Stone which shows a cup and ring design dating back to circa 1600 BC.
• Hexham Abbey - there has been a religous site here for 1300 years. The abbey church is well worth visiting along with the Big Story which tells the history of the site.
• Old Gaol Museum, Hexham - learn about the lawless times of the Reivers.
• Queen's Hall, Hexham - tourist information, theatre, art gallery can all be found here.
• Take a walk along the River Tyne.
• Visit Hadrian's Wall sites. The wall stretched from the North Sea to Cumbria and many sections have been preserved including turrets and forts.