The Millers Walk: Whitburn, Cleadon, Fulwell

This was a free guided walk organised by South Tyneside council and led by a (presumably) volunteer who works for Groundwork.  It had poured with rain overnight and I was in two minds about even going, but I did turn up at Whitburn Bents car park only slightly late and managed to catch up with the group as they headed back to Whitburn along the coast path.  Whitburn windmill looks fab and apparently it is open at certain times - I'll keep my eyes open for that.

We then made our way to the farm entrance and path that forms part of Bedes Way to Cleadon Hills.  It never ceases to amaze me how much things change in a few short weeks.  Now the oilseed rape is yellow in the fields, all the trees are greener, even heard a skylark singing.  It was all very wet underfoot but the whole group was suitably equipped with waterproofs and boots, gaiters making an appearance too along with walking poles.  I'd debated in Aldi yesterday whether to invest in gaiters and pole - jury still out though they seem very good value.

We stopped at Cleadon windmill for a break and it was lovely to look all around.  Then it was on to The Britannia at Cleadon for another break with toilets.  Shame we had to have two breaks so close together but that's the way it goes.

The next part of the walk was all new territory to me.  We cut through a housing estate and then followed a field path under the metro and across the main road onto Carley Hill nature reserve.  This brought us back on the main road and Fulwell windmill which was closed until further notice.  The leaders weren't expecting this so despite lobbying for a visit to a nearby pub, we agreed to press on to Morrisons before the next toilet stop.  We walked back along the main road, and then turned down Seaburn Dene and Cut throat Dene (don't ask which is which).  There was an intriguing chapel and cemetery to our right - might be worth exploring one day. 

Whitburn mill

on Cleadon hills

Cleadon mill

path at Carley Hill

Fulwell mill

So, to Morrisons, then along the seafront back to the cars and home by 3pm and all without getting rained on, in fact I think we were all too warm at one point!  A good day!