Back to Stanhope which is an interesting little town. Here the main Weardale road runs inland and gradually upwards towards us.
There is a castle, though it is not open to the public.
Also this fine church
The road to Blanchland rises steeply onto the moorland, looking back towards Weardale.
The route is bleak and uninhabited although it is only about ten miles from Stanhope to the next river valley at Blanchland Abbey.
Peat bogs on both sides of the road
Though there is also evidence of 17th and 18th century lead mines and stone quarries.
Surprisingly there are numerous bronze age brochs and burial chambers to be found - this is one of the few which is easily accessible from the road as much of the surrounding land is boggy. When modern man has abandoned this wilderness as too boggy and windswept, one has to marvel at the hardyness of these bronze age people.
Next and final stop of today's photo tour will be Blanchland Abbey which I'll put onto a separate new thread.
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