The Ouston and Urpeth Ramble

This popular 3½ mile circular walk was created by Ouston and Urpeth Conservation Volunteers in 1997/8.

 Since its original launch by Dr David Bellamy in 1998 the walk around the villages of Ouston and Urpeth has proved popular with local residents and organised groups.

More recently a grant from the Parish Paths Partnership enabled us to redesign the leaflet and create some new ladybird signs to keep walkers on the right track.

The walk was re-launched on Thursday 26th May 2005 when members of OUCV joined Durham County Councillor Christine Smith and her husband Brian, Victoria Lloyd from the Parish Paths Partnership, and children from St Benet’s Junior School to celebrate the event.

 After Councillor Smith (who was herself an Ouston resident) had officially re-opened the walk the party set off across the fields to High Urpeth armed with the new leaflets and signs.

At each change of direction the children eagerly fastened the new ladybird markers to the posts and stiles and the OUCV members identified some of the points of interest along the route. A sheltered spot half-way round the walk afforded a welcome rest and time to enjoy a pleasant picnic lunch.

Two hours later, passing a working farm, crossing a river and through a small woodland we were back at St Benet’s school at the end of the walk. In spite of the heat and the 3½ mile walk not a single protest was heard from the young explorers.

The eight-page walk leaflet is available from local libraries and Chester-le-Street Civic Centre. It can also be downloaded from the Parish Paths Partnership page on Durham County Council’s website by clicking on the button below.