New to Dyke Hikes or unsure how fit you are?  Try one of our taster walks in May or July.

'Dyke Hikes' are a group of lesbians who enjoy walking.  While the emphasis is on leisure and meeting people,  a reasonable degree of fitness is required along with appropriate boots and clothing.  Most walks are between 6 and 9 miles long and take place in the countryside across Northumberland and County Durham (with occasional variations).  Many walks are followed by a visit to the pub or local cafe. New walk programmes are prepared every 6 months, with one or two walks offered each month.  No advance booking is required.

Walks are free although a small contribution (50 pence) from regular walkers assists with costs of printing and web hosting.

If you are new to Dyke Hikes we recommend you contact the leader of your chosen walk beforehand. However, as telephone numbers are not available through this site you will need to contact Lesbian Line on the Tuesday evening preceeding the walk. Please note that all walk leaders are volunteers and everyone participates at their own risk.                                               

For more information about Dyke Hikes ring Lesbian Line on 0191 261 2277 (staffed Tuesday evening 7.00 -9.00pm )
Click here to download a WORD version of the latest programme (April - September 2008) or click on the month you want to see details for.

April
May (taster walk available)
June
July (taster walk available)
August
September

Important points to note

 April 13th  Derwent Lead Mines   (8 miles)

 Woodland and moors with a short distance on a quiet road                                        

 Meet:  Car park in Blanchland

 GR:     NY 965 505

 Time:  10.30am

 Leader: Judy    

            Dogs on leads welcome

                       

                                   

April 27th   Springtime in Alston  (8.5 miles)

Undulating walk along South Tyne to Garrigill and back.  Fields, meadows, moorland. May be muddy.

Pub in Garrigill             

Meet: Car park by Henderson’s garage, bottom of town in Alston on A686

GR: 717 462 (OL 31)

Time: 10.30

Leader: Lisa     

           No dogs

 

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May 11th    Hadrian’s Wall from Steel Rigg  (8 miles)

Steep uphill start along Hadrian’s Wall above Crag Lough, then over farmland by Broomlee and Greenlee Loughs.           Meet:  Steel Rigg Car Park (ticket machine)

GR:    751 677 (OL 43)  
Time:  10:30am

Leader:  Pam    

            Dogs welcome

 

 

New to Dyke Hikes? Try this short taster walk with option of a bar meal afterwards

Wednesday 14th May      Cox Green &  Penshaw  Monument  (3 miles)

Mostly easy walking but includes steady climb up Penshaw Hill.                      
Meet: Cox Green car park in James Steel Park on Washington side of river.

GR:  NZ 324 552       OS 308   
Time: 6.30pm

Leader:    Linda  

           No dogs
If you would like to go the for the meal afterwards please let Linda know by 1st May. 

 

May 25th     Holy Island      (6.5 miles)

Easy walking, dunes, beaches, seals & birds

Meet: Holy Island main car park, 1st on left before village. Pay & Display

NB: Safe crossing times 09.15am  - 17.25pm

GR: NU 126 424

Time: 10.30

Leader:  Shirley

             Dogs welcome

 

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June 8th        Waskerley to Tunstall   (10.5 miles)

Moorland , woodland and Tunstall Reservoir

Meet:  Waskerley Station off Castleside to  Stanhope road

GR:     NZ 051 454     

Time:  10.30
Leader:  Bev       

             Dogs welcome 

 

Sat June 21st   Solstice walk & BBQ  (3 miles)

Short coastal walk followed by beach barbecue.  Bring disposable BBQ,food to cook and toys to play with.

Meet: Car park at Warkworth dunes. Heading north out of Warkworth, turn right immediately over

the bridge

GR: 255 063 (OL332)   Time: 3 pm            

Leader:  Liz

       Children and dogs welcome

 

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 July 13th    Holburn Grange/Swinhoe Farm  ( 7 miles)

Varied walk - forest, pasture & open moorland. Beautiful views of Cheviots  

Meet: Park at Holburn Grange car park - (National Trust — charges may apply)

GR: 051 352 (OL 75)    

Time: 10.45       

Leader: Sue     

            Dogs on leads

 

 

New to Dyke Hikes? Try this short taster walk 

Wed July 23rd : Ovingham    (3 miles)

Woodland, farmland & riverside walk. Easy going with one short steepish part. Option of pub  meal

afterwards. Please let Pam know by Saturday 19th if you want to go for the meal.

Meet: Interchange car park by railway station, Low Prudhoe.       

Time: 6:15pm

Leader:  Pam    

            Dogs welcome

 

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 August 10th :   Ingram Valley  (6 miles)

Initial slow climb on distinct paths. Fabulous views coming down.                                  

Meet: Turn left off A697 towards Ingram and meeti n car park over first bridge, by telephone kiosk

GR: 020 164 (OL81)

Time:  10.45

Leader:   Jen      

              Dogs on leads welcome

 

 

August 24th  : Fontburn Reservoir    (6 miles)

Varied walk, series of climbs and descents, (none severe). Rewarding views.  

Meet: Car park beside reservoir, where there are toilets.

GR: 049 935  (OS 511)

Time:    10.45

Leader: Linda   

           No dogs

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September 14th      Cow Green Reservoir  and Cauldron Snout  (8 miles)

Fabulous scenery, some steep parts and may be slippery

Meet:  Cow Green Reservoir car park.  From Middleton-in-Teesdale follow the B6277, at Langdon Beck

turn at the junction signposted to Cow Green Reservoir.

GR: NY810 309

Time:    11.00am

Leader: Allison             

            No dogs

 

Important points to note <>

• Walks begin promptly 15 minutes after stated meeting time. Please make every effort to be on time.

• Bring something to eat and drink, waterproof clothing with suitable footwear  (usually walking boots)
• Walks are only cancelled in very adverse weather. If in doubt contact the walk leader.
• Dogs are welcome on walks indicated but must be kept under control at all times. Your dog is your responsibility!
• People participate at their own risk.
• Walks are open to lesbians aged 18 years and over.
• Read the walk description and check it is within your capability.  If in doubt contact the walk leader.