Summerhill To Elwick Circular
This is an easy walk suitable for all conditions but particularly good for winter. The paths are clear and well signposted making it a good walk for all.
If doing this walk in the summer some of the paths can be overgrown so watch out for nettles on bare legs.
This walk starts at summerhill. We varied it slightly and started from home which isn't far from Summerhill to add a bit more distance.
Park in the car park at summerhill and follow the clear path directly ahead after about a quarter of a mile the footpath splits and go straight ahead for dalton piercy and continues left to follow the Summerhill circular path. Follow the path ahead for Dalton Piercy.
You will come to a footbridge directly after which the path veers left across fields. Follow the left hand side of the fields until you come to a gate at the top left of the field. Go through the gate and follow the edge of the field again this time on the right. At the end of the field you will come to a footbridge, walk over it and you will be on the road at Dalton Piercy.
Walk on the road for a short period before turning right onto the footpath up to Elwick. The footpath is clearly marked and is in between 'dalton heights' and 'college close'.
This is a clear footpath that continues straight for around half a mile. Once you reach Dove Cote farm turn on the footpath on the left (you can carry on straight ahead if you want a slightly shorter route. This brings you onto a farm road which brings you out onto the edge of the village near the church. Once you reach the main road through Elwick turn right onto it and walk into the village where there are refreshments a plenty. The spotted cow is a really nice pub that doesnt mind dogs and walkers in the bar.
Once you have ejoyed your refreshment stop take the footpath just after the pub (don't go back the way you came). This path is pretty straight and will take you all the way back to Dalton Piercy. Once you are back in Dalton retrace your steps but instead of going the way you came veer off to the right. There is a lampost with 'public footpath' on it...follow that.
The path then follows dalton beck. Just follow the clear foothpath until you reach a gate, at this point veer left and follow the footpath until you reach the road 'Brierton Lane'. Follow the road until you see the entrance to rejoin Summerhill on your left and go back through Summerhill and back to the car park.
This is an easy walk with some very small ascents and descents and can be completed by most people.