The route map of our walk

We started this 'linear' walk at Blackwell on the southern side of Darlington, we got the bus from the village to this point

As we walked through Blackwell we saw our first snowdrops of the year outside these cottages

Heading down a very wet and muddy track to the river

Our first view of the River  Tees, which we would follow all the way back to High Coniscliffe, about 6 miles in total

The clouds which gave us a torrential downpour for about 10 mins when we first got off the bus

The river was higher than normal, but the debris in these bushes showed it get much higher, in fact several feet higher

Sheena and Tim slogging their way along the very muddy paths!

The weir at Broken Scar, it is there to provide a constant river level for the water treatment works just up stream

There's a short stretch of road walking to get past the water treatment works

The old Victorian works are on the left of the main road and the new one's are across the road

To get back down to the river bank we passed through Low Coniscliffe village

Quick Dad this way I've found a great spot for a swim!

There's nothing like a quick dip in the river!

Now where did the soap go????????

All clean again!!

The sun was starting to sink low in the sky as we headed back towards High Coniscliffe

Walking back along the river bank through the sycamore trees

Winter sun reflections!

We even found a few 'wild' snowdrops in the woods

Sunset behind St. Edwin's church

I couldn't resist one last sunset shot from outside the house!