Rainton Meadows - Tyne and Wear

[rscott74]

Hetton is a former coal mining community but is surrounded by pleasant open countryside. Close by is Rainton Meadows which I often visit and if WAB members are in the area I would suggest it's worth seeing. It's about 3 or 4 miles from the A1(M) via A690 towards Sunderland and is dual carriage except for the final 1/4 mile.
It's run by Durham Wildlife Trust and has a visitors centre. Further details can be obtained from an internet search.
My recent visit produced some nice wildflower images but there is probably something to interest most people.

[tufftie]

Is this the same reserve where you looked after the Exmoor ponies? Are you not going to put some of your pics up?

[Paul mabbott]

Nice tip! I'm up that way this weekend

Incidentally, it's also on a 'bus route:
By bus, the services 222 and 220 regularly leave Park Lane in Sunderland, or the bus station in Durham and set down at the nearby Mill Inn. There's a short walk under the A690 continuing until you reach the last roundabout of the industrial estate. The entrance to the Reserve is called Mallard Way.

[rscott74]

I don't have a car myself and should have mentioned thr bus service which runs 4 times an hour I believe - details can be obtained from Nexus or Gonortheast sites. The directions given to Mallard Way are not the best if on foot. If you use the bus and alight at The Mill pub turn left a few yards after going under A690 onto a clear track which is OK for bikes. That route takes you close to Joe's Pond before reaching the visitors centre and the other ponds.

Tufftie, the ponies were on Hetton Bogs about 1/2 mile from Rainton Meadows.
I have the good fortune to be able to leave my back gate, cross a grass field, get into Hetton Park which leads to the Bogs and at the far end be less than 1/4 from the edge of Rainton Meadows - all without crossing a road. Just for you but maybe for others I'll post some pics on the pony thread.

[tufftie]

Originally Posted by rscott74

I don't have a car myself and should have mentioned thr bus service which runs 4 times an hour I believe - details can be obtained from Nexus or Gonortheast sites. The directions given to Mallard Way are not the best if on foot. If you use the bus and alight at The Mill pub turn left a few yards after going under A690 onto a clear track which is OK for bikes. That route takes you close to Joe's Pond before reaching the visitors centre and the other ponds.

Tufftie, the ponies were on Hetton Bogs about 1/2 mile from Rainton Meadows.
I have the good fortune to be able to leave my back gate, cross a grass field, get into Hetton Park which leads to the Bogs and at the far end be less than 1/4 from the edge of Rainton Meadows - all without crossing a road. Just for you but maybe for others I'll post some pics on the pony thread.

Sounds like you live in an ideal place! Thank you for posting the pony pics on the other thread! They were very cute

[rscott74]

Thanks Tufftie. I just noticed your location and it sounds like a bit like paradise!
Here's a pony bonus. They're eating the bark off a mature Ash

[tufftie]

It is - or at least it will be when the services are put on! Lots and lotsof wildlife and very tranquil I love the pic - they look very cute even though they are being naughty!

[Paul mabbott]

Just the place for a bit of peace and quiet:



It was the WT's 'family fun day' on Saturday: very well attended on a beautiful sunny day .... but not too peaceful in places. Still it's a large reserve with some good walking areas.

[rscott74]

I'm pleased you enjoyed your visit and caught good weather. I wasn't aware of the event which is a pity. It's possible that the area is best enjoyed without hurly burly. I hope Paul's message encourages more people to visit us up here.