ASKRIGG COMMON renowned for grouse shooting and suitable for sheep is the focus for an eight and a half mile Ramblers walk on the 4th December.

It involves a steep climb to the Moor, and then onto Woodhall Greets and Woodhall Village.

Splendid green and furrows, interspersed with dry stonewalls, and the odd tree, breath life into the winter farmland.

Grouse butts dotted around the Moor serve to remind observers that despite the cold and climate, much life is suited to the seemingly sparse conditions.

The rocks, the sky, shrubs and the earth underfoot, all combine to produce the unique and loved National Park vista.

Meet at the LSCP ( long stay car park in Park Place, Darlington.) Dave Reed has more details on 01325 350997.

Pasture and moorland tracks continue as a theme with a seven and a half mile walk undertaken via Bloworth Crossing and Bank Foot, Sunday December 11, at Ingleby Greenhow.

This is in the Hambleton district of North Yorkshire, on the border of the Moors, yet only a few miles from Guisborough.

Ingleby Greenhow village dates from the 11th Century.

Bloworth Crossing is where the Rosedale Ironstone Railway crossed the drovers’ road, when once years ago, iron ore was transported to Teesside.

The startling bleak but beautiful disused railway line, curves north towards Ingleby Greenhow.

Meet at the long stay car park at Park Place at 10.15.

Harry Fairburn is the person to contact in relation to this on 01609 770801 Affluent Shincliffe is the setting for a seven-mile pre-Christmas stroll on the 18th December.

The walk includes some Durham City lanes, and river Wear paths and bridges.

For further information contact Peter Barnes during the daytime on 01740 664730.

Finally, a six-mile Crimdon Dene coastal path walk on the 26th December, Boxing Day, is likely to refresh the parts alcohol cannot reach!

Please meet at 10.00am at the long stay car park at Park Place. No dogs allowed.

Contact Doris or Peter on 01325 355235.