New steps to River Breamish

If you’re one of many who enjoy the walk around the Hedgeley Lakes at Powburn, you’ll probably be aware that some of the railway embankment steps had fallen into disrepair over recent years.

These are the steps leading down from the embankment that overlooks the west lake, just to the side of the memorial bench dedicated to Allan Forrest (late Chairman of Powburn Show) [GPS: 55°26’53.964″ N 1°54’26.22″ W]

[Credit: Both images of ‘old steps’ copyright © May Wilson 2020. Used with permission.]

As is to be expected, the old steps had become worn and damaged over the years – with some missing kicker boards and an uneven, slippery surface.

Countryside & Green Spaces Fund

May Wilson (Chair of Hedgeley Parish Council) met recently with Philip Bradley, (Area Countryside Officer of Northumberland County Council) and he organised the repair of the steps, with the addition of a hand rail which will be safer and a great help for less able people to access the walk.

So a big thank you to Philip Bradley and the Northumberland County Council, Countryside & Green Spaces team!

You can see from the images below what a great improvement it is and I’m sure it will last for many more years.