We met on the village green in Hurworth, close to Darlington on a slightly dull but dry morning, with an encouraging fourteen eager participants.  We had been forewarned that although the route in prospect was relatively short and level, we might encounter some mud and slippery conditions at this time of year.  As with many of our walks, we had gathered from a wide area of the northeast of England.  We were able to welcome newcomers to our group, as well as those who had joined us on several occasions previously.

Setting off, we were almost immediately on a footpath alongside the village boundary which led us towards Croft, where we encountered the main railway running south from Darlington as well as the river Tees which marked the boundary with North Yorkshire.  We’d been through Croft on a previous walk and explored the other side of the river.  On this occasion we didn’t cross the river but found a well-marked footpath along the banks for the next mile or so.  The river follows a very meandering course in these parts, so the continuing changes of direction in our path added to the interest.  We found a suitable spot for a pause and consumption of lunchtime sandwiches.

We spotted the church tower back in Hurworth some time before we arrived and ended the walk back on the village green.  We took a few group photographs, and finally returned to Croft, finding the hotel next to the bridge to be a good place for coffee and other refreshment before dispersing.

We had an enjoyable and convivial day.  Thanks are due to George and Ivor for prewalking and facilitating today’s event, and we looked forward to meeting up again for the next one.