221: St John’s Chapel, Westgate and Weardale (North Pennines 2023)

NORTH PENNINES WALK FEATURING ST JOHN’S CHAPEL, WESTGATE AND WEARDALE
"St John’s Chapel, Westgate and Weardale”
Filmed 8th September 2023
Post-production completed 16th October 2023
Filmed in the North Pennines in County Durham. Locations include St John’s Chapel, Westgate and Weardale.
Written, presented, researched, directed, camera and sound, edited and music by Patrick Leach.
Special thanks to Brian Conduit, John Brooks, Neil Coates and Discover Weardale for their information used in my research for this film.
Click here for a map showing the route of the walk: explore.osmaps.com/route/1848...
Link to Duncan Baxter’s KZbin channel: / @duncanbaxter
DISCLAIMER: Although I work hard to ensure all information is correct to the best of my knowledge, I am only featuring information I have found online and/or in books during my research when putting this film together, so I cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors.
As with all the films I make, this is not actually intended to be an extensive guide to the area. This is a mini-movie of my personal journey along the walk, in which I often share some of my own personal stories.
If you are new to my channel, I strongly recommend reading the description under the “about” tab, which will provide a clearer understanding of what to expect in my films: / solitaryrambler
There is also a short “Introduction to the Solitary Rambler” video, which briefly explains what my films are all about: / solitaryrambler
Many thanks and I hope you enjoy watching!
IF YOU ENJOY MY CHANNEL THEN PERHAPS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT ME:
For a small fee you can download any of my musical soundtracks I have composed for my films: patrickleach.bandcamp.com/tra...
Or if you would like to make a small donation with no obligations then you can do so through Buy Me a Coffee: ko-fi.com/solitaryrambler

[@LindaKing-nq6ut]

Lovely walk again…such beautiful scenery

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Linda 👍

[@Greatoutdoorswalks2061]

Lovely Week of Walking Patrick Thank You Cheers

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for coming along, all the best 👍

[@richardchan9595]

Another perfect dale for a walk. Thank you, Patrick!

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard, thanks for watching 👍

[@daveydoo3173]

Thank you for sharing your walks, I truly appreciate it.. Beautiful scenery a lovely walk and i like the mix of music , talk and silence

[@solitaryrambler]

You are so welcome, I'm glad you have been enjoying them. Thanks for commenting and for taking the time to watch 👍

[@mci6830]

What a fabulous, peaceful English day . Great film.👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, many thanks for watching 👍😀

[@alisonmoxon7519]

Evening Patrick .. another nice collection of walks and glad the weather was kind.. really enjoyed them. Many thanks Ali 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you've enjoyed them Ali, thanks for coming along for the trips! 👍

[@johnwright8748]

You certainly packed a lot into your stay in the North Pennines, Patrick. It was a joy to watch, and brought back fond memories...thank you!

[@solitaryrambler]

I certainly tried to get round as much of the area as I could in the 5 days I was there. Thanks John for watching and for your kind words 👍

[@nuinmarnuinmar5321]

Lovely part of the world and a lovely relaxing video. Thanks for sharing Patrick. Take care.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks again Nuinmar, glad you enjoyed it. All the best 👍

[@steveball1959]

Well over the last four films Patrick you've really sparked our interest to go and explore this area, its an absolutely stunning area for walking. We really appreciate you sharing your holiday with us and glad you had such a nice time and the sun shine for you all week, thanks again all the best.

[@solitaryrambler]

It was a lovely week Steve, so glad I finally got to visit the North Pennines and make these films. The bonus was that I couldn't have asked for better weather! Thanks for watching and for your support, all the best 👍

[@christinejones2205]

Absolutely loved this one! Thank you for showing us what is on our doorstep!

[@solitaryrambler]

Pleased you enjoyed it, many thanks for watching! 👍

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Hello Patrick , another top walk North Pennines its really outstanding what a great place to spend a week thank you for the wonderful videos.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Shaun, it certainly was a wonderful week due to the stunning landscape and brilliant weather. All the best 👍

[@wil10291]

Hi Patrick ...that was a stunning collection of walks for your holiday...very tempting thank you 🙂

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed them Wil, many thanks for taking the time to watch 👍

[@christopherroberts7428]

Cerrtainly agree with your sentiment with regard to time flying. We certainly have to make the most of these lovely encounters with nature - thanks for reminding me Patrick

[@solitaryrambler]

We sure do Christopher, all the best 👍

[@michaeldenham9681]

You had a week of fine weather for your stay in the North Pennines I think. So glad you could see it at its best.

[@solitaryrambler]

It was the best of weeks I could have asked for. Thanks for watching Michael 👍

[@kathrynbrock1558]

I quite agree with the partridge, worth shouting about,another fabulous walk, so pleased you visited it.

[@solitaryrambler]

I was pleased I visited too, thanks for commenting and for watching 👍

[@claudiabigaillawrence8304]

I definitely agree with you, nought so funny as folk, Watching right now after finishing work early. 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

That is so right 😁 Many thanks for taking the time to watch 👍

[@christelbraune4530]

Morning Patrick Das war wieder ein wunderschöner Spaziergang durch deine Heimat. Wundervoll Thank you Patrick

[@solitaryrambler]

Hello Christel, many thanks again for watching. All the best 👍

[@stephmcghie8732]

What a great week you had Patrick with plenty of good walking, that kind of weather seems along time ago! It looked lovely 😊 thank-you for taking us along, honestly some people! Folk can be odd....have a good weekend.

[@solitaryrambler]

I had the best week Steph, and it does seem a long time ago! 😁 Yep people are funny, but hey they make the world more interesting! 😂 Glad you have enjoyed these films, thanks as always for watching. Have a good weekend too 👍

[@sylviarowley6668]

Another beautiful video Patrick thank you. What a beautiful holiday you had! I always find it a sad time when a holiday comes to an end in such beautiful surroundings and gorgeous weather, but happy to take away some amazing memories to reflect on once returned to the everyday mundane., you also have the benefit of your amazing videos! Such an inspiration Patrick. Thanks again. We shall be eagerly awaiting the next instalment! 😂 keep well. ❤️xx

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you Sylvia, glad you enjoyed it. I had the best week ever really with the North Pennines being so beautiful and such great weather when I was there. I was a bit sad to leave afterwards, but I always know the area will still be there for me to return one day. Thanks for all your kind words and for your support. All the best 👍

[@robertleech9033]

Another fine video Patrick I have enjoyed all your other video,s this winter and look forward to many more

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Robert, many thanks for your kind words. I certainly have many more to watch with my back catalogue of films 👍

[@phfactor66]

Really enjoyed that one. Thanks!

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching👍

[@peterh8970]

What a lovely walk to finish your holiday Patrick. Fantastic views made me smile. Hope you didn't have too much hassle with the geese. 😀 Thanks again, all the best.

[@solitaryrambler]

It was a very pleasant walk to end the week Peter. No geese issues, but that was a very friendly grouse at the start, thought he was joining me on my walk! 😀👍

[@jeanwainwright598]

Hi Patrick, Thank you again for another fantastic video so pleased you enjoyed your stay in the North Pennines.There is still plenty of wide open spaces to explore., we so look forward to seeing you again when you do some more walks. Take care, regards Dave & Jean.

[@stevenpason3758]

Patrick,nice intro, your bird friend deserves a treat, part of your sarnie? Steve

[@solitaryrambler]

Morning Dave and Jean, glad you enjoyed my North Pennines films. I certainly enjoyed going there to make them. Have a great weekend, all the best 👍

[@elizabethtaylor186]

well what can I say .yet another delightful walk.the views were fantastic.and also as usual the music was outstanding.i love the name of the café (chatterbox)can't wait for another fantastic video.take care of yourself.👍👍❤️❤️

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Shane, this was a great end to a wonderful week in the North Pennines. Thanks for coming along and for all your support 👍

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

A grand finish to your five days journey Richard. You most certainly had great weather and a lovely place to stay over the period. The area has lovely scenery and the River Wear sounds really peaceful on your various encounters with it on this video. Both myself and my partner Christine, have thoroughly enjoyed this week of programs, and so thank you very much and take care.

[@solitaryrambler]

It was a lovely five days Ffranc (it's Patrick, by the way 😁). I sure had a perfect week of weather so could not have asked for more. Weardale was a nice gentle area to finish. Glad you and Christine have enjoyed my North Pennines series, thank you both for watching and for your support 👍

[@ffrancrogowski2192]

Sorry about the christian name muddle up Patrick. I had been on another KZbin channel with someone having the name Richard!

[@user-kv1jk4bk4u]

Hi Patrick, what a great walk to end your holiday. Thank you, this has been a really lovely series of films. Just checked out Duncan’s channel on your recommendation and I think I am going to enjoy watching his walks in the North Pennines too

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Janet, yes this was a nice little walk to end my week in the North Pennines. Glad you have enjoyed the films, just as I did traveling here to film them. I'm sure you will enjoy Duncan's channel very much 👍

[@MrSteveMG]

Morning Patrick, what a lovely area Weardale is ..very similar to Wharfdale in it's looks. It is also a treat at this time of year to see the greenery again, it makes you yearn for Spring to return. I think your long awaited visit to the Northern Pennines has been well worth waiting for :o)

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Steve, yes I found Weardale quieter than Teesdale, but another lovely part of the North Pennines all the same. Thanks for watching and for all your kind comments 👍

[@endurance-adventures]

I briefly walked in Weardale a few years ago in bad weather but would love to plan another visit and take some time to explore it

[@solitaryrambler]

I enjoyed Weardale, quieter than Teesdale but no less pretty. Thanks Steph for watching and commenting 👍

[@kenwright2652]

Another enjoyable video. Your music fits the video locations like a glove. Looking forward to more .

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Ken for your kind words and for watching. All the best 👍

[@claireEt9055]

I agree that music can really enhance a video, your music being a prime example. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your North Pennines walks and it’s opened a new area for me to explore. Thanks Patrick 👍🏻

[@solitaryrambler]

You are so kind Claire, thank you for that. I'm glad you enjoyed my North Pennines films, as I did traveling to the area to film them. All the best 👍

[@SetForAdventures]

Definitely was wonderful Patrick (weardale is so picturesque) Like the shout out too (I’ll definitely drop by Duncan’s channel sound like my kind of thing 🤠🙏🏼) All the best Simon 🤠

[@solitaryrambler]

It was a very pleasant dale indeed SImon, thanks for watching! 😀 You'll enjoy Duncan's channel I'm sure. All the best 👍

[@weardaleadventurespennycottage]

Nice to see your support for Duncan Baxter. From Penny cottage we look out across the Hills you explored, but have never walked that trail. In our own style, we might just give it a go. Top videos btw and glad you enjoyed the North Pennines. 👌

[@solitaryrambler]

Yes Duncan came up in search results when I was researching the North Pennines long before visiting, love his channel. Glad you enjoyed my videos whilst I was here. I certainly enjoyed travelling here to make them. Many thanks for your comments and for taking the time to watch 👍

[@MichaelAyden]

I don’t know what it is Patrick, but you and your videos make me feel calm. They’re obviously made with love and a passion for the outdoors. You’re like an old friend 😅 and it’s nice to see that you put a little bit of Northumberland/Cumbria in your videos because that is where I am from. Now living in Portishead. A place that you’re very familiar with 😊

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks for the kind words Michael. It was nice visiting the North Pennines for the first time, hope to return one day when I can. Hmmm Portishead... yeah I think that name rings a bell 👍😊

[@clarkfamily50383paul]

Thank you Patrick for another wonderful video. Great to have your recommendation about Duncan Baxter, have now watched a few of his videos. You both have a very similar style!

[@solitaryrambler]

Glad you enjoyed it Paul, thanks for watching and for all your comments. Glad you've checked out Duncan's channel, he's done loads of great videos in the North Pennines 👍

[@OthmarsVlog]

nice one 👍🎇🔥

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

The Northern Pennines have captured your heart Patrick. I must say I loved the tantalizing views of the big hills in the distance. You know where you are. I follow Mr Baxter - he enjoys some really good walks - didn't know he made his own music though. You two have a lot in common. Re-that guy with the gate it can be demoralizing with such separatism. Oh, well let em have it. This aside so, good to hear of your stay overall. It's was a great success. Until next time all the best as always. Mark

[@solitaryrambler]

Hi Mark, yeah another part of my heart is in the North Pennines now. I think, to be honest though, whenever I visit somewhere new in the UK, I get blown away by the scenery. Just reiterates what I've often said before now, which is we live in a beautiful country and I'm not fussed about travelling abroad again. You'll be familiar with Duncan then of course, a great channel as you know. I just laughed to myself when I stood there watching that guy close the gate behind him, and yeah I did think just fill your boots mate 😁 It was indeed a very successful week Mark, amazing scenery and couldn't have asked for better weather. Thanks for coming along too. Have a good week, all the best 👍

[@WyeExplorer]

@@solitaryrambler I can see why it's been drifting that way Patrick. It's a good looker up there. Yeah, a great country - I've thought that, it'll take a lifetime to explore this one. Good yo hear you weren't bothered by that chap. Why let it spoil the fabulous week or even day? A pleasure as always. I will have a good week - you too.

[@chrisbentleywalkingandrambling]

Another great hike Patrick. They don't have to be long ones to capture the beauty. I do love a nice Ford. I wonder if the river weir got its name for the many natural weir type drops. I also visited and subscribed to your highlighted channel. A very nice one too. Thanks for sharing Patrick. I'm like you, if I have a full English I'm stuffed for the day.

[@solitaryrambler]

This was a nice one to end the week in the North Pennines. I try not to do too long a walk if I'm filming it, and this was the perfect length really as most of the others were a lot longer. Hope you enjoy Duncan's channel, I've watched all of his videos now I think since I came across him a while back. Thanks as always Chris for your great comments and for watching. All the best 👍

[@russ3994]

Hi Patrick another great walk most enjoyable to watch wonderful scenery ! you had a good week weather wise , ever tried the west highland way Scotland runs for 96 miles ? beautiful scenery perhaps you could make an even longer video haha !🤣Scotland was fantastic just got back . Anyway Patrick keep doing what you do always a pleasure to watch your video's.

[@solitaryrambler]

It was a fan-bleedin-tastic week Russ! Never been on the West Highland Way, bit too far away to go filming! 🤣 Glad you had a great time up there. Thanks for watching and for all your comments 👍

[@user-pj8lb7tt9b]

I would also recommend Duncan Baxter’s videos too , great video Patrick thank you.

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Andrew, glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@kellyshaw7271]

Sad to see you leave the North Pennines. The countryside walks there are brilliant. You must have been tired when you arrived home that day. A nice walk then a long drive home. Bet you were ready for bed. If you offered to close the gate for me, I'd have said, cheers. Thanks very much. Some people cut their nose off to spite their face 😂 Probably lives in a cottage so remote he doesn't bother with anyone. Was that a grouse or a pheasant at the beginning. Either way it's got a great set of lungs on it. I will check Duncans channel out for sure. A great set of north pennines vids sadly come to an end but cheers Patrick, they've been great

[@solitaryrambler]

I was sad to leave, but I always know I can return someday. I probably was tired when I got back home at the end of the day, but I did the shorter walk this time so that I wouldn't be too tired once I got back to the car. It was a funny encounter with that chap who wouldn't let me close the gate behind him, that's why I just stood there grinning watching him close it himself. It was a grouse at the start, it just stood there next to me, so I just had to film it. Definitely had good lungs! Glad you've enjoyed this series of films Kelly, thanks for watching and for all your support 👍

[@atrampinthehills.841]

Weardale looked lovely Patrick...i have checked out Duncans channel.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks Steve. You'll like Duncan's channel, he done lots of great videos in the North Pennines 👍

[@keeptrekking4685]

Lovely walk, thanks Patrick, aye theres nowt as funny as folk 😂 love the accent m8 👍

[@solitaryrambler]

Many thanks Jay. Haha yeah not sure what accent I was trying to imitate there 👍😂

[@keeptrekking4685]

@@solitaryrambler 🤷😂👍

[@CountrysideWalking]

You picked another nice day for filming your walk. I know the feeling of climbing up hills and hoping not another hill after. Some very fine views too. The route taken through Westgate and Weardale looks so inviting. I can understand reluctance to leave. Another great synths track to hear with your film. Will check out Duncan's channel. (p.s. Did you leave a link to Duncan's channel?) Cheers Patrick.

[@solitaryrambler]

Thanks for your kind words Shanita and for watching. I've come across many false summits when climbing hills! 😂 Weardale was a very pleasant area and the walk was less strenous than the previous ones, so a good walk to end the week. I was sad to leave, but will certainly return to the North Pennines one day. The link to Duncan's channel is in the video description, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. All the best 👍

[@mamtadave3128]

Tranquil meadows ! 😍🌿🌳🌲🏡. At 18.15...when the sheep crossed the boundaries....do they go back to the barn by their own ? Sorry for the weird question but because I don't belong to your country...visited London and Cotswolds in 2018 though. Love the UK😍. Thank you so much !

[@solitaryrambler]

Thank you for watching. I'm afraid I've no idea with regards to your question 👍

[@mamtadave3128]

😊 thank you. ​@@solitaryrambler

[@petercollins7848]

I think that the sheep stay out all the time and just wander around all the fields eating their favourite food - grass! They usually only go back to the Farm for shearing and any medical treatments.