Abberwick NU120137 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Good concrete-bottomed ford, about two to three car lengths across and 6in deep, with signs, depth gauge and footbridge.'
Beanley (x3!) NU077193 (3*) Restricted Access NU072182 (3*) Restricted Access NU072184 (3*) Restricted Access Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'The best known Beanley ford (NU077193: Image 1) carries an unmade and gated, rather green, public road across the River Breamish (another much forded watercourse). The ford is on a small weir, about 16m across and 4in deep, with concrete ramps and bottom - much the smoothest part of the whole road! Good high footbridge, but no signs.
About a kilometre away, a gravel farm track passes through a couple of fords en route to pastures north of the river. The first (NU172182: Image 2) crosses a side streamlet. but is nevertheless 8m across and 6in deep, with a small footbridge. Soon after, a much bigger ford, about 20m across and recommended for 4x4s and farm vehicles only, crosses the Breamish at NU072184 (Image 3).'
'The beanley fords yare now restricted to walkers only due to there being many rare birds that now nest there, this has now been made a conservation walk and no motor propelled vehicles are allowed on the land except for farmer only acess, if you are caught you will possible face prosecution..Georgina Evans
Bewick NU070207 (1*) Restricted Access Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'A prominent white "council" footbridge standing proud among the meadows drew my attention to an old roadway running down to the River Till from the north. Older OS maps show a road, so clearly there was a ford here, but there's not much sign of it now.'
Biddlestone NT964080 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'Irish bridge on good secondary road, footbridge, Ford signs.'
Blindburn NT832109 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Jon Swan and Keith Appleby (06/04/2008)
'Very rocky bottom through the Coquet - variable depth but shallow in summer. One car length wide. Caution, this is onto edge of land that is sometimes used for MOD live firing.'
Brandon NU041168 (4*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Reminiscent of foreign tracks across stony torrent beds, this 35yd crossing is passable with care by ordinary cars in dry weather, but by nothing when in full spate. Signs (including Unsuitable for Motor Cars) and long footbridge. Amazingly, it's shown as a yellow road on the OS 1:25K.'Image 1 mouseover sent in by Steve ?
Brinkburn NZ114987 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'On a ittle used gated green lane across pasture, this ford through the River Coquet is about 15ft across; I didn't try it for depth.'
Burradon NT976051 (2*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This is on a track between Burradon and Sharperton. It’s about six inches deep and 8 yards wide. The base is natuaral but quite smooth, consisting of small stones. It could conceivably be tried by ordinary cars. A good quality track leads to it from the Burradon side.'
Bushygap NZ098989 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Irish bridge with wooden railings and footbridge about 25yd upstream.'
Buteland NY880807 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This is an Irish bridge, similar in construction and on the same watercourse as the one at Heugh. It doesn’t have any of the usual ford accoutrements though.'
Byrness NT770021 (2*) Restricted Access Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'A good ford is constructed from concrete sleepers. It is 3 inches deep and 15 yards wide, with a good footbridge carrying the Pennine Way. Strictly speaking I don’t think there are vehicular rights for the general public, but in practice they exist. A sign just beyond the ford only then forbids traffic and there is a convenient turning space as well.'
Carlcroft NT838116 Image Wanted! Sent in by Jon Swan
'Farmyard ford on public bridleway (footbridge) so you could cycle through - normally shallow, short, even gravel bottom.'
Causey Park NZ174957 (3*) Restricted Access Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Smooth shallow concrete ford, about 15 ft across, on private asphalt road, shown as footpath on latest OS 1:50K.'
Chesterholm NY772665 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Timothy Lidbetter (31/08/2004) and Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'This section of the road, between the two entrances to the fort, is signed as "no access to motor vehicles except for access", but is easily driveable. The stream is the one that drains Crag Lough, the lake overlooked by Hadrian's Wall.'
Coastley NY899653 (1*) Suitable for All Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This is a small concrete ford just beyond the farm at Coastley. Beyond the road is designated as a bridleway. There is a footbridge but it is hardly necessary for this inch deep watersplash.'
Coldgate Mill NT997248 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Pretty ford about two car lengths across and 3in deep. Signs, including the Dangerous When Flooded addendum - er, yes...' Worth taking seriously though, check out the ford when flooded (image mouseover sent in by Robin Lawrie 15/09/2003).
Corbridge NY990656 (2*) Suitable for All Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'This ford has a cobbled base, a footbridge and warning signs. I should imagine it is usually fairly shallow, but when I visited after heavy rain there was about a foot of fast flowing water.'
Coupland NT937309 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Chris Jones (13/01/2004)
'When I visited in late December, the ford was about 2 feet deep with a
bumpy, rocky bottom, but only about 2-3 car lengths long. Passable in a
capable 4x4. Fast-flowing, so watch out if you're on a bike. There's a
footbridge alongside and Unsuitable for Motors signs at each end. In case
you have to ask directions, Coupland is locally pronounced 'Copeland'.
There's another crossing marked on my map at NT921311, a little upstream,
but that doesn't seem to exist.'
Crabtree Ford NY903564 (2*) Suitable for All Sent in by Martin Roberts (16/09/2004)
'Approx 2 miles from village of Whitley Chapel. At end of metalled C class road - crosses Rowley Burn - road continues west as unsurfaced lane. Surrounding scenery is magnificent - worth a visit!'
Dean House NZ008842 (2*) Restricted Access Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Nice concrete ford on what may be a private gravel road through open pasture. No signs, but there's a footbrdge about 150yd downstream. About three lamb-leaps across, and half a hoof deep.'
Embley NY925542 (3*) Restricted Access Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This good concrete ford is about two inches deep. I assume that the track that leeds across the fields to it has vehicular rights but beyond it becomes a bridleway. There’s a dilapidated footbridge downstream.'
Eslington Park (x2!) NU049121 (3*) Suitable for All NU038117 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Nice smooth little ford with concrete bottom, about a car's length across and an inch or so deep. Signs, depth gauge, footbridge. (Image 1)
The second is a part-time ford with footbridge and depth gauge - no signs. What appears to be a gate on the E side is in fact a wooden barrier, perhaps to replace the park wall at a point where water pressure in times of flood might push it over. The lower section is hinged at the top, presumably to let floating tree-trunks and dead cows pass beneath.'
Etal NT925395 (4*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'The twin villages of Ford and Etal promote themselves as a tourist attraction, with some justification as there is a lot to see. Etal is a chocolate box village with picturesque thatched pub and fine English Heritage castle, but true fordies will have eyes only for what lies at the end of the village street: a wonderful hard-bottomed ford, some 20yd across and around a foot deep even in dry weather. No signs or footbridge. The road beyond, although it goes through as a concreted lane, is private (but a public bridleway, so if you fancy your chance on a bike...)' Image mouseover sent in by Martin Roberts (17/08/2008)
Fairnley NZ010888 (2*) Suitable for All Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'This is a good concrete ford, 8 yards wide and 2 inches deep, with warning signs and depth gauge. A bridge to the side for light vehicles is private.'
Flaggy Ford NZ091912 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Just off the public road is this Irish bridge on a private farm road. I couldn't resist the name.'
Garden House NZ083869 (3*) Restricted Access Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'This very nice and well kept setted ford is on a private driveway, although a public bridleway crosses the adjacent footbridge. Depth gauge and what looks like a hydraulic ram.'
Garret Lee Wood NZ117963 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (06/01/2003)
'Irish bridge with full ford accoutrements: signs, footbridge, depth gauge.'
Greenhead NY659655 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew Smith (Image 1: 28/10/2004) and Steve Howarth (Image 2: 23/07/2004)
'Difficult to find for such a small village - find the Youth Hostel, then continue another 40 yards. Approached at both ends by a gravel track, the bottom is a rough mix of cobbles, rubble and unmade river-bed. It is still used, despite the provision of a bridge immediately adjacent. Width is approx. 8 yards, with a depth of around 6 inches.'
Hamburn Hall NY901587 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Martin Roberts (16/09/2004) and Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'Irish Bridge - On class C road 1/2 mile from Hamburn Hall farm'
Harbottle NT937047 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'Rough and deep ford across the River Coquet (a much forded river), no signs, high footbridge. About 25m across, and probably well over a foot deep. Daunting even for 4x4s, although clearly in regular use, perhaps by the local farmers en route to or from the pub on their tractors.'
Hartburn Grange NZ059870 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'On a rough public byway, suitable for 4x4s and trials cars, this ford uses the natural slabs of the stream bed, but care is needed as these are breaking up. The adjacent footbridge is derelict, but there are signs that repair is imminent.'
Haugh Head NU000260 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Although the faded blue sign when you leave the A697 says "Ford Unsuitable for Motors", the watersplash itself is fine if it hasn't rained too much: a big concrete trough, about 6in deep in the middle. The deep and steep stony ramps in and out are a little more of a problem, but an ordinary car should manage fine. Signs, high arched footbridge.'
Hesleyhurst NZ098972 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (06/01/2003)
'Small, fast concrete ford, about 15 ft across. Signs, depth gauge, footbridge (to R of photo).'
Heugh NY869803 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This is an Irish bridge on a deteriorating tarmac road. There’s a footbridge downstream.'
Holy Island Tidal Road NU085428 (4*) Tidal Images 1-3 sent in by Al Hinks (21/10/2003), 4 & 5 by John Brown (06/01/2003), 6 by Monkey Brown (06/12/2006)
Details sent in by Jonathan Gurney
'The vilage of Lindisfarne, on Holy Island, is dependent on the tidal road for access to the outside world. This is the only tidal road in the UK with a public bus service, daily in summer and two days per week in winter. The timetable, necessarily complicated as it has to fit in with the changing tides, can be found via Northumberland County Council's website.'
Huntwell NY850477 (2*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (23/09/2003)
'Pleasant little ford in East Allendale, one of two across the River East Allen (see also Rye Close). 4m across and 2in deep, concrete bottom, distant and home Ford signs, two depth gauges, footbridge 50m downstream.'
Ilderton (x2!) NU010229 (2*) Off-Roaders Only! NU017204 (1*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'The first ford is on a roughish but motorable road between Ilderton and South Middleton. The ford itself is probably best left to 4x4s as it has rough stony base. It’s about six inches deep and 15 yards wide and has a footbridge upstream (Image 1).
Boulders placed in the “road” have blocked vehicular access to this ford. However, there are still a ford warning sign, an “unsuitable for motors” sign and a depth gauge. Furthermore, it is still marked as a road in road atlases. In reality it is now just a path and cycleway. The ford itself is deep and contains a large natural rock step and further strategically placed boulders. It is in a wooded dell through which the stream cascades with small waterfalls. It’s unsuitable for anything with 4 wheels. (Image 2)'
'The blocking boulders can be avoided. You then drive a steep winding narrow track to the ford. Very uneven bottom followed by a 250mm step on the right to exit the ford. A steep exit track with plenty of overhanging foliage that needs cutting back. A short wheelbase 4x4 is a must.'Roger Fairclough
Kielder Head NY665980 (2*) Restricted Access Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'This ford is marked on the OS 1:50000 map so merits inclusion here. However, it is very inaccessible. There is no access to the public at all on the direct route through Scaup Farm. Therefore use must be made of the public bridleways. These, though, are non-existent on the ground. Once access is gained the ford is found to be a shallow affair made from concrete sleepers with a footbridge.'
Kirkharle NZ011822 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This is an Irish bridge on a cul-de-sac that is falling into disrepair. There’s a footbridge but no warning signs or depth gauge.'
Knock Shield NY837506 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'An Irish bridge on the hillside above the Rye Close ford. There’s a footbridge but no signs or depth gauge.'
Lilburn NU044238 (2*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'A very nice classic concrete-bottomed ford, some 10m across and 2in deep. Ford signs, high footbridge.'
Limestone Brae NY792498 (2*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This is a rough ford on a rough steep byway with a footbridge alongside.'
Little Ryle NU020115 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This Irish bridge is on the unmade road to Great Ryle. Despite the lack of a surface there is a pointer directing traffic to Great Ryle and there are ford signs on either side, as well as a footbridge.'
Longshaws Mill NZ117894 (1*) Restricted Access Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'An Irish bridge carrying a public bridleway as well as a private farm drive. No signs; footbridge about 100yd to SW.'
Low Ardley NY908585 (1*) Suitable for All Sent in by Martin Roberts (16/09/2004)
'Ford on C class road nr Low Ardley farm - crosses Ham Burn - normal flow an inch or two. (FB off picture to left)'
Low Cranecleugh NY662858 (2*) Restricted Access Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'This is next to the Calvert Trust’s outdoor activity centre. Strictly speaking there is no access as of right, but in practice there are no restrictions. It’s a few inches deep with a footbridge nearby. The base is made of concrete sleepers (which seems to be a popular construction method in the Kielder Forest).'
Low Hedgeley NU062176 (1*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'Small watersplash with steep ramps in and out on unpaved old public road, which peters out afterward. However, near the village it retains an old enamel road sign warning of children.'
Low Trewhitt NU002045 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'An Irish bridge at the start of an unmade but not too rough road. Water levels suggest that this would not require much rain before becoming a proper ford.'
Meldon Park NZ103851 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'The rutted gravel public byway either side is passable with care in an ordinary car; but the ford itself is strictly for 4x4s. This is because its bottom is the natural slabs of the stream bed, which have broken up badly in places. Footbridge, no signs.'
Molesden NZ150842 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Part time ford with footbridge; no signs.'
Morpeth NZ203861 (4*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Sean Devitt (17/04/2010)
'Please note: Part of the road leading upto the ford (Westside) is no access, only for residents.
Stobs ford is on the East side of Morpeth, it is approximately 97 feet wide when water is at normal level, with a depth of 10 to 12 inches. This can drastically change during heavy rainfall when this can increase to several feet deep, and fast flowing, not suitable to cross. There is a footbridge parallel to the ford.'
Moss Peteral NY670678 (1*) Suitable for All Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'A small ford on the no-through road to Moss Peteral. About 4 yards wide and 2 inches deep. No signs, footbridge or depth gauge.'
Netherton NT994083 (1*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'A rough ford on a track. It has a natural stony base and is about six inches deep. The track is indistinct in the pasture alongside but soon becomes obvious again.'
Ogle NZ134786 (1*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'There’s a ford at the northern end of a stretch of unmade public road with very muddy approaches. It’s about 8 inches deep, but only a few yards wide and has a footbridge.'
Old Hawkhill NU216118 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'I was drawn by the legend Stepping Stones on the 1:50K OS map; but these have been scattered by the current and are now for bold and agile walkers only. The track is a loose surfaced BOAT, easily passable by ordinary cars from the A1068 almost to the ford, but 4x4 territory after that. The ford is about 30ft across and may be quite deep if it dips into a hole; no bridge or signs.'
Old Ridley (x2!) NZ055600 (3*) Suitable for All NZ054599 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'I did not realise until this day that there are two good fords at Old Ridley. The original, used regularly on the LE JOG trial, lies immediately north of the road junction; but I never realised that there's a second, 150yd to the east. Both have fine setted bottoms and are about two car lengths across, with a full complement of Ford and Brake signs, depth gauges and footbridge.'
'The main ford (NZ054599) is closed and probably will be closed for some time.Wet weather has washed the bottom out and the local council has placed concrete barriers across the ford to prevent access.' Ian ?
Paddaburn (x2!) NY640776 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! NY645772 (2*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (23/09/2003)
'Deep in the Kielder Forest complex, the old farmstead at Paddaburn has been modernised to create one of Britain's remotest houses. The bridleway in from the south-east has been given a shale surface and is passable by car, cutting out the ford. This is now falling into disuse but still passable by 4x4, as shown in Image 1.
About half a mile to the south east, a Forestry Commission road crosses the roughish ford shown in Image 2.'
Paxton Dene NZ170949 (1*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'Charming little watersplash on a remote back lane near Longhorsley, in a pretty woodland setting. About a car's length across and an inch or so deep, but steep ramps each side restrict speed. Concrete bottom, footbridge, depth gauge (almost a foot too pessimistic!), Ford signs.'
Pethfoot NY949589 (2*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'In a beautiful location, in a steep wooded valley, is this ford through Devil’s Water. It is on a road signposted as a cul-de-sac but which continues as a rough track beyond the ford. It has rough stony base and usually a depth of about 7 inches. It’s about 10 yards wide. A wire mesh has been laid down across half the width, presumably to stabilise the riverbed and mitigate the roughness.'
Rawgreen (x2!) NY927561 (1*) Restricted Access NY926561 (1*) Restricted Access Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'Two fords in quick succession. The first is on the main watercourse (Devil’s Water), the second is on a tributary. They are on a rough track that would be a very tight squeeze for traffic. The main one is about a foot deep and the second one is about 3 inches, but with equally rough bases. Each has a footbridge.'
Rennys Barn NY927556 (2*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'Again across Devil’s Water but this time it an Irish bridge with a footbridge and depth gauge but no warning signs.'
Ridley Shiel NY780919 (2*) Suitable for All Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'This is a rather nice ford on the forest edge. It has a cobbled base with a concrete ramp on one side and a muddy exit on the other. The remains of an old tarmac road lead to it. It is also accessible via the forest road from Comb at NY767904. It’s probably suitable for all, but with caution due to a slippery surface.'
Rye Close NY841509 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (23/09/2003)
'Attractive concrete-bottomed ford, 16m across and 2in deep. Ford signs distant and home, high footbridge and ample provision of depth gauges, which do not however appear to be in agreement with each other.'
Shipley Shiels NY771898 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'An Irish bridge with footbridge and a faded depth gauge.'
Slaty Ford NY762874 (4*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'The stream and track share a rocky pavement for about 30 yards. The stream then trickles over waterfalls and into a ravine. It is mostly very shallow except at the eastern end where a puddle forms several inches deep. It’s on a rough track.'
Snitter Windyside NU006040 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'A good quality ford on a poor quality road. It’s about 2 inches deep and 8 yards across with a concrete base and a footbridge nearby. Ordinary cars may struggle south of the ford due to mud. However, there is an old signpost in Warton that still directs traffic this way to Windyside and Low Trewhitt.'
South Tyne Fords (x4!) NY738536 (1*) Restricted Access NY748636 (1*) Restricted Access NY766642 (1*) Irish Bridge NY781643 (1*) Restricted Access Sent in by John Brown (23/09/2003)
'Between Melkridge and Bardon Mill, four old crossings forded this major river. None of them shows any sign of use, nor looks passable by vehicle or on foot, although two are marked as fords on the OS 1:50,000 map, and all are shown as rights of way on at least one scale of current OS map.
Image 1 shows Melkridge, easily reached from the north along a short stretch of smooth grassy track, which is the RUPP that continues across the ford.
Woodhall is on the route of a public footpath. A short stroll from the old main road takes you down to the farmyard, where a notice tells walkers that the stepping stones marked on the 1:25,000 map no longer exist. Go under the railway bridge, follow the fence on your right (not the better track) for about 200yds, then turn ninety degrees right through a gate. In about 100yds, the line of the ford is clearly visible (Image 2), down a grassy ramp into the river, towards a gate diagonally opposite.
I could find no visible trace of Henshaw (NY769643). The road to it is tarred as far as the railway bridge at NY767642, just before which is the small Irish bridge shown in Image 3 - note footbridge by wall. After the railway, a clear track takes the RUPP across a field to a gate, but I could discern no sign of it beyond. Perhaps raised river bank flood defence works had obliterated it. On the 1:25,000 map, it looks as if the road ran down the river bed for a short distance, but it is now far too deep and swift to countenance this.
The final crossing at Bardon Mill is shown on the 1:25,000 as both a ford and a RUPP, but on the 1:50K the ford is not mentioned and the RUPP stops on the north bank. There is a smooth dirt road from the village, across a DIY gated level crossing, but a fence has been erected across the road before the ford is reached, so the right of way has probably been stopped up. This was recent enough for a fairly modern depth gauge still to be in place at the south splashdown (Image 4), which is reached via a fine vintage footbridge. There is also a flood gauge next to the footbridge.
The river is clearly very much deeper now that the 6in shown on the depth gauge, and is fast flowing. Might some at least of the fords have been dredged out to prevent flooding when the river has to deal with high water flows?'
St Marys Isle Tidal Causeway NZ352753 (3*) Tidal Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2004)
'This island, at the north end of Whitley Bay, carries a lovely lighthouse, access to which is by a good concrete tidal causeway across the rocks. It's 185 metres long. A small notice restricts access to essential and residents' vehicles, but anyone can stroll or cycle over.'
Stanton Mill NZ129889 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'Irish bridge on well surfaced farm road which is also a public bridleway. Footbridge alongside to E, no signs.'
Tanners Yard NY933642 (1*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Martin Roberts (12/02/2010)
'Tanners Yard in Hexham runs behind Gilesgate. It is actually a stream running along a cobbled back lane, for about 50 yards. It is permanent and in previous centuries was used for treating hides in the tanning industry for which Hexham was famous. Image 1 looks down the lane; Image 2 shows where it disappears into a culvert; Image 3 is looking back the other way.'
The Lee NZ079980 (4*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (06/01/2003)
'Excellent ford, smooth concrete bottom, about 6 in deep and 20 ft across, with steep hairpin bend approach from SE. Ford signs. To the SW side, two narrow wooden bridges at right angles to each other provide an alternative roadway for light vehicles (weight limit 2 tons). The photos show a secret timing point set up for HERO's Land's End to John o'Groats Reliability Trial (LE JOG).'
The Linn NY722731 (1*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by John Brown (23/09/2003)
'The section between Grindon Green and Scotchcoulthard of the public byway from Whygate towards Haltwhistle was a very rough track, impassable for cars, which used the much better Forestry Commission roads via Hindleysteel and Hopealone. Now it's been given a nice new gravel surface, no doubt because it's part of a national cycleway. Despite little wooden Unsuitable for Motor Vehicles signs, it's perfectly passable by most family cars, except perhaps for the little ford at The Linn, which has a sharp ledge in and out. My Audi A6 saloon - a long low car - got through with no trouble, though. Footbridge.'
Thirlwall Castle NY659660 (3*) Restricted Access Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'Beneath the ruins of the castle, this ford lies on the rout of the Pennine Way and Hadrian’s Wall. I’m not sure what vehicular rights apply to the road. The ford is about a foot deep and 10 yards wide.'
Ford on private tarmac road, that is also a bridleway so you could cycle through, normally very shallow, one and a half car lengths wide (from memory!). There is also at least one more on the private road from Trows up towards Uswayford. This is all public bridleway so if anyone fancies a walk or cycle.... From memory there is one here: 386100E 612840N and also one here:387445E 613700N. Uswayford is a working farm so the road up is very well maintained, though it does turn to gravel beyond Trows (if you got permission you could easily drive an ordinary car up).
Ulgham (x2!) NZ239926 (3*) Suitable for All NZ230923 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003) and Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'Smooth concrete-bottomed ford about 15ft across and 2in deep. Signs, depth gauges, footbridge 50yd to W. (Image 1)
At the other end of the village from the other ford is this Irish bridge (Image 2). It has a footbridge, depth gauges and warning signs. The road is now a cul-de-sac owing to the presence of the Stobswood opencast colliery.'
Warks Burn NY822770 (3*) Off-Roaders Only! Sent in by Paul de Borde (29/11/2006)
'This is an excellent ford, in a scenic setting with a footbridge alongside, crossing Warks Burn on an un-surfaced public road just to the east of Wark Forest. It's not easy to find from the northern end as the route is not obvious on the ground after entering the farmyard at 'The Ash'. The base of the ford is rough and there are a few deeper holes. It's hard to tell how deep until you drive in as the water is fast flowing and stained brown with sediment. On the day we crossed it did come in the bottom of the doors of the Land Rovers.'
Warkworth NU236049 (5*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (Images 1 & 2: 15/05/2003)
'Built atop a weir, this wonderful ford, in an attractive setting close to a handsome little town with a magnificent castle, provides a smooth but exciting passage for bold drivers of ordinary cars through about four inches of water for some 50yd. Signs, and a footbridge about 50yd away to the west.'
'I was in Northumberland a few weeks ago, staying not very far away from the Warkworth ford. However when I visited (by cycle) it was clearly impassible with the river being in spate (Image 3). The nearby footbridge was impassible too (Image 4).' Rob Weeks (18/09/2009)
White Hemmels NY995607 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Martin Roberts (16/09/2004) and Andrew JD Smith (20/10/2005)
'On well used C class road between Riding Mill and Healey - crosses March Burn. I have driven through a foot of water after prolonged wet weather.'
Whitley Mill NY926582 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by Martin Roberts (16/09/2004)
'Ford on C class road through hamlet of Whitley Mill crosses Rowley Burn (between settlements of Whitley Chapel and Dalton) - normally a couple of inches deep - can get hairy after prolonged wet weather.'
Whittingham (x2!) NU065118 (3*) Suitable for All NU065118 (3*) Suitable for All Sent in by John Brown (14/10/2003)
'Here there are two excellent fords, both passable in cars with care, on this white road on the eastern edge of the village of Whittingham (pronouned "Whittin-jam", in the Northumbrian fashion).
The first ford is a deepish gravel ford about 30ft across, the more northerly of two marked on the 1:25K OS map on an unsurfaced but motorable back lane of this sturdy village. Footbridge, no signs or depth gauge. It is the bigger of the two, at 20m across and 9in deep (Image 1).
The southerly ford is 15m across and about 7in deep. A series of footbridges run alongside the two (Image 2).'
Whygate (x3!) NY769758 (1*) Irish Bridge NY768757 (1*) Irish Bridge NY759755 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by John Brown (15/05/2003)
'All three of the famous Whygate fords, once much used by rallies on their way into the notorious Kielder Forest complex, have been sanitised to Irish bridge status. The first two (Images 1 and 2) lie close to each other, and have the full complement of Ford signs, footbridges and depth gauges; their sturdy build no doubt reflects their purpose of carrying heavy timber lorries.
The third Irish bridge is a kilometre to the west, and just has the Ford signs (Image 3). The road to here, and westwards beyond, was, until recently, tarred, and is still yellow on the OS 1:50K; but it is now gravel, in the style of the local Forestry Commission roads.'
Windy Hill NY918609 (1*) Irish Bridge Sent in by Andrew JD Smith (27/10/2004)
'This Irish bridge would be passed unnoticed were it not for the small footbridge alongside.'
