Orston, Thoroton and Hawksworth Evening Stroll, 23rd July 2025

Starting at the church in Orston, Elaine's 5.4 mile stroll took twelve members across fields and over the River Smite to Thoroton and then on to Hawksworth Church for a drinks stop. Then, after struggling along an unreinstated footpath through a field of maize, we reached Longhedge Lane to recross the Smite at Oscar Bridge, returning through a second maize field to Orston and the Durham Ox for refreshments.

St Mary's Church, Orston

The start near the church

 Fortunately dry at  the start but not for long

First crossing of the River Smite

Thoroton Dovecote

Drinks near St Mary and All Saints, Hawksworth

Coat of Arms of Thomas Cranmer displayed outside Hawksworth church

Second field of maize

Refreshments for some at The Durham Ox

Start point: Orston church, GR: SK769411