Self-Guided Walk: The Never Never Land of W. H. Auden

Writer W. H. Auden described the North Pennines as his ‘great good place’. He formed a lifelong fascination with its underground spaces and the post-industrial landscape of lead mining following a childhood visit to the hills around the North Pennine village of Rookhope, County Durham.

Follow in W. H. Auden’s footsteps on a downloadable self-guided circular walk starting and finishing in Rookhope and listen to broadcaster Jeremy Vine give an overview of Auden, his work and affinity with the North Pennines.

Co-created by Jeremy Vine and North East England Blue Badge Tourist Guide Ruth Robson.

If you are already a fan of W. H. Auden we hope there is something new for you. If you aren’t already familiar with the work of W. H. Auden, we hope this is the beginning of an exciting journey of discovery.

Listen to the walk as a podcast below
read the script for the walk here
follow the route on google earth here

For a gpx file of the route click here

For a klm file of the route click here

For a link to the route on google maps click here

If you head for the North Pennines to do the walk, check the weather conditions before you go and dress appropriately including sturdy footwear. The 6-mile route crosses high moorland, and North Pennines weather can change quickly. If you think the weather conditions are not good, plan to do the walk on another day. You will need to carry sufficient food and drink for your walk.  You can access the route via google earth, google maps, or by uploading a gpx or klm file of the route into a map app of your choice. It is recommended you also take a printed map and don’t rely solely on electronic devices. The walk can be followed on OS Explorer map 307 Consett & Derwent Reservoir. The route uses public rights of way, but please be aware that during the grouse season (12 August to 10 December), there may be planned shoots close to parts of the route. There is no grouse shooting on Sundays.