773, Consett to Blanchland & Townfield

Journey Overview

Leaving Consett behind, the bus glides down through the old industrial town’s fringes, where the remnants of its steelmaking past contrast with the greenery that now dominates the landscape. As you pass Blackhill, The Cricketers pub stands proud on the corner—an old, inviting, sand-brick building with three pretty cables and a yellow-walled adjoining lounge. The streets are lined with modest houses and tall trees, offering glimpses of the rolling hills beyond.

Shotley Bridge arrives next, nestled in a wooded valley by the River Derwent. Grand stone houses and winding roads hint at its spa town heritage. The river glints through the trees, and folk wander past languidly enjoying the scenery, just as those on the bus do so as this scenic delight of a journey gathers momentum. Past Shotley Bridge, the landscape opens out and expansive fields stretch into the distance, scattered with sheep, bordered by dry stone walls and hedgerows.

At Snods Edge, the small stone church sits quietly by the roadside, a solitary sentinel against the sky. Cartaway Heads brings a sense of secluded charm—look out for the Cartaway Manor House, a stately building partly obscured by trees and sweeping driveways. Then comes Edmundbyers, a picturesque village with slate-roofed cottages and a timeless air. Its pub and old churchyard mark it as a place with stories to tell.

As the road climbs toward Ruffside, the view becomes expansive. The moors roll away in every direction, with heather and gorse brushing the windscreen. Blanchland appears almost like a mirage—an immaculately preserved medieval village of honey-coloured stone, set beside a brook. It feels plucked from another time, complete with its abbey ruins and hidden gardens.

Finally, the bus winds through narrow roads to Townfield, a tiny hamlet where the silence is striking. Stone cottages, deep skies, and sheep-dotted fields close the journey in a hush of rural beauty and deep Northumbrian peace.

The 773 really is a magical route. Crossing the River Derwent and the county boundary so many times adds to the thrill of one minute being high on grassy moorland and then being in the valley following the river and crossing bridges probably built for the horse and cart!

Check out further down this page, some of the great attractions on this route and also be sure to go onto this link to find out more about fares and inspiration…

A Fab Day Out!

A fab day begins in Consett, where the town’s industrial legacy meets natural beauty. Start your morning with a walk through Blackhill and Consett Park, a Victorian-era green space gifted by the Consett Iron Company in 1891. Maybe enjoy a visit to the Knitsley Farm Shop with its wide range of fresh foods and fab cafe or check out the wacky Terris Novalis Sculpture, which consists of two measuring instruments, a theodolite and an engineer’s level, reproduced in stainless steel and supported on animal feet!

From Consett, head to Derwent Waterside Park, where you can enjoy walking, cycling, or simply relaxing by the reservoir . For a touch of history, visit the Hownsgill Viaduct, an impressive 19th-century railway bridge designed by Robert Stephenson, now serving as a scenic footpath and cycleway .

Continuing your journey, make your way to Shotley Bridge, a village steeped in history. In the 17th century, German sword makers settled here, attracted by the area’s quality ironstone and the River Derwent’s fast flow . Evidence of this heritage can be seen in the “Cutlers Hall” inscribed with “1767, William Oley” and the local pub named “The Crown and Crossed Swords.” Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, where the natural beauty complements the village’s rich past.

Finally, venture to the tranquil hamlet of Townfield, nestled within beautiful countryside. Here, the landscape offers a serene setting for reflection and appreciation of nature’s splendour. The surrounding moorlands, which are former mining territory, provide a peaceful end to the day, allowing you to unwind amidst the quiet delight of the countryside.

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