Hidden Gems: Path Head Water Mill.
Did you know that there was a water mill in the Blaydon area?
I certainly didn’t, and I’ve lived in the area all my life. Life is always full of surprises.
I came across Path Head Water Mill by chance, researching old water mills for a creative writing project back in February. And as it opened to visitors in March after being closed over the winter months, I just had to go.
Accessible by bus (Go North East’s number 10’s, for example, followed by a short up-hill walk) or by car with a small number of nearby parking options, Path Head Water Mill is tucked away but well worth the visit. Surrounded by meadows and woodland, it’s the perfect chance to escape some of the hustle and bustle. Especially on those light summer days, you can sit, picnic, relax and soak up the beauty of nature.
And this Mill comes with a story:
It all began in 1730, when a farmer started milling to produce feed for the horses that passed through on their way to Stella Staithes, carrying coal and lead from as far as Alston. But by 1830, luck had turned on the Mill, the lead mines were exhausted, corn prices were too high, and the railway had arrived at Blaydon, which transformed the way products were transported. The mill ceased production, and the farm started to rely on poultry and pigs. By 1903, the original farmhouse had been knocked down, the mill converted into a barn for storage and the wheel and mill machinery was lost. This was followed by years of the building being derelict. All seemed lost but in 1994 the building and surrounding land were bought by the Vale Mill Trust and restored. In 2022, they received funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and thanks to a small board of trustees and a team of enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers the Mill is back to its former glory.
The Mill and the grounds are a spectacular place to be.
The Mill has a working waterwheel, which was salvaged from Guyzance Mill on the River Coquet. You can view the exact workings of the Mill from the gallery on the mezzanine, and it’s truly fascinating to sit and watch.
The grounds are a haven, a relatively small but fantastic place to sit and just be. You can immerse yourself in nature, walk along wooden bridges and sit on stone chairs, relaxing with a view.
Sitting on a bench overlooking the water, with bird song and children’s laughter in the air, I couldn’t be more relaxed. It was such a breath of fresh air, and just what I needed.
For families, there are activities such as finding trails, as well as colouring activities within the tearoom.
There are sometimes classes too – utilising the onsite sawmill and forge with willow-weaving, glass making, woodwork and art workshops. They recently also hosted a charity outdoor yoga class. Always ask to find out when these events will take place or have a look at their website or Facebook page for more information.
There’s also a tearoom, where you can sit inside and out, and enjoy teas and coffees from Pumphrey’s, as well as home-made food. The staff are lovely and attentive to their customers, and you can tell that they truly care about the Mill and their work. I enjoyed a coffee and a slice of cake in the sunshine whilst finishing a book, before returning down the bank where real life once more crept in.
Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30-3.30pm, whether you pop in from a walk around Blaydon Burn or de-stress from a working week with a brew, it’s not a place to be missed.