the darlingt walk on way - UK Government Web...

walkthe darlington way...

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Rural pg 4 Urban Green pg 6 Rural pg 8 Urban Green pg 10 Rural pg 12

Rural pg 14 Urban Green pg 16 Urban Green pg 18 Rural pg 20 Rural pg 22 Rural pg 24

Rural pg 26 Urban Green pg 28 Urban Green pg 30 Rural pg 32 Rural pg 34

Rural pg 36 Rural pg 38 Rural pg 40 National Trail pg 41 National Trail pg 41

pg 42

Walk with us...Welcome to ‘walk

the darlington way…’ which is produced by Darlington Borough Council’s Tourism Team, in

conjunction with colleagues from the

Countryside and Local Motion Teams.

‘Walk’ has proved really popular with Darlington residents and visitors to the town and we’re delighted to bring the 3rd edition out for you with 4 very different new walks. There are now medieval sites, rare breeds and a good 10 miler, ‘Ketton Country’ to discover as well as all of the ‘old favourites’ with atmospheric rivers, picturesque villages, stunning countryside and exciting sculpture parks vying for your attention. To help you choose which of the walks suit you, we’ve grouped them into 4 categories: Stroll - gentle strolls under 3 miles; Walk - walks from 3-4 miles; Ramble - over 4 miles and worth putting your boots on for, plus Stretch - further afield and/or more strenuous walks.

Also look out for our new

a Q symbols for walks with family appeal, those with an educational element and ‘access for all’ which are suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Walks are also classed as Rural mostly out in the countryside, Urban Green - a mix of town and countryside or National Trail - for some of the longer walk outline suggestions. All of the walks in and around the villages of Darlington are classified as easy or moderate, but please check walk details to ensure they suit your level of fitness. Remember to wear suitable footwear and appropriate clothing as all walks can be wet or muddy in places, at any time of the year. Walks have handy, representative maps, but for rural walks you may like to take an Ordnance Survey map too. Places of interest en route are marked, Information Darlington, on 01325 388666, can provide more details.

Contents Stroll (under 3 miles) Medieval Ulnaby West Park Piercebridge Circular Rockwell Nature Reserve Archer’s Farm

Walk (3-4 miles) Skerningham Hurworth South Park & Nature Reserves Barmpton Middleton-one-Row & Dinsdale Wood Low Coniscliffe & River Tees

Ramble (over 4 miles) Brafferton Broken Scar & River Tees Middleton-St-George & Nature Reserves Piercebridge Linear Archdeacon Newton

Stretch (more strenuous) Sockburn Loop Ketton Country Roseberry Topping Teesdale Way Cleveland Way

Useful Information

0.5 miles 0.6-1.9 miles 0.9 miles 1.3 miles 2.1 miles

3 miles 3.25 miles 3.25 miles 3.6 miles 3.6 miles 3.9 miles

4.5 miles 4.5 miles 2.4-5.1 miles 5.6 miles 6.5 miles

8.4 miles 10.3 miles 4 miles 100 miles 110 miles

Design & Print: Northern Creative Tel: 01642 373473 www.northern-creative.net Photography: Phil Roxby, Michelle van Vlijmen, Mark Harrington, Andrew Perkin, David Frater, Chris Lyons and One NorthEast © Darlington Borough Council 2007

Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com

Information was correct at the time of production and every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy but Darlington Borough Council cannot accept responsibility for any error or omission. If you do find an error with regard to a walk description, map or anything which impedes your route, please let Darlington Borough Council s Countryside Team know by telephoning 01325 388648. Thank you!

www.visitdarlington.com 2 3

Medieval U

lnaby from the air 2 4

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Medieval Village of Ulnaby (site of)

Cocker Beck

Ulnaby Hall

Archer’s Farm

b Walworth

Castle Hotel

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Uln

aby

Lane

Publ

ic F

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ath

Public Footpath

a PermissivePa th

B6279StaindropR

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5 Ulnaby Spring

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© Crown copyright, All Rights Reserved, Darlington BC100023728. 2006

Medieval Ulnaby

Stroll

Rural/Distance: 0.5 miles (810m) Grade: easy Time: allow 30 mins

‘Medieval Ulnaby’ is an exciting new attraction based at Ulnaby Hall Farm. The Farmhouse itself

is a Grade 2 Listed Building and has a

number of very attractive buildings around it, as well as a fabulous farm shop. But, the real excitement lies in the land undulations, which conceal a buried medieval village. Look out for rare breeds of cattle, as well as llamas and rheas (ostrich-like birds) but please note dogs are strictly NOT allowed on this walk to protect the rare breeds. The Permissive Path is by kind permission of proprietor, Mr Dods who is happy for you to walk the route in either direction.

Recommended route: From Ulnaby Hall Farm private car park, go through a kissing gate into the field on your left and the new (from May 07) children’s play area, exiting from the other kissing gate onto the Permissive Path.

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2 Walk ahead for about 150 yards (140m), noticing the prominent earthworks (remains of the village) to your right, and in the middle distance, with Walworth Castle to the north.

3 Turn sharp right, following the obvious ditch, for about 325 yards (315m), which marks the northern extent of the buried village. Looking to your right, you should be able to see spectacular earthworks surrounding the farm.

4 Turn sharp right again (south west) onto the line of the Public Footpath, and continue for about 365 yards (350m) through the village site. Keep the farm buildings on your right and Ulnaby Spring on your left. Cross a steep stile or go through the new kissing gate alongside it into the last field. Cross the field ahead and exit over a stile to rejoin Ulnaby Lane.

5 Turn right down the lane to arrive at the start of your walk, the farm. Enjoy relaxing refreshments at the excellent tearoom and farm shop, which has photographs and further information about this exciting site.

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre follow signs for A68 Corbridge and

proceed for approx 0.5 miles to a mini roundabout. Follow signs for B6279 (Staindrop Road) for approx 2 miles to a crossroad with a sign on the left ‘Ulnaby Farm Shop’ and turn left. Follow Ulnaby Lane for a few yards then turn left following directions into the private car park for Ulnaby Hall Farm Shop

Start & finish: Car park, Ulnaby Hall Farm, near Walworth

Parking: Free parking on site

Public Transport: Contact Traveline 0870 608 2608 www.traveline-northeast.co.uk

Places of interest: a Medieval Ulnaby, tel 01325 374337 b Archer’s Farm, tel 01325 300336 c Walworth Castle Hotel, tel 01325 485470

Refreshments: Medieval Ulnaby Farm Shop & Café, tel 01325 374337

Toilets: Medieval Ulnaby Farm Shop & Café, for patrons

Start & finish: Car park, Ulnaby Hall Farm, near Walworth

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Medieval Ulnaby Farm Shop www.visitdarlington.com Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com 5 4

West Park

Trinity Stone Sculpture

Stroll

West Park

Mill Garage

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Darlington Railway Centre

& Museum A68

West Auckland

Road

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Former Barnard Castle Railway Track Bed a


Urban Green/Distance: 0.6–1.9 miles (1-3km) Grade: easy with some gradients Time: 20 mins-1.5 hours

extensions to this walk. Explore the

Discover contemporary West Park, an urban nature reserve on a 12 hectare site.

Links to the former Barnard Castle Railway

Track Bed allow for

exciting artworks and interesting biodiversity park, which attracts a variety of butterflies and birds during the summer months.

Recommended route: 1 Enter via the main entrance gate,

alongside Mill Garage, through two large Standing Stones. Walk straight on past the 'Jabberwocky' small circular sculpture and notice the living 'willow tunnel'.

2 Stay on the same path to the Central Sculpture Amphitheatre, at the core of which is a fascinating circular sculpture which creates spectacular acoustic effects.

3 Climb the Mound ahead which is one of the 3 Trinity Stone sculptures, the others are located behind you – this is the only point in the park from where you can see all of the sculptures. There are also superb views from this position, out to the wider countryside.

4 Dropping down to the south, behind the The Mound is the former Barnard Castle Railway Track Bed, which allows access to attractive countryside and a network of public rights of way. We hope to develop this walk for a future edition of this guide but for now, you can enjoy the wonderful views.

5 Drop down from the Mound to the east (your left), to enjoy the tallest Standing Stone sculpture on the site, set in the middle of West Beck. Just 55 yards (50m) from it lies another of the park’s attractive Poetry Bridges.

6 Finally, if you still have the energy, cut diagonally across the park, back through the Central Sculpture Amphitheatre to the north-west corner. You pass another of the Trinity Stone sculptures, on your left, and come to another (mock) Poetry Bridge which features more locally significant poetry.

7 From here, turn back on yourself, taking the lower route back, passing the primary school on your left, to return to the main entrance back over the first Poetry Bridge.

Start & finish: West Park main entrance, next to Mill Garage, on West Auckland Road (A68)

Map Key How to get there: Follow the A68 out of Darlington, through Cockerton Village,

onto West Auckland Road. Immediately after Mill Garage turn left and go down the road a little way to the gated entrance

Start & finish: West Park main entrance, next to Mill Garage, on West Auckland Road (A68)

Parking: Limited on-street parking next to the main entrance


Places of interest: a Darlington Railway Centre & Museum, tel 01325 460532

Refreshments: Pubs, takeaways and cafés in Cockerton Village

Toilets: Pubs and cafés in Cockerton Village

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6 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com Poetry Bridge www.visitdarlington.com 7

Piercebridge

Piercebridge Farm

CarlburyVale

Roman Fort

Linear Route To High Coniscliffe

PiercebridgeBeck

To Barnard Castle (A67)

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2

3

B6275

Tofts Field

Carlbury Bridge

Circular Route 45

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d Bowes

Museum

St Mary’s Church

Wesleyan Chapel

e Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café

The Carlbury Arms Pub

Archer’s Jersey Ice Cream Parlour

River Tees

Rural/Distance: 0.9 miles (1.4km) Grade: easy Time: allow 30 minutes-1 hour


Piercebridge Circular with linear option

Stroll

Piercebridge O

rganic Farm Shop

Explore Roman heritage on an historic rural walk, through Piercebridge Village, downstream

following the River Tees, on part of the Teesdale

Way to Carlbury Vale and back to Piercebridge via the Roman Fort site. There is an option to make this walk linear by continuing along the river bank to High Coniscliffe.

Recommended route: From Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, cross the road opposite to St Mary’s Church, turn right and walk south to the end of the village, passing the Roman Fort remains on your left. The walk brings you back through this interesting Roman Fort site. At the end of the village, just before the bridge over the River Tees, follow a Teesdale Way sign and turn left to the side of a pink house (Bridge House), through a kissing gate into a field. Walk east, with the river on your right, following the field edge to a stone wall. Go up 3 stone steps through a stone squeeze stile with a small gate, to enter a paddock. Follow the field edge to a cream coloured garage. At this point you have 2 options.

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3 Either: take the linear walk option by turning right at the garage. Follow the Teesdale Way east downriver to High Coniscliffe then retrace your steps to Piercebridge.

4 Or: continue the circular walk by turning left at the garage. Go through a black, gated stile into the garden of Carlbury Vale. Pass in front of 2 cottages and onto a track to cross over Piercebridge Beck. At the T-junction, turn left and follow the track to meet the old road near Carlbury Bank House on your left. Follow the old road down towards the village, re-crossing the beck to a Public Footpath sign on your left. Go through a stone squeeze stile and onto the footpath. Follow the path to come to the Roman Fort site on your right.

5 Go through the gate into the Fort remains. Information boards around the site bring to life our Roman Heritage. After enjoying a trip back in time, leave via the gate on the western boundary of the site, and cross the road back to Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café.

NB You can enjoy some of the finds from the archaeological excavations at Piercebridge Roman Fort at the nearby Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.

Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com

Start & finish: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, Piercebridge Village

Map Key How to get there: Leave Darlington on the A67 (Barnard Castle Road), following

signs for Piercebridge. Take a left turn onto the B6275 into Piercebridge Village


Parking: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café for patrons Limited on-street parking in the village


Places of interest: a St Mary’s Church b Wesleyan Chapel c Roman Fort d Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, tel 01833 690606 e Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, tel 01325 374251

Refreshments: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, (not Tuesday), tel 01325 374251 The Carlbury Arms Pub, tel 01325 374286 Archer’s Ice Cream Parlour, Walworth Gate, tel 01325 300336

Toilets: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café and The Carlbury Arms Pub

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Piercebridge Roman Fort site www.visitdarlington.com 8 9

Rockwell Nature Reserve e

Rockwell Nature Reserve

East

Coa

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Rockwell

Footbridge

River Skerne

Footbridge

Hutton

Avenue

Riverside

Way

Salters Avenue

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Five Arch Bridge

St Andrew’s Church

Darlington Railway

Centre & Museum

Rockw

ell Nature R

eserve

© Crown copyright, All Rights Reserved, Darlington BC100023728. 2006Stroll

Urban Green/Distance: 1.3 miles (2.1km) Grade: easy Time: allow 1 hour

Explore a 22 hectare, local nature reserve, on an easy to navigate, circular route. Despite its urban

location, it is a refuge for wildlife, including the

endangered water vole. The River Skerne, restored in 1998 with new meanders, lies at the heart of the reserve. The site is accessible to disabled users and has informal stone seats at 8 regular intervals along the route.

Recommended route: Start from Hutton Avenue footbridge and head downstream along the fairly straight loose surfaced path on the north side of the river. Continue in a westerly direction noticing the River Skerne on your left and the water features created during the restoration. These include a riffle, (easy to hear), and side groynes on the riverbank for vegetation to colonise. About 330 yards (300m) from the start notice wildflower meadows within the meanders and backwater areas, branching from the river itself, forming wildlife shelters.

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3 After 550 yards (500m) the path continues to gently bend to the left, towards an area of habitat with trees and ponds on the right, formerly known as Rockwell Pastures, home to many dragonflies.

4 Approx 110 yards (100m) further you near a small, ornate bridge with a chimney, representing Darlington’s railway heritage. In the distance also see the historic main rail line bridge, known as the Five Arch Bridge. Cross a small footbridge to the left and take a left after crossing the bridge. Head east on the south side of the river on a sealed concrete surface footpath.

5 For the next 220 yards (200m) the path bends left and right: notice wildflower areas on both sides of the footpath. Continue on, past a wild uncut area managed for water voles. A short length of footpath leading to your left provides seating and a view of the river.

6 For the last 330-440 yards (300-400m) the path passes the last of the reinstated meanders and leads back to the footbridge starting point, providing some of the best and most frequent views of water voles anywhere in Darlington.

10 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com

Start & finish: Hutton Avenue Footbridge, off Riverside Way

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre, follow the B6279 towards

Haughton Village and the A66 for about 1 mile. After traffic lights take the next left into Salters Lane South (St Andrew’s Church is on your left). Take the second left into Salters Avenue, proceed until you reach the track on your left, which leads to the start point at Hutton Avenue Footbridge

Start & finish: Hutton Avenue Footbridge, off Riverside Way

Parking: Limited roadside parking off nearby Riverside Way


Places of interest: a Five Arch Bridge b St Andrew’s Church, Haughton Village c Darlington Railway Centre & Museum, tel 01325 460532

Refreshments: Pubs, shops and takeaways in Haughton Village

Toilets: Pubs in Haughton Village

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Wildlife on the River Skerne www.visitdarlington.com 11

Archer’s Farm daoR

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Quarry Hole (disused)

Walworth

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Archer’s Farm Medieval Village of Walworth

(site of)

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3 Walworth Castle

Hotel

Newton Lane


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New Moor Farm

North Farm Wry Nook

Plantation

Tomtit Wood

Medievel Ulnaby

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c

Denton-Walworth Public Footpath

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Archer’s countryside

Stroll

Rural/Distance: 2.1 miles (3.4km) Grade: easy Time: allow 1 hour

homemade Jersey ice

A permissive walk on land belonging to Archer's Farm, with sweeping views of the surrounding

countryside. Enjoy one of their exquisite

creams at the end of your walk. There are also seasonal treats like Jersey calves, a 'Maize Maze', Scarecrow Competition and all year round kiddies play and picnic area. The walk is by kind permission of proprietors Mr and Mrs Archer and does not use public rights of way. For a longer walk it is possible to link up to the Rights of Way network. Dogs are strictly NOT allowed on this walk and please take care as there is some barbed wire fencing.

Recommended route: Start from Archer's Jersey Ice Cream Parlour, head down the drive towards the road and go through a small gate past the playground on the right after about 11 yards (10m) and across a paddock. Go through the gate at the other side and go left - following the left hand field boundary next to the hedgerow. Go through the wooden field gate and continue down the left hand side of this field until you reach a gate in the facing hedgerow.

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2 Go through the gate and turn right, following the field boundary until you reach the track. Turn left onto the track and continue downhill to reach the next field - enjoy views over the surrounding countryside. Turn into the right hand field (after the tree line) and continue downhill along the left of the field (to the right of the hedgerow).

3 Enter the bottom field through the hedge. This field is left as 'set-aside'. Complete a circuit of this field, by following the field boundary downhill, then turn right and follow the bottom boundary. (At this point you can connect to the Public Rights of Way network - there is an exit point which takes you onto a public footpath beyond the field, over a stile Denton-Walworth path). Turn right, up the right hand side of the field. At the top of the field, turn right and follow the top field boundary back to the point where you entered the field. Exit here and follow the right hand field boundary back up to the plantation. Turn into the right hand field and follow the track back up to the top of the field.

4 Turn right, following the field boundary and go through the gate, following the right hand hedgerow back up through the next 2 fields before crossing the paddock and turning left onto the lane, back to the ice cream parlour.

12 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com 13

Start & finish: Archer’s Ice Cream Parlour, Walworth Gate

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre follow signs for A68 (Corbridge).

Approximately 1 mile (1.6km) after the A1 roundabout take a left turn at The Dog Pub, follow brown/white signs for entrance to Archer's Farm

Start & finish: Archer’s Ice Cream Parlour, Walworth Gate

Parking: On site at Archer's Ice Cream Parlour


Places of interest: a Archer’s Ice Cream Parlour & Café, tel 01325 300336 b Walworth Castle Hotel, tel 01325 485470 c Medieval Ulnaby, tel 01325 374337

Refreshments: Archer's Ice Cream Parlour & Café, tel 01325 300336

Toilets: Archer's Ice Cream Parlour & Café, for patrons

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www.visitdarlington.com Archer’s ice-cream cake

Skerningham

East

Coa

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Line

New Skerningham Plantation

River Skerne

Electricity Pylons

Barmpton

Hutton Plantation

Skerningham Plantation

Skerningham

Electricity Pylons

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DarlingtonRailway

Centre & Museum

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Ketton Packhorse Bridge

Springfield Pub


Skerningham P

lantation

Walk

Rural/Distance: 3 miles (5km) Grade: easy with some gentle inclines Time: allow 2 hours

Take in panoramic 3 Towards the plantation’s northern end go views of Ketton Country up wooden steps and through a kissing and the Skerne Valley, gate onto a permissive path which curves enjoying Permissive left, into the new Skerningham Plantation. Paths through both Take in views to your left of Ketton Country

mature and recently and the ancient Ketton Packhorse Bridge planted deciduous at the bottom of the slope, which no

woodland on this attractive, longer has a river beneath it! circular route. 4 In the wood enjoy the variety of young

Recommended route: deciduous trees: beech, oak, black poplar, silver birch, horse chestnut and some

1 From Glebe Road, go through a metal conifers. Take a flight of steps down and kissing gate onto a bridleway, cross a continue on the broad permissive path to bridge over the East Coast Main Line reach a kissing gate leading out of the and turn left. The crushed stone eastern end of the plantation. bridleway briefly runs parallel with the 5 Cross the broad green lane and go railway here. Where the path forks, through the kissing gate on the other take the path to the right, waymarked side. The clearly marked permissive bridleway and Catkill Trail. It becomes path now curves around the back of more rural with deciduous trees on Low Skerningham, onto another broad either side – stay on this winding track, green lane. Go through kissing gates on which zigzags sharp left, then right, either side and continue on an old farm passing close to an electricity pylon, lane, designated a permissive path, with then left again. views of the River Skerne to the left.

2 On reaching a barrier with a low yellow Pass an old quarry, now densely bar, turn right to follow the permissive wooded and at a waymark post take the footpath to come to a wood fence. path to the right, following waymarks Go through the fence gap entering towards Hutton Plantation. Skerningham Plantation. Turn right to 6 Enter the plantation via a kissing gate and follow a well-trodden, winding path, keep to the well-trodden permissive path gradually uphill, through woods with leading to a surfaced lane. Turn right and farmers’ fields visible to the right. Cross head west out of the plantation. Continue 2 small footbridges, over ditches. along to a T-junction, turn left and follow a

waymarked bridleway back to Glebe Road.


Start & finish: Northern end of Glebe Road, off Salters Lane

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre, take the A167 north (Durham).

Continue for approximately 2 miles. At the mini roundabout turn right onto the A1150 then immediately left into Glebe Road, continue down to the end of the road for the start of the walk

Start & finish: Northern end of Glebe Road, off Salters Lane

Parking: Limited on-street parking


Places of interest: a Ketton Packhorse Bridge b Darlington Railway Centre & Museum, tel 01325 460532

Refreshments: The Springfield Pub, tel 01325 288669

Toilets: The Springfield Pub, for patrons

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Ketton Country www.visitdarlington.com 15

River Tees

Hurworth

Sports Ground

The Green

River Tees

1River Tees

The Fountain

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A167 Croft R

oad

A167 Croft Road

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Comet Pub

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Tees Pottery & HurworthGrange Community

Centre


Hurworth

Walk

Urban Green/Distance: 3.25 miles (5.2km) Grade: easy/moderate Time: allow 2 hours

Hurworth and Hurworth Place. Find time

Stroll along 2 At the end of the footpath you will reach a street, follow it straight ahead to thefootpaths through chapel. Follow the road around to thefarmland and along left then right at the top of the hill.the banks of the

attractive River Tees Cross the main road and follow the on this very pleasant, pavement to the left. Immediately after

rural walk around the the railway bridge, cross the stile to thefringes of the villages of right and follow the footpath next to the

railway line, which bends around to theto call in to Tees Pottery, located in the left, next to the sports ground. Followgrounds of Hurworth Grange Community the grassy path, crossing the stileCentre, where you can try your hand at opposite the end of the path (not thepainting a piece of functional pottery such one in the corner to the left hand side).as a mug, plate or bowl - or have a go on Follow the footpath diagonally to thea potter’s wheel, contact them direct to right across the field. Cross a stile, thencheck opening times. a second stile at the opposite side of the

lane. Cross the field diagonally to theRecommended route: far right corner. Cross a stile then follow

the field edge to your right, across the1 From the fountain on Blind Lane, bottom of the field. Cross another stile Hurworth, cross the main road to enter and follow the track to a lane.Roundhill Road (slightly to left). Take thefirst public footpath/track you reach on 3 On reaching the lane, turn right. the left hand side, which runs in a Follow the lane, between farm straight line between the houses. buildings, before eventually bendingContinue straight along this footpath as sharply to the left and ending up next toit passes between houses on the left and the River Tees. On reaching the river,fields on the right. Pass behind the take the footpath to the left along theCommunity Centre where Tees Pottery riverbank. Continue along this path,and Buttercups Studio are located. then straight on, exiting from a woodedCross the railway bridge that you meet section, across a stile into a field. Crossand then a stile on the other side. Carry the field to a stile in the far right corner,on straight ahead and downhill through cross the stile and follow a tree-linedthe field. At the bottom of the hill, cross path. On exiting the path, turn left andthe stile then turn left along the footpath, follow the track back around tofollowing the line of the disused railway. the fountain.

Start & finish: The Fountain, Blind Lane, Hurworth

Map Key a How to get there: From Darlington town centre take the A167 south, (Croft Road),

turn left at the Comet Pub, on your left, into Hurworth Place. Continue on uphill to arrive at Hurworth Village Green

Start & finish: The Fountain, Blind Lane, Hurworth

Parking: Limited, on-street parking available


Places of interest: a The Fountain, Hurworth b Tees Pottery, tel 01325 722459

Refreshments: Spar Shop, tel 01325 720249 The Bay Horse Pub, tel 01325 720663 The Comet Pub, tel 01325 721439 Emerson Arms Pub, tel 01325 720695 The Station Pub, tel 01325 720552 Tees Pottery, tel 01325 722459 The Otter & Fish, tel 01325 720019

Toilets: Tees Pottery & Hurworth Grange Community Centre, for patrons and Pubs in Hurworth Village

16 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com Old School, Hurworth www.visitdarlington.com 17

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South Park & Nature Reserves

South Park

Ri ver Skerne

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Geneva Wood Local

Nature Reserve

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South Park Family Wood

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(A16

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Railway Bridge

Parkside

Ponds N

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Darlington Football Stadium

Brankin Moor Local Nature

Reserve

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South Park Café

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South Park & Nature Reserves

South Park & R

iver Skerne

Walk

Urban Green/Distance: 3.25 miles (5.2km) Grade: easy Time: allow 2.5 hours

Enjoy this urban fringe walk that takes in several of the town's parks and wild spaces. Starting

and finishing in the newly restored South

Park, you also walk through the South Park Family Wood, Geneva Wood and Brankin Moor Local Nature Reserve.

Recommended route: Start from The Lodge in South Park (the white building). Exit the park by the main entrance, beyond the fountain. Cross the road and turn right, walking along Parkside for approx 165 yards (150m) before entering the parkland to the left (before the road junction). Pause to see the small Family Wood on your left. Continue forward along the riverbank for approx 550 yards (500m) before crossing the bridge above the weir. Continue to the right, along the river, through trees and right again through an open grassy area by housing.

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At the end of the open space take the path though trees then head to the left, through the open space and behind the last row of houses. At the road, cross and go straight ahead, continuing behind the last row of houses. At the end of the grass area turn right through trees and continue to the railway bridge.

2 Go under the bridge and head up the surfaced track bending to the left to enter Geneva Wood Local Nature Reserve. After approx 22 yards (20m) take the small path off to the right and continue. Pass a metal kissing gate and take the right hand path winding into the wood. Follow the tree-lined avenue until the clearing then turn right. Continue to the lane then turn left. Continue to the end of the lane.

3 Exit the lane and cross Neasham Road. Turn right and continue up the road for approx. 82 yards (75m). Notice a brown nature reserve sign on the right pointing to the lane on the left. Turn into the lane, entering the nature reserve through a green kissing gate ahead. Explore the reserve and wildlife ponds via the circular path, turning right at 3 simple wooden benches.


Start & finish: South Park Lodge (Clock Tower)

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre follow signs for A167 south.

About 0.75 miles from the town centre turn left into Parkside. South Park main entrance is on the left. Park on street and proceed to the Lodge (white building) straight ahead.

Start & finish: South Park Lodge (Clock Tower)

Parking: Limited on-street parking on Parkside


Places of interest: a South Park tel 01325 383099 b South Park Family Wood c Geneva Wood Local Nature Reserve d Brankin Moor Local Nature Reserve

Refreshments: South Park Café (seasonal), tel 01325 383099

Toilets: Public toilets in The Lodge building, South Park

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4 Carefully cross the roadbetween the two railwaybridges and turn left.Continue under thebridge and alongParkside for approx550 yards (500m)reaching South Park onyour left. Enter SouthPark at the first entrance andfollow the main path back to the lodge,passing the play areas, aviaries andbowling greens.

www.visitdarlington.com 19

Turn right onto Neasham Rd and cross the road. Re-enter the lane to Geneva Wood Nature Reserve, just before the railway bridge. Continue up the lane and turn into the wood by the telegraph pole, just after high metal gates. Follow the path up the edge of the wood then take the first path to the left. Turn right at the clearing and follow the surfaced track around. At the next crossroads, turn right and continue on this path to exit the wood at Parkside, next to the railway bridge.

Barmpton Barmpton

1

2

4

3 Ketton Packhorse

Bridge

New Skerningham Plantation

Footbridge

rabbit warren

Horsepasture Wood

5 Barmpton

Foxhill Wood

Newton Beck

Little Ketton Farm

a

Barmpton Lane

River Skerne


Ketton Packhorse B

ridge

Walk

Rural/Distance: 3.6miles (5.8km) Grade: easy Time: allow 3 hours

Enjoy a scenic, rural route through Ketton countryside and see the Packhorse Bridge, now dry underneath.

Enjoy the views and wildlife along the

River Skerne.

Recommended route: Begin at the northern end of1 Barmpton Lane, just over the bridge, which crosses the River Skerne. After crossing the bridge bear left through a waymarked kissing gate. After about 440 yards (400m) you can see an old quarry on your right, and after another 330 yards (300m) a vast rabbit warren on the slopes of the steeply sided hillock of Fox Hill. After another 225 yards (250m) come to a small wooden footbridge, which you cross, this stretch of the walk runs alongside the meandering River Skerne. To the right are the arable fields of Little Ketton Farm. Shortly after the bridge, pass through a kissing gate. On the riverbanks you may see nesting sites of aquatic birds. Ahead is Ketton Hall Farm, high up on a hill. Looking uphill to the left you see Skerningham, with its newly planted woodland. The path continues for just over 0.6miles (1km)

and bears right towards the now dry Ketton Packhorse Bridge (ignore the bridge to your left over the River Skerne).

2 At the packhorse bridge turn right and keep to the farm track for about 440 yards (400m), which follows the edge of the large field to meet another farm road. Cross the road and go through the bridle gate opposite, then follow the bridleway uphill, keeping Newton Beck to your right.

3 After about 440 yards (400m), you come to a green farm gate on your right. Go through the gate and follow waymarks, walking straight along the bridleway for 550 yards (500m), before following it diagonally across the field, passing Little Ketton Farm on your right.

4 Keep following the waymarks, taking care to close the green farm gates as you go. Enjoy the superb views over towards Sadberge and beyond to Tees Valley and the North York Moors. Once past Little Ketton Farm, the bridleway follows a straight course for about 0.6 miles (1km), when it intersects with the footpath up from Barmpton.

5 Turn right onto the footpath, which leads downhill, partly along an ancient sunken lane, until it reaches the lane through the village. Turn sharp right to return to your starting point.


Start & finish: Northern end of Barmpton Lane, just over the bridge, in Barmpton Village

Map Key How to get there: Leave Darlington town centre, travelling east on the B6279

(Haughton Road) until you approach a large roundabout. At this roundabout take the 2nd exit into Barmpton Lane and continue to the northern end

Start & finish: Northern end of Barmpton Lane, just over the bridge, in Barmpton Village

Parking: Limited roadside parking on Barmpton Lane


Places of interest: a Ketton Packhorse Bridge

Refreshments: Pubs, shops and takeaways in Haughton Village

Toilets: Pubs in Haughton Village, for patrons

a

River Skerne www.visitdarlington.com 21

Low Dinsdale

VillageGreen

Dinsdale Wood

Golf Course

Low Dinsdale

OldRom

anRoad

2 1

3

4

5

St John the Baptist Church

a

b

The Front

Church Lane Middleton Lane

Middleton-One-Row

River Tees

Devonport Hotel

Dinsdale Spa


Dinsdale W

ood

Middleton-One-Row & Dinsdale Wood

Walk

Rural/Distance: 3.6 miles (5.8km) Grade: easy/moderate Time: allow 3 hours

Enjoy a circular 2 Head left, through the Dinsdale Spa route, starting in the gateway, following the track, then the picturesque village of waymarked path, crossing a paved Middleton-One-Row, area in front of the house. Cross a stile winding your way and follow the main path through

through Dinsdale Dinsdale Wood, which is muddy in Wood, home to the Old most seasons. The route roughly

Spa house, now converted follows the line of the river but undulates through dense woodlandinto attractive residential properties. (ignore waymarks pointing off to theAt Low Dinsdale see the church of

St John the Baptist, dating back right leading further into the wood). to AD 638, as well as the medieval Cross a stile and exit the wood into an earthworks guarding the manor house. open field. Please note that this walk, in 3 Head away from the river, diagonally particular, can be slippery and muddy crossing the field, to the right of a line in parts at any time of the year. of trees that juts out into the field.

On reaching a footbridge you may likeRecommended route: to take a short detour to see the

1 From Middleton-One-Row Village Green, Church of St John the Baptist, Low stand with your back to the Devonport Dinsdale, (straight ahead). Otherwise, Hotel, facing the River Tees, (down the don’t cross the footbridge, turn around slope) and turn right, following the (facing away from the church) and pavement for approx 55 yards (50m). head up to the left hand corner of the On reaching the Teesdale Way sign, head field. The field to your left contains diagonally to the right across the green. medieval earthworks. Cross the stile in Before the end of the green, follow a the corner of the field, turn right and path leading into trees, heading right and follow the field edge path uphill. down towards the river. After descending steps, ignore a sharp left turn to the river and go through a gap in a fence onto a narrow path. Follow the full length of this path, alongside the river, exiting through a gap in the fence to a lay-by area and lane.

22 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.comwww.visitdarlington.com

Start & finish: Middleton-One-Row Village Green (opposite the Devonport Hotel)

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington follow Yarm Road (B6280) then the A67. Take

the first Middleton-St-George turn-off, to the right, just after the Old Farmhouse Pub on your right, following Station Road then Middleton Lane, which curves around to the left into Middleton-One-Row

Start & finish: Middleton-One-Row Village Green (opposite the Devonport Hotel)

Parking: Limited on-street parking


Places of interest: a St John the Baptist Church, Low Dinsdale b Dinsdale Spa

Refreshments: Devonport Hotel, Middleton-One-Row tel 01325 332255 Shops and takeaways in Middleton-St-George Village

Toilets: Public toilets on The Green, Middleton-One-Row (not always open) and the Devonport Hotel, for patrons

a

4 At the top of the hill, pause to look back and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Cross a stile, turn right and follow the field edge path. On reaching the wood continue on the field edge path to the left of the wood (ignore waymarks into the woods and do NOT take the steps down onto the golf course). Follow the spur of the golf course, which bends round to the right, then enter the golf course and stay on this main track - be extremely vigilant for flying golf balls!

5 On exiting the golf course, follow the lane to the right through ‘The Courtyard’ and downhill. At the bottom of the lane, cross a stile, to the right of a driveway. Follow the footpath to exit via a gate and turn left, following the lane alongside the river. Exit the main gates and take the footpath to the right, following the riverside path back. Where the path divides take the left fork uphill and back up steps to Middleton-One-Row.


Low Coniscliffe 1

2

4

3

Low Coniscliffe

5

Wood Lane Broken Scar Picnic & Children’s

Play Area

A67 Coniscliffe Road

a b

River Tees

Tees Cottage Pumping Station

Bayd

ale Beck

Howden Hill Wood

A1 (M

)

Seat Sculpture

The Baydale Beck Pub

c © Crown copyright, All Rights Reserved, Darlington BC100023728. 2006

Low Coniscliffe & River Tees

Relaxing on seat sculpture

Walk

Rural/Distance: 3.9 miles (6.3km) Grade: easy Time: Allow 2.5-3 hours

Look out for the variety of wildflowers

An easy walk, footpath. On a summer evening look which includes a out for bats hunting above the river. section of the Continue for approx 770 yards (700m), Teesdale Way long passing under the road bridge to reach distance footpath. the wooden seat sculpture in a

Stroll through clearing on your left. This is a good woodland and farmland stop for a rest and to enjoy a clear view

alongside the River Tees. of the River Tees. 3 Continue along the main path for

growing alongside the path and listen approx 0.6 miles (1km), as it bendsfor the songbirds and water birds along sharply right, then follows the field the river. edge. Notice the area of young trees

and meadow to your right and followRecommended route: the path along the grassy embankment Walk from the entrance to Broken Scar and into the trees. Picnic Area onto Coniscliffe Road. Turn 4 On reaching a fork in the path, take theleft and follow the road for approx 660 yards (600m), past Tees Cottage right hand path to emerge into a field.

Pumping Station, before crossing a Follow the waymarks to turn right onto

waymarked stile on the left almost the surfaced lane, heading away from

opposite the Baydale Beck Pub. Follow the river. (At this point you could also

the footpath through 2 fields and continue further along the river to

through the lane to emerge into Low eventually reach High Coniscliffe).

Coniscliffe. Turn left and look out for a Continue straight ahead following all

public footpath sign on the left after waymarks, and keep going as it rises

approx 88 yards (80m) pausing to read up to cross the A1(M) road bridge, before heading back to Low Coniscliffe.the important safety sign about Giant

Hogweed. Turn into the footpath and 5 On reaching the road turn right and follow the path next to the river for follow the road around for approx 440 approx 440 yards (400m). Exit the path yards (400m). Take the 2nd public onto the end of Wood Lane. footpath sign that you meet on the

1

2 Turn left and follow the public footpath right and follow back across the fields

sign through the wooden kissing gate to meet Coniscliffe Road. Cross the stile and turn right and follow the roadat the end of the lane. Follow the main back to Broken Scar.

24 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com 25

Start & finish: Broken Scar Picnic Area, Coniscliffe Road

www.visitdarlington.com

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre take the A67 (Barnard Castle

Road), passing Elm Ridge Garden Centre on the left, about 1 mile further on are signs for Broken Scar, turn left into Broken Scar Car Park


Parking: Free on-site car park


Places of interest: a Broken Scar Picnic & Children's Play Area b Tees Cottage Pumping Station, tel 01325 359846 c Seat Sculpture

Refreshments: The Baydale Beck Pub, Coniscliffe Road, tel 01325 469637

Toilets: The Baydale Beck Pub, for patrons

a

River Tees in high summer

Brafferton

Newton Ketton

Swinton House Farm

Ketton Hall Riding

Stables

Hall Garth Hotel & Stables

Country Pub

Mill Bridge

Newton Beck

Town End

Farm Brafferton

East Coast M

ainLineGolf

Course

East Ketton

Lovesome Hill Farm

5

1 2

3

4 6

Durham

Road (A167)

AycliffeLane

a

Start & finish: Brafferton Village main street

Map Key How to get there: Leave Darlington town centre, travelling north on the A167

(Durham). At the Forrester’s Arms Pub, off the A167, just before the motorway roundabout, take a right turn and follow the road to Brafferton Village, over Mill Bridge

Start & finish: Brafferton Village main street

Parking: Limited on-street parking in Brafferton Village


Places of interest: a Ketton Hall Riding Stables, tel 01325 312069

Refreshments: Hall Garth Hotel & Stables Country Pub, tel 01325 300400

Toilets: Hall Garth Hotel & Stables Country Pub, for patrons


Ancient hedgerow

a

Brafferton

Ramble

Rural/Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) Grade: easy/moderate Time: allow 3 hours

Start in Brafferton, 3 Cross a small bridge over a stream, one of Darlington’s continue on to double gates leading picturesque villages, through Newton Ketton farmyard and which retains many of onto a bridleway to pass the farm, its agricultural roots. following the field edge on your left.

Enjoy tranquil lanes, Go through the gate ahead - look for an pastureland, ancient old cast iron sign on the other side of

hedgerows, birdsong and the gate, to the left, which reads panoramic views over Darlington and the “Ketton Road ends here”. Pennine hills – a true gem of a walk! 4 Follow the field boundary through a

Recommended route: series of turns to come to a bridle gate. Once through the gate you cross an old

From the main street in Brafferton stone bridge over Newton Beck, turnVillage, follow the tarmac road to the left after the bridge. Keep the beck on eastern end of the village and pass to your left and follow the field boundary to the left of Town End Farm. Go over the the next gate. Continue along the beck cattle grid onto a stone lane (High side to a second gate, in the distance House Lane) and continue along the you will see the new Skerninghamlane, which gently meanders and later Community Woodland. Once through turns to grass. Ignore a turning on your this gate turn right, you are now on a right for Lovesome Hill Farm. tarmaced farm access road, which is After about 0.6 miles (1km) where the also a bridleway, follow this road to the lane gently curves to the left, go top of the hill. through a gate on your right, waymarked Brafferton Village Walk and keep to the right of an ancient hedgerow on your left. Cross a small stream and go over the stile ahead, or through the field gate, to enter a lane with pasture on either side. Go through 3 more gates to reach Newton Ketton outbuildings. Turn right along the surfaced lane.

1

2

5 Just before reaching Ketton Hall, at the junction of the farm lanes, bear right for about 220 yards (200m) and turn left through a waymarked green gate. Follow the field edge with trees on your left, as it turns right then left, then right again, as waymarked. Go downhill along the field edge, through gates to a tributary of the River Skerne. The path is now to the left of the stream, which is partially hidden by trees.

6 Head for an old, red field gate, with a pedestrian gate next to it, the East Coast Main Railway Line is on an embankment to your left. Go through the gate and continue on the footpath, following the railway line, to reach the junction with a minor road, leading back to the village. Bear right to return back to your starting point.

26 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com www.visitdarlington.com 27

Carmel Rd South

Broken Scar & River Tees

Baydale Farm

Baydale Beck

Hummersknott School

East Ketton

River Tees

Allotments

Blackwell

Carm

el Rd N

orth

Tees Cottage Pumping Station ConiscliffeR oadA 67

Dam

1

2

ConiscliffeRoad A67

Elm Ridge Garden Centre

4

5 3

e

c

d

Elm Ridge Church

b

Cemetery Lane

a

West Cemetery

Baydale Beck Pub

6

Broken Scar Picnic & Children’s Play Area

River Tees near B

roken Scar dam


Broken Scar & River Tees

Ramble

Urban Green/Distance: 4.5 miles (7.5km) Grade: easy/moderate Time: allow 3 hours

Discover a 2 Take care, there is no footpath here. delightful trail, Cross the road to the footpath on the along the banks of other side and turn left into Blackwell. the stunning River At the end of this road, turn left onto Tees and through the Carmel Road South and walk along

West End of passing Elm Ridge Methodist Church, Darlington. The route then Elm Ridge Garden Centre, both

follows public footpaths and on your left. Carry on straight over woodland areas, Baydale Beck and the Coniscliffe Road onto Carmel Road historic Tees Cottage Pumping Station, North, passing West Cemetery on which has live steam Open Days the left. during the year. 3 Turn left into Cemetery Lane and

proceed along this lane, notice the Recommended route: wooden seating feature on your right, From the Broken Scar car park take after which you pass Council the clear path down to the River Tees, allotments on the left. Carry on bearing left alongside the river, noting straight over Baydale Road and the dam, and further along a pebbled down Wycliffe Way onto Edinburgh beach in the middle of the river. Drive where you will see There is a stile to climb over but also Hummersknott School. seats for a rest. Carry on alongside the 4 Cross to the right hand side of the river, taking care on the cobbled path, school to see a ‘Public Footpath’ sign. passing Baydale Farm on the left. Take this path, adjacent to school Just past the farm, on the left, you tennis courts and playing fieldspass an old ruin that used to be a (beware nettles on your left). Pass aleper hospital. As you leave the Monkey Puzzle tree in a resident’sriverside, through a stile, there is garden on the right.quite a steep hill before you come out into Blackwell.

1



Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre take the A67 (Barnard Castle),

passing Elm Ridge Garden Centre on the left, about 1 mile further on are signs for Broken Scar, turn left into Broken Scar Car Park


Parking: Free on-site car park


Places of interest: a Broken Scar Picnic & Children’s Play Area b Elm Ridge Church c Elm Ridge Garden Centre, tel 01325 462710 d West Cemetery e Tees Cottage Pumping Station, tel 01325 359846

Refreshments: The Baydale Beck Pub, Coniscliffe Road, tel 01325 469637

Toilets: The Baydale Beck Pub, for patrons

a

5 At the end of the footpath bear right, through woodland, following the path to the copse and into Lauriston Close. Bear right for about 50 yards (45m) until you come to Greyfriars Close on the left, walk down it for about 400 yards (365m) to take the Public Footpath on the right. Follow it, turning left and left again at the palisade fencing and past the reservoir. Follow the path alongside the fencing, Baydale Beck is to your right. Carry on along the path, alongside a small stream on your right to join the main road.

6 Turn left onto Coniscliffe Road and walk along it, passing a building with a high chimney on your right, bearing a plaque saying ‘Darlington Corporation Waterwork Building 1903’. This is Tees Cottage Pumping Station, carry on past it to arrive back at Broken Scar Picnic Area on your right.


4

Fighting Cocks Pub

5

6

7 8

9

The Whinnies Local Nature

Reserve

Rom

an Road

Mill Lane

a

b South Burdon Community Woodland

c A67

A67

Stockton-Darlington

Railway Track Bed

3

1

2

White Faced W

oodland sheep


Middleton-St-George& Nature Reserves

Ramble

Urban Green/Distance: 2.4-5.1 miles (3.8km-8.2km) Grade: easy Time: allow 3.5 hours

Discover the famous Stockton-Darlington Railway Track Bed on this

walk, part of the South Burdon Community

Woodland and the Whinnies Local Nature Reserve, where you may see the rare breed, 'White Faced Woodland’ sheep. The full 5.1 mile walk (8.2km) can easily be split into 2 smaller routes: South Burdon 2.4 miles (3.8km) or The Whinnies, 2.8 miles (4.5km).

Recommended route: With the Fighting Cocks Pub behind you, turn left, walk around the corner and after a short distance, take the Public Bridleway signposted to the left. You are now on the Stockton-Darlington Railway Track Bed. Follow the bridleway for approx 330 yards (300m) then under the underpass. Go through a wooden kissing gate and continue along the track bed for just over 0.5 miles (900m).

On reaching a junction with a farm on the left, turn right and go through a small gate, then over the stile opposite. Enter the Entreprenate Woodland (planted in 2005 to commemorate the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar),

1

2

part of the South Burdon Community Woodland. The area is set aside for new woodland planting, but at the moment is mainly grasses. The woodland is classed as open access land and you are free to explore, but for a circular route, continue as follows. (NB - there are no surfaced paths in this section, walking is through long grass).

3 Follow the hedge in front of you, bending around to the left. At the end of the hedge, continue in a straight line uphill. Don’t cross the stile ahead but turn left and follow the fence-line: look back for views across to the Cleveland Hills.

4 On reaching the corner, turn left and follow the fence right around back to the stile where you entered the woodland. Cross the stile, exit through the gate, turn left onto the track bed and follow it back to the main road.

5 Cross the road and take the path directly opposite. After approx 710 yards (650m) go through a wooden kissing gate on the left.

6 Enter the Whinnies Local Nature Reserve with its information board about the site. Follow the path curving to the right: notice the wildlife pond to the left. Continue on the path winding right through the reserve.

Start & finish: The Fighting Cocks Pub, Middleton-St-George Village

Map Key How to get there: From major roads/Darlington town centre follow Durham Tees

Valley Airport signs. At Morton Park/Morton Palms roundabout join the A67. Approx 0.25 miles on the right at Old Farmhouse Pub, take next right turn. Follow the road for approx 0.5 miles, the Fighting Cocks pub is on the left side of the road

Start & finish: The Fighting Cocks Pub, Middleton-St-George Village

Parking: Pub car park, for patrons


Places of interest: a Stockton-Darlington Railway Track Bed b South Burdon Community Woodland c The Whinnies Local Nature Reserve

Refreshments: The Fighting Cocks Pub, Middleton-St-George, tel 01325 332327 Takeaways and chip shop in Middleton-St-George Village

Toilets: The Fighting Cocks Pub, for patrons

a


7 At the end of the path, go through the metal kissing gate and cross the road, enter the path opposite, signposted local nature reserve (brown sign) and follow the path through this wildlife corridor.

8 After approx 880 yards (800m) go through a gap at the side of a metal barrier. This area is an important moth and butterfly habitat. Before reaching a woodland section turn right at the marker

9

post towards the railway. Before reaching the boardwalk turn right and follow back around to join the main path and follow it back to the road.

Cross the road, take the wooden gate to the left, climb the steps and follow the path at the top, through a wooden gate. Keep going to come to the road, cross it, turn left and follow it back around to the Fighting Cocks pub.


Piercebridge Linear

Piercebridge

Piercebridge Farm

Mill House

River Tees

To Gainford Village

1

2

Teesdale Way

The Green

4

a

c

3 4

Roman Fort

Bowes Museum

St Mary’sChurch

WesleyanChapel

d

b

PiercebridgeOrganic FarmShop & Café

e

The Carlbury Arms Pub

To Barnard Castle (A67)


B6275

Piercebridge O

rganic Farm

© Crown copyright, All Rights Reserved, Darlington BC100023728. 2006 Ramble

Rural/Distance: 5.6 miles (9km) for longest option Grade: easy Time: allow max 3.5 hours

Enjoy an interesting linear walk, following part of the renowned Teesdale Way, from

the historic village of Piercebridge. Start and

finish at Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café and travel upstream towards Gainford Village.

Recommended route: As this is a linear walk you can continue as far as you like along this stretch of the Teesdale Way, which leads to picturesque Gainford Village. To return to your starting point in Piercebridge Village, you simply need to retrace your steps. Leave Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café and turn right down the village green. Pause to see the old Wesleyan Chapel dated 1864 on your right. At the southern end of the attractive village green, follow the bridleway sign down a lane to Mill House, where you meet the River Tees, County Durham’s border with neighbouring North Yorkshire. This is the Teesdale Way, (European Long Distance Route E2).

1

2 At Mill House bear left towards the river, leaving the tarmac lane and following the green route around the south and west side of Mill House. Go through a bridleway gate into a field and bear left (west) to follow the Teesdale Way (E2). Follow the field boundary to another bridleway gate, leading onto a track. Note the millrace on your left, sited between the path and the river. The fields to your right are part of Piercebridge Organic Farm.

3 Now either: continue along the attractive tranquil riverside walk as far as Gainford Village and return, tracing your steps back to Piercebridge. This would be a 5.6 mile (9km) walk.

4 Or: stop at any time along this route and turn round to return to Piercebridge Village, having enjoyed part of the celebrated Teesdale Way route.

NB If you have time at the end of your walk you could stop for a coffee at Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café or drive to Walworth Gate to Archer’s for a homemade Jersey ice cream!


Map Key How to get there: Leave Darlington town centre on the A67 (Barnard Castle

Road), following signs for Piercebridge. Take a left turn onto the B6275 into Piercebridge Village

Start & finish: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, Piercebridge

Parking: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, for patrons


Places of interest: a St Mary’s Church b Wesleyan Chapel c Roman Fort d Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, tel 01833 690606 e Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, tel 01325 374251

Refreshments: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, (not Tuesday), tel 01325 374251 The Carlbury Arms Pub, tel 01325 374286 Archer’s Jersey Ice Cream, Walworth Gate, tel 01325 300336

Toilets: Piercebridge Organic Farm Shop & Café, The Carlbury Arms Pub and Archer’s Jersey Ice Cream Parlour, for patrons

a

32 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com River Tees www.visitdarlington.com 33

)

Archdeacon Newton

2

3

4

5

6

8 9

10

Garthorne’s Farm

High Coniscliffe

Mowden Bridge

Jedburgh Drive

Branksome

A1(M

A1 (M)

Townend Farm

b Acorn Dairy

Baydale

Beck

CockerB

eck

Low Walworth

Farm

Newton Lane

1

Edgecombe D

rive

Hall Farm

7 Coniscliffe Grange Farm

Low Walworth

Hall

B6279 StaindropRoad

The Mowden Pub

Hall Moor Farm

Former Barnard Castle Railway Track Bed

c West Park Sculpture

Park

a Deserted Medieval Village of

Archdeacon Newton

Darlington countryside

© Crown copyright, All Rights Reserved, Darlington BC100023728. 2006 Ramble

Rural/Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km) Grade: moderate Time: allow 3.75 hours

Map Key How to get there: From Darlington town centre follow signs for A68 Corbridge and

proceed for approx 0.5 miles to a mini roundabout. Follow signs for B6279 (Staindrop Road) for approx 0.25 miles to the small woodland car parking area opposite Edgecombe Drive, the last residential street on Staindrop Road after the Mowden Pub

Start & finish: small woodland car parking area on Staindrop Road, opposite Edgecombe Drive

Parking: small woodland car parking area on Staindrop Road, opposite Edgecombe Drive


Places of interest: a Deserted Medieval Village of Archdeacon Newton b Acorn Dairy, tel 01325 466999 c West Park Sculpture Park

Refreshments: The Mowden Pub, tel 01325 460386

Toilets: The Mowden Pub, for patrons

Start & finish: small woodland car parking area on Staindrop Road, opposite Edgecombe Drive

Recommended route: From the car parking area, cross 1

Varied walk taking you to Archdeacon Newton, (the site of the Deserted Medieval Village of

Archdeacon Newton) and Garthorne’s Farm,

home to the Acorn Dairy.

Staindrop Road (there is no path on this side). Turn right and walk a short way along the road towards a small bridge. Just before the bridge re-cross Staindrop Road and follow the footpath sign straight ahead, keeping the Baydale Beck on your left, up to meet the Branksome estate. Cross through the housing, bearing left along the street (Malvern Crescent) with the motorway in the distance on your left. At the top of Malvern Crescent cross the road and go through a metal gate ahead, onto the former Barnard Castle Railway

road. Turn left and walk a short distance along the road towards Garthorne’s Farm. The right of way takes you through a small stone stile in the farmhouse perimeter wall, across the lawn in front of the farmhouse and through a small gate in the wall opposite. Bear right and head in a northwesterly direction to cross two stiles. (NB there is often electric fencing at this point, but there is access). Head to the north-west corner of the field and cross a stile.

4 Bear left, heading west keeping the field boundary on your left. Continue following the field edge to eventually cross a small sleeper bridge in front of a stile. Cross through the middle of the cultivated field ahead. Just before Low Walworth Farm bear diagonally right across a pasture field, (there may be some abandoned farm machinery at this point), following the permissive way marks. Cross a stile onto a stony track.

buildings and the village of High 9 Follow the track to cross the A1(M) on Coniscliffe in the distance to the right. a bridge. Where the track bears left,

5 Take the bridleway opposite and follow 7 Cross the stile, the bridge over the small carry straight on and follow the field Track Bed. edge path to join another track. Turn it, keeping farm buildings on your left. stream ahead and another stile. Continue Turn left along the track bed towards the left towards Coniscliffe Grange Farm, Pass between two barns, turn right at on through the fields ahead, crossing passing the farmhouse on your left. A1(M) motorway, ignoring a track leading the junction and keep following the several stiles to eventually come to a lane.

10off to your right. Go through a kissing gate track to come back to Staindrop Road. Just past the farmhouse cross a stile on 8 Turn left onto the lane and follow it for and take the tunnel on your right, under the A1(M). Where the track splits, stay on 6 Cross the road. Follow the bridleway your right, in front of Coniscliffe Grange approximately 88 yards (80m). Turn right Farm Cottage. Cross the field ahead

bearing diagonally left. Exit the field by a opposite walking south, (you cross part into a field and follow the path to the field the main track, bearing right then straight of the former Barnard Castle Railway boundary. At the boundary turn left and on to come to the farmyard of Hall Farm. stile, back onto Staindrop Road. Turn

right along the road and head back to Track Bed). Continue straight ahead walk towards a small copse of trees. Cross

Bear left around the farmyard, keeping until you come to a waymarked stile on a stile and follow the path through the the car parking area on your left.


the buildings on your right, to come to a your left – ahead you see farm copse to exit into a field. Turn left and follow the field boundary to come to a stony track. www.visitdarlington.com Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates!

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Sockburn Loop

Low Dinsdale County Parish Neasham

Over Dinsdale County Parish

Girsby Church

Neasham County Parish

The Ashes

2 Girsby County Parish

Sockburn County Parish

Teesdale Way

Girsby Bridge

River

Tees

Sockburn Lane

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NeashamRoad

Hurworth Road

Neasham

Roa

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To Darlington St John

The Baptist Church

Rive r Tees


Walking dow

n to Girsby B

ridge

Sockburn Loop

Stretch

Rural/Distance: 8.4 miles (13.5km) Grade: moderate with steep sections Time: allow 5.5 hours

parish, with its

the alleged inspiration for Lewis

Stretch out on our scenic walk with literary links. Start from pretty Neasham Village looping

through Sockburn

‘Sockburn Worm’ legend,

Carroll’s ‘Jabberwocky’ poem. Enjoy rural lanes, gently rolling countryside and sweeping views across to the Cleveland Hills.

Recommended route: Cross the village green and climb steps to admire the River Tees. Turn left, follow a paved footpath, cross a stile and follow a grassed footpath. At the tarmac road, (Sockburn Lane), turn right and follow it for approx 1.9 miles (3km) ignoring the first Teesdale Way sign you come to. At the end of the lane, turn left onto the Teesdale Way footpath and continue down the field track to cross Girsby Bridge (designed but never used as a railway bridge) and enter North Yorkshire. Follow the track as it curves steeply up right, then left, there are stunning views of the bridge and surrounding countryside behind. At the top of the track exit the field via a gate onto a track. There is an optional detour here to see Girsby Church: go through a

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gate on the right onto a grassed lane and through a gate into Girsby Church. Follow a track to the left of the buildings and cross a stile on the left, waymarked, into a field. Cross the middle of the next 3 fields on clear footpaths to exit over a small stream in a dip and over a stile.

3 Bear diagonally, slightly left, to cross the middle of the field and over a stile. Cross the next field diagonally to the right and exit through a hedge gap. Follow the field edge towards a house on the left. Cross a track and go through a hedge gap. Follow the field edge straight on, curving round a corner past 4 large oak trees and go through a gate. Continue on the field edge straight ahead, but before reaching a wood, cut diagonally right across the field and go through a gate. Follow the path through fields in front of a house, go through a gate, cross the middle of a small enclosure. Exit via a gate and go straight through the middle of the next 3 fields.

4 Cross a stile and follow the footpath through the wood. Exit over a stile. Take the right of way across the middle of the field ahead, towards the left of the house ahead. Go through the gate and take the footpath in front of the house, through a field to a track, exit via a gate and follow a lane which

Start & finish: The western end of Neasham Village Green

Map Key How to get there: Leave Darlington on the B6280. Proceed to a mini roundabout,

turn right into Neasham Road and proceed to the junction of the A66. Go straight over the roundabout. Continue to the T-junction and turn left into Neasham Village

Start & finish: The western end of Neasham Village Green, opposite the entrance to the Teesdale Way signpost

Parking: Limited on-street parking or Fox & Hounds Pub, for patrons


Places of interest: a Girsby Bridge b Girsby Church c St John the Baptist Church, Low Dinsdale

Refreshments: Fox & Hounds Pub Neasham, tel 01325 720350

Toilets: Fox & Hounds Pub for patrons

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curves right to join a road. Go left, cross over a bridge and pass St John the Baptist Church, dating back to AD 638. A bench at the church makes a good refreshment stop. Continue on the road, round the bend to reach a private road, on the left, marked the Teesdale Way. Follow it through farmland past a sign on the left for Fishlocks to come to the gateway to ‘The Ashes’. Turn right along a track cross a stile and follow the footpath ahead, through a field, along the wood edge. Cross a stile, take the short footpath

ahead, then turn left along the tree line and continue along the track to come back to the tarmac road, (Sockburn Lane). Turn right and follow the lane for approx 1 mile (1.7km), back to the entrance to the Teesdale Way footpath, on the left. Follow it back to Neasham Village.

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www.visitdarlington.com 3736 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com

Brafferton

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Brafferton Village

East Coast Main

Line

Ketton Packhorse

Bridge a

SkerninghamPlantation & CommunityWoodland

Barmpton

Hutton Plantation

Glebe Road

Springfield Pub

River

Skerne


Ketton Country

Ketton Country

Stretch

Rural/Distance: 10.3 miles (16.7km) Grade: moderate Time: allow 5-6 hours

Skerningham Community Woodland.

A delightful walk, taking in the historic Old Pack Horse Route of Salters Lane and Ketton Bridge,

the attractive villages of Brafferton and East

Ketton, Ketton Hall and the

Recommended route: Start on Green Lane, head north-west to Glebe Road, turn right, walk to the end of the road and go through a metal kissing gate onto a bridleway. Cross a bridge over the East Coast Main Line and turn left. Follow the track, the Ancient Pack Horse Route of Salters Lane. This section zigzags to another bridge (with a yellow pipe across it to stop motorcycles). Cross the bridge, turn left and follow the field edge path around the corner of the field to meet a hard stony track by a railway bridge. Do not go under the bridge but head north following the track by the field edge path and over a cultivated field. Cross the concrete bridge over the River Skerne to come to Ketton Packhorse Bridge, under which the River Skerne used to originally flow.

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3 Take the right hand track and follow it to meet a tarmaced road, (with a cattle grid on your right). Turn left up the hill towards Ketton Hall. At the top go through a bridle gate adjacent to a cattle grid and turn right along another tarmaced road. Follow the track past a copse of trees to a field gate on your left, waymarked as a bridleway.

4 Go through the gate, turn left and follow the field boundary, keeping the copse of trees on your left. At the bottom of the hill go through a bridle gate offset to your right. Follow the headland bridleway to reach a gate near the main railway line.

5 Go through the gate and up along the wide lane towards Brafferton Village, turn right at the top into the village. Follow the road to come to a bridleway sign outside Manor Farm. Turn right through a gate, follow the track through the farmyard and onward to end at a field gate.

6 Go through the gate, turn left and follow the field boundary to exit via a bridle gate. Turn right into an enclosed track (fenced on either side). Follow the track to East Ketton Farm. At the farm follow the permissive waymarks through the farmyard onto a track leading back to Ketton Hall.

Start & finish: Green Lane, (entrance to Darlington Golf Course)

Map Key How to get there: Follow signs for the A167 North/Durham. On the outskirts of

Darlington at the large roundabout take the A1150 (3rd exit from the South, 2nd exit from the North). Proceed to the mini-roundabout and go straight ahead. Take the first turning right, then right again into the Springfield Pub car park

Start & finish: Green Lane, (entrance to Darlington Golf Course)

Parking: The Springfield Pub, for patrons


Places of interest: a Ketton Packhorse Bridge

Refreshments: The Springfield Pub, tel 01325 288669

Toilets: The Springfield Pub, for patrons

7 At Ketton Hall turn left, back down the tarmaced track towards Ketton Bridge. From Ketton Bridge follow the bridleway southward across a cultivated field, then a field edge path, back to the bridge with the yellow pipe across it. Cross the bridge, turn sharp left and head towards Skerningham Plantation.

8 Go through the Plantation and into Skerningham Community Woodland, following any of the way marked routes to arrive at Hutton Plantation. Go through the plantation to come to a stony track, turn right then right again

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and follow the track up to a ‘T’ Junction. Turn left and follow the track back to the railway bridge at the end of Glebe Road. Cross the bridge and retrace your route: up Glebe Road then back along Green Lane to complete your walk.

www.visitdarlington.com 3938 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com

RoseberryTopping

Roseberry Topping

The River Tees at Yarm

Cleveland TeesdaleWay Way

Roseberry Topping

Bousdale Woods

Newton-under-Roseberry

Roseberry Common

Hutton Lowcross Woods

Newton Moor

Great Ayton Moor

Newton Wood

Roseberry Topping

A173

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b Captain CookMuseum

a Nature’s World

Walkers on the cliffs above Staithes

Stretch Stretch Stretch

National Trails: Cleveland Way Rural/Distance:110 miles (177km) Time: 9 days

National Trails: Teesdale Way Rural/Distance: 100 miles (161km) Time: 8 days

Rural/Distance: 4 miles (6.5km) Grade: strenuous Time: allow 2-3 hours Start & finish: Public car park, junction of Roseberry Lane, Newton-under-Roseberry

Enjoy Tees Valley’smost famous walk which includes hills,woodland and glorious views!

Recommended route:

From the car park turn right onto

Royston Bank, avoiding fallen trees,(use trails either side of the path).Where the forest track makes a hairpinbend to the right, keep ahead, along anarrow path leading to Hanging Stone. After enjoying the stunning views ofGuisborough, Highcliff Nab and Eston

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Map Key How to get there: From the A19 take the A172 to join the A173 towards Guisborough

Start & finish: Car park, junction of Roseberry Lane, Newton-under-Roseberry

Parking: Public car park, junction of Roseberry Lane, Newton-under-Roseberry


Places of interest: a Nature’s World, Middlesbrough, tel 01642 594895 b Captain Cook Museum, Middlesbrough, tel 01642 311211

Refreshments: King’s Head Hotel, Newton-under-Roseberry, tel 01642 722318

Toilets: Public toilets at the car park

North East England’s tranquil landscapes make it the natural choice for the serious walker, we feature two, which are national trails – both can be broken down into equally enjoyable shorter walks!

Cleveland Way National Trail

Helmsley to Filey

Rural/Distance: 110 miles (177km) Time: 9 days www.nationaltrail.co.uk/clevelandway A firm favourite, the Cleveland Way offers a superb opportunity to enjoy

Teesdale Way National Trail

Dufton, Cumbria to Teesmouth, Tees Valley

Rural/Distance: 100 miles (161km) Time: 8 days www.ramblers.org.uk A delightful walk following the meanderings of the River Tees, from its source on the Cumbrian Fells, to the sea. The spectacular landscape includes whinstone cliffs, heather moors, a glorious pastoral heartland and steep wooded valleys with

the best of countryside and coastal traditional Dales towns, abbey ruins, scenery. The first half of the route castles and hamlets before reaching passes through classic moorland, the sea against the proud industrial forest and upland scenery, allowing backdrop of Middlesbrough. En route panoramic views of the Cleveland Hills enjoy England’s largest waterfall, High and North York Moors National Park. Force, the Fairy Cupboard miniature Moor, continue downhill to reach another On reaching Saltburn, the latter half caves, and the historic towns of forest track. Turn right for approx. follows the dramatic coastline along Barnard Castle, Darlington and

Roseberry Lane and follow it to Newton 22 yards (20 metres), then left, eventuallyWood, up the stepped path, before to reach a rough grass track, turn left

and at the main junction, bear left again. the top of some of the country’s Stockton-on-Tees. highest sea cliffs. From the peace and bearing left to the edge of the trees. tranquillity of the moors to the thrill ofTo reach Roseberry Topping summit, 4 Keep ahead as the track starts to the sea breeze on your face, superb!turn sharp right along the steep climb, take a track to a wooden gate to

distinct stone path. The descent is later reach a larger gate opening onto Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! down the east face, to the col, past Roseberry Common. Follow the rightLittle Roseberry onto Newton Moor. hand track and bear right at the

following 2 forks, to descend round 2 After passing through a wooden gate, the base of Roseberry Topping. bear left over the moor to enter HuttonLowcross Woods, by a stile to the left of 5 Re-enter Roseberry Lane back to the the gate. Continue straight ahead along car park.

40 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com 41www.visitdarlington.com North York Moors

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Useful InformationWalking is an accessible, easy and safe pastime and encourages us all to increase our levels of activity for our health as well as enjoyment. A little preparation and care can keep you comfortable and equipped for most eventualities when walking.

Practical advice: choose a route that suits your level of ability check weather forecasts but always take a waterproof wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing: layers work best remember sun cream and hats in warm weather wear strong shoes with good support or walking shoes/boots take a mobile ‘phone, but remember they often don’t work in the countryside when road walking, walk on the right, facing oncoming traffic, cross to the other side before sharp, right-hand bends take enough to eat and drink, especially in warm weatherdo not swim in rivers: the River Tees can be particularly treacherous don’t drink from streams and rivers

For more serious walking: know where you are, have a map, know how to read it let someone know when to expect you back on longer routes plan “short cuts” in case of weather or injury if walking solo, take extra precautions, perhaps a whistle around your neck, and a basic first aid kit which you know how to use

www.ramblers.org.uk/info is another source of useful advice

Follow the Countryside Code Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs Leave gates and property as you find them Protect plants and animals and take your litter home Keep dogs under close control Consider other people

Open Access in North East England In North East England, visitors can walk freely on mapped areas of mountain, moor, heath, down and registered common land, subject to common sense restrictions. These rights cover most recreational activity including walking, running, climbing, sightseeing, bird watching and picnicking. For more information call the Open Access Contact Centre on 0845 100 3298 or check www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

Staying in Darlington You’re sure of a warm northern welcome in our countryside castle hotels, award-winning bed and breakfast properties or converted self-catering barns and idyllic cottages. Of course, fabulous food can be enjoyed at a multitude of eateries with cuisine from around the globe. Visit our website www.visitdarlington.com to find out more, order a brochure, or contact:

Information Darlington 13 Horsemarket Darlington DL1 5PW Tel: 01325 388666 email: tic@ darlington.gov.uk www.visitdarlington.com

Walks Information All Darlington walks in this guide are courtesy of Darlington’s Countryside Team, they can be contacted on tel: 01325 388648 or email: [email protected] for further information about specific walk routes and background information. This guide has been produced by Darlington Borough Council’s Tourism Team, with grateful thanks to colleagues in the Countryside and Local Motion Teams for

www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk can provide further information their invaluable help.

42 Follow the Countryside Code - always close gates! www.visitdarlington.com www.visitdarlington.com 43

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