walking

Wolsingham to Tunstall Reservoir

This route follows a lot of quiet country lanes and paths across fields to take walkers from the Village of Wolsingham up to Tunstall Reservoir. Sections of the route should take walkers through woodlands, but recent felling has greatly reduced the size and number of these wooded areas. Wet weather can make a lot of the route very difficult and slow going, though it should be fairly straight forward during dry spells. Being able to spot route markers, stiles and gates from a distance is a required skill for this route as there are many fields to cross with no paths to follow.

Circular | 10.5km (6.51 miles) | Difficulty: Medium Continue reading →

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Lumley Castle

This route combines country tracks across fields, through wooded areas and along sometimes muddy riversides. It leads walkers past Lumley castle on the way from Chester-le-Street to Great Lumley, then returns via the woods on the other side of the castle. The way is mostly flat with only one large climb which is gradual and a short sharp climb later on.

Circular | 11.5km (7.18 miles) | Difficulty: Easy

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Penshaw Monument

This route combines country tracks and climbs with paths through leafy suburbs. General’s Wood, the Victoria Viaduct and Penshaw monument itself are some of the points of interest covered on the way. The monument can be seen on its hill from nearly every point on the route then offers amazing views over Washington, Sunderland and Houghton-le-spring when reached. The route can be cut down by several miles by returning to the start early when the route passes by.

Circular  |  12.3km (7.64 miles)  |  Difficulty: Easy to Medium

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Housesteads to Sycamore Gap

This route follows a number of well kept paths to guide walkers from the Roman Fort at Housesteads along Hadrian’s Wall to the iconic Sycamore Gap. The paths followed are well signposted and maintained making this walk very easy, though there are some steep sections that add some challenge.

Circular | 8.14km (5.1 miles) | Difficulty: Easy

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Westgate to Eastgate

This route combines river-side paths, moorland tracks and roads to cover a section of upper Weardale between Westgate, Northgate and Eastgate. The route features one significant incline and is mostly flat otherwise. However, the often overgrown and muddy sections along some of the riverside paths make the route very difficult in places.

Circular | 15km (9.36 miles) | Difficulty: Medium

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