We’re happy to say that the footbridge across the Rookhope Burn leading into Rookhope village at the end of Section 3 (or beginning of Section 4) is now OPEN. The bridge lies inconspicuously alongside an imposing sliding gate which, when it’s closed, might make it look like there’s no access. The Rookhope Inn however, remains …
As part of the continuing development works affecting the south side of the river between Queen Alexandra Bridge and Wearmouth Bridge, Section 14 of the Weardale Way is once again closed, which could persist until 2023. When we visited, we found the situation to be messy with no official diversions in place around the affected …
If you’ve ever fancied exploring the River Tees on the border between County Durham and the old North Riding of Yorkshire, there’s no better way to do it than by following the 92-mile Teesdale Way, one of County Durham’s two long distance walking trails supported by The Durham Cow. To help you make the most …
Since January 2021 the footbridge (FB) across the Rookhope Burn, approaching the finish of section 3, has been closed and fenced off because it is unsafe. The vehicle bridge is privately owned and is also barriered. Until the FB can be repaired, Durham County Council has instituted a diversion from the gate on the railway …
Whorlton Bridge has been closed to all users since December 2020. Access is completely fenced off and there is no other way to cross the river between Abbey Bridge (S6) and Winston Bridge (S7). This makes it impossible to continue on the Teesdale Way (TW) if you’re following our published route on the S side …
The Rookhope Inn at the finish/start of Sections 3 & 4 of the Weardale Way in Rookhope village, Rookhope, Weardale has been closed for several months. This important hospitality outlet also features on the Pennine Journey and C2C cycle trails. Thankfully it seems that the owner has plans to reopen in August so when it …
The Smiths Arms public house on Section 12 of the Weardale Way at Castle Dene near Chester le Street is currently closed. It is for sale with the owner seeking permission to convert it into a residence so may be lost permanently as a hospitality outlet on the Weardale Way. If you can add any …
There have been major roadworks around Deptford in Sunderland for several months now, which interfere with the Weardale Way after Queen Alexandra Bridge. However, the contractors have constructed a pedestrian right of way through the works (dotted arrow) that is generally consistent with the published route (including access to The Ropery) which we’d recommend you …
The Public Footpath off (Lower) High St leading down to the railway embankment at the beginning of Section 8 of the Weardale Way at Witton le Wear has been closed for some time while a new house is being built. It is not known when these works will finish. Until they do, continue downhill on …
Ask anyone in Durham if they’ve ever seen an otter on the River Wear and the answer’s probably “No”. Which is surprising as these lutrine predators, over a metre long, are actually quite common in the North East. It bears out my own experience though, as despite the time I’ve spent walking the region’s rivers, …
