The Weardale Way
The Weardale Way is a long distance walking trail in the North of England. It visits many of County Durham’s and Tyne & Wear’s best known locations including the World Heritage Site at Durham – famously founded by the monks of St. Cuthbert in the c10th. Starting from the award-winning Killhope Lead Mining Museum in Weardale – high in the North Pennines – the route traverses the medieval County Palatine of Durham (that once included Sunderland) as it attempts to follow the 68-mile course of the River Wear to the ever-popular North Sea resort of Roker.
Passing through, or close to, venerable market towns like Bishop Auckland, Stanhope, Wolsingham and Chester-le-Street the trail can be walked equally well in either direction though we’ve chosen to present it west-to-east so that, in most cases, the wind will be on your back. There’s no doubt however, that many will prefer the increasing physical challenge and remoteness that comes with tackling it in the opposite direction.
National Trails
You should be aware that neither the Weardale Way, nor the Teesdale Way, is a National Trail and lack the degree of infrastructure associated with trails such as the Pennine Way or Cleveland Way. This means that access and waymarking may not always be what you’d expect. If you’re motivated to try and change the situation you probably already know what to do (feel free to let us know where you had issues but remember that we’re not the authority). In general however, other than in late spring and summer, when vegetation is most abundant, the trails are easy enough to follow if you take along a sense of adventure, a good map and maybe a copy of our WEARDALE WAY POCKET GUIDE
Change is a constant feature of long-distance trails. Although we try to publish updates where appropriate it’s not always possible as we rely on feedback from walkers. We also offer – where we’re able – alternative routings to help walkers avoid unnecessary diversions and closures.
Stats at a Glance
Distance 127 km/79 miles | Height Gain 1665 m/5461 ft | Maximum Elevation 558 m/1831 ft (Killhope, North Pennines) | Number of Sections 14 | Average Distance per Section 9 km/5.6 miles | River Length Wearhead to Wearmouth (River Wear) 110 km/68 miles; Killhope Head to Wearhead (Killhope Burn) 9 km/5.6 miles | GPS File
Click the PLAY arrow on the map to view the route on Plotaroute [How to Use Plotaroute]. You can download the FREE ROUTE FILE (in a variety of formats) from our page on Plotaroute by clicking on the link to the GPS File in the Stats above (takes you to the appropriate page on Plotaroute). Feel free to browse all the other routes you’ll find there.
The Weardale Way – Section by Section
Section 1 Killhope to Cowshill (6.7 km/4.2 miles)
Section 2 Cowshill to Westgate (7.3 km/4.5 miles)
Section 3 Westgate to Rookhope (7.5 km/4.7 miles)
Section 4 Rookhope to Stanhope (10 km/6.2 miles)
Section 5 Stanhope to White Kirkley (7.4 km/4.6 miles)
Section 6 White Kirkley to Wolsingham (9.2 km/5.7 miles)
Section 7 Wolsingham to Witton-le-Wear (11.3 km/7 miles)
Section 8 Witton-le-Wear to Bishop Auckland (8.4 km/5.2 miles)
Section 9 Bishop Auckland to Page Bank (9.5 km/5.9 miles)
Section 10 Page Bank to Durham (12 km/7.4 miles)
Section 11 Durham to Chester-le-Street (13 km/8 miles)
Section 12 Chester-le-Street to Mount Pleasant (9.1 km/5.6 miles)
Section 13 Mount Pleasant to Deptford (9.9 km/6.1 miles)
Section 14 Deptford to Roker (5.6 km/3.6 miles)
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My teenage son and daughter had a great 7 hour day (8 with stops for lunch and a detour at bollihope to get an ice cream!) Hiking rookhope to wolsingham.
They were practicing their map reading for an upcoming DofE hike. All went fine apart from a small section on the ridge above stanhope where they found the waymarkers hard to locate.
They also bypassed the elephant trees and went straight on through (very muddy) Landieu farm to wolsingham, which actually shows as the correct route on some maps?
All in all a great day’s hike.
Ps. from the ice cream van at bollihope they went along the river to try and get back on track. A gate marked private blocked the way so they went back along the river and up the road. Only to come down 1km later to the other side of the same gate! Oh well, it was worth it for the 99 with flake!
Great read and thanks for sharing. One of the things that appeals to me about the Weardale Way in particular, is its relative lack of infrastructure compared to better funded routes like the Cleveland Way for instance. It feels wilder and, I think, is better suited to practice map reading (Weardale is where I learned to use a map and compass many years ago – well before GPS – and it’s good to know that there’s still interest in ‘proper’ navigation). They must have had reason to believe there was an ice-cream van at Bollihope though? There’s often a more accessible one at Stanhope, near the ford. I imagine their route was blocked at Bishopley where it would have been easier to follow the road uphill in order to return to the trail. The lower route along the river to Wolsingham Station, is also signposted as the Weardale Way: I’ve always taken the view that it can be if you want it to be; it’s a canny bit less arduous but lacks the view. Sounds like they had a great day and did it in a good time (I can’t imagine how me and my sister would have got on in similar circumstances). Kudos!
Completed upper sections as far as Durham cathedral last week. Thoroughly enjoyed the wander in an area I grew up around.
Good for you Martin. It’s always good to know that folks are using the site and enjoying the scenery. All the best. Scott
I recently attempted to do the Willington to Sunderland Bridge stretch of the Weardale Way. Unfortunately, when we reached Lowfield farm, there was a gate across the path which had been padlocked. It was impossible to continue along the riverside. So we exited the farm on a track going north with the intention of following the track going east past Grange farm and then turning right and rejoining the riverside path. However, none of the paths were in good repair and the final one which should have taken us down to the riverbank just before Page Bank was entirely blocked. I understand Durham County Council are “working with the landlord” ona longterm basis. To my mind, they should instruct the landlord to follow the law then sue him.
Had the same issue earlier last year, and was verbally abused by the landowner, despite falling the PRoW and causing no damage or disruption. The Council, in my opinion, should instruct the landowner to keep the PRoW open until an alternative can be agreed. Plenty of landowners devise Permissive routes that people generally respect, and everyone is happy.
Over the past few months I have completed all the sections between Sunderland and Wolsingham and hope to complete the full trail over the next month. Unfortunately I had to complete most sections’ apart from the ones between CLS to Witton le Wear, by walking to a designated parking spot, usually 2 hour, then turning back along the same route so I can then drive to that spot to complete the next section. So in theory I have walked most routes twice. The highlight so far has been from Cox Green to South Hylton and watching a couple of otters feeding on the bank.
Cheers Brian. I’m very familiar with the situation you describe; it was the main reason for deciding on the length of the respective sections – so that they could be reasonably completed as ‘out and back’ walks. I don’t know about you but I’m keen to do any walk/run in the opposite direction; it helps to get a better feel for the trail, I think. However, I have to admit that when researching both trails – the WW and TW – I made much use of cars and drivers to cover them as efficiently as possible. On the subject of wildlife, it doesn’t get much better than watching otters – I can see why it was a highlight. Thanks for taking the time comment and feel free to let us know about your future perambulations on the trail. All the best.
Hi great website and info wish I’d found it earlier ran part of the route from Sunderland bridge to Bishop Auckland this morning . Gonna use some of the fox files to explore more sections of the route.
Hi Richard,
Glad to know it was of help – that’s what it’s there for. Let us know how you get on with the trail. Scott
Hi,
I’m planning to walk the WW with my friend in the summer. We plan to walk it over a few days continuously, camping/ staying in b&b’s along the way. Just after some advice as to how many days you would advocate walking it over, whilst carrying rucksacks? I see some people have ran it in a day….we aren’t runners and certainly not that fit :). Though we are regular walkers. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Hi Linzi,
That’s good to hear, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. We’re publishing a new book but it may be out too late for you after which a revamp of the information on the website is due. There’s a lot going on at the moment. As to some advice: first, have a look at the route sheets and .gpx files (if you need them). The sections in the upper dale are the most exposed and strenuous (with the exception of S2 which is very gentle). Sections 1 & 2 can be done comfortably in a day which gives you access to camping at Westgate. Section 3 is the most challenging but only relatively (there is a potential to lose your bearings over Weather Hill – the highest point – if visibility is poor but otherwise it’s not as difficult as I could make it sound). Go fully prepared though with decent wet weather kit and let someone know your route. There’s Barrington Bunkhouse at Rookhope but as of a couple of months ago the Rookhope Inn was firmly closed (I’m not sure what’s happening with it in the long term yet) but you may need to be prepared to walk at least half of S4 to get to Eastgate at the Cross Keys or elsewhere or even push to Stanhope which could make it a longish day if you’re not a hardened long-distance walker. There’s lots of choice in Stanhope but little between S5 & S6 to Wolsingham (both involve a single, long steep ascent onto exposed ridges). Unless you drop down to Frosterley it might be another one where you need to do 2 sections in a day. Wolsingham also has a lot to offer. After that the going is much easier, where mud might be the most challenging obstacle if the weather’s against you. Generally the weather should be on your back, there’s more shelter and you’re heading into more populated areas where there are more options (you can always get in touch with me if you need any advice on the fly – unfortunately I can’t guarantee to get straight back to you though). After Bishop Auckland you’re never far from hospitality and transport options. Check out the Roof of England Bus from Stanhope in Weardale, and Weardale Travel for getting to Killhope (and let me know how you get on!). I’ll leave it at that for now but feel free to ask anything else. Send us an account of your walk, would love to hear about it.
All the best
Scott
P.S. There’s been a long term closure of the footpath from the Dun Cow Inn in Witton le Wear at the start of S8 (it might be reinstated by the time of your walk). To get around it, continue downhill on the road, then R downhill at the junction and continue on the road to Witton Bridge. I’ll be putting in on the site. Also there are some major roadworks in Sunderland, which have been affecting the footpaths and Weardale Way for some time. There are lots of options for getting to Wearmouth Bridge though.
Just completed wolsingham to bishop Auckland today. 3 sections where the path is closed by the council and no sign of any repairs happening anytime soo. Sadly one section of path just after Witton castle has been washed away by the river.
Finished my walk at Killhope this morning after taking eight days over a 20 day period. Would have liked to do it as a continuous journey but other stuff got in the way so that’s a goal for next year.
The first four days I walked upstream, being dropped off and picked up at my start and finishing points. The next four days I walked downstream by chucking my bike into the car, leaving my car at my finishing point, cycling to the start point and then walking back to the car whereupon (you guessed it) I drove to where I’d left the bike.
I used a mixture of the three routes which have existed since the trail was established and that was a mistake as some of the older paths which are no longer included in the WW have become very overgrown. Next time it will be Scott’s route from start to finish.
Highlights were the walk over the common to Rookhope, the path along Bollihope Burn into the hidden quarry and seeing three Little Egrets and two Kingfishers.
Can’t wait to do it again.
Excellent John, well done indeed. Hopefully you missed the worst of the bad weather. Love to hear how others get on, their methods and motivations and particularly their favourite parts of the journey. The limestone cutting in Fineburn Quarry is quite impressive isn’t it? Where did you see the Egrets and Kingfishers? Let me know. On the logistics side I’m surprised I’ve never tried the walk/bike/car solution but I think I might now – I can certainly agree that a generous ‘other’ is a massive help. Looking forward to hearing about the next undertaking. All the best. Scott
The Egrets were between Sunderland Bridge and Page Bank bridge as was one of the Kingfishers. The other Kingfisher was near Escomb.
Would have been delighted to have seen an Otter but no luck there.
A neighbours son reports seeing a Mink near Sunderland Bridge which, I think, is a bad thing as they will kill anything they can catch and will rob the eggs and chicks of ground nesting birds.
I’ve seen some nice photographs of Kingfishers near Low Burnhall/Sunderland which I’d love to have taken them myself but I’ll keep my eyes open around Escomb from now on. I ‘think’ I saw an otter once, between Page Bank and Sunderland Bridge but I couldn’t be sure (I found a pike’s head nearby absolutely picked to the bone). Shame about the mink, there’s a fairly recent article of a Barnard Castle sighting here and a 2011 YouTube clip from Ushaw Moor https://youtu.be/p-5o3sdRRaw
I’ve been navigating the Weardale Way using OS Explorer sheet OL31 from 2002 and a gpx file I downloaded from Walking Englishman (I think). I’ve noticed they differ from your route sheets and gpx file so has the route been updated since 2002?
Wish I’d started with your guides and gpx file as some of my route hasn’t been that pleasant. Overall though I’m enjoying the walk and now I’m onto the more scenic part of the route in the dale above Wolsingham it gets even better. I’ve had to fit the walk around other stuff but I’m hoping to do it as one continuous journey some time next year.
I’ve worked with Durham County Council on the Weardale Way since 2013 so I’m as sure as I can be that the GPX file represents the approved route BUT if there’s anything you’d like to clarify please let me know. Send me the file or the location and I’ll do what I can to get to the bottom of it. I’m pleased you’re enjoying it and look forward to hearing about the epic yomp (don’t forget to take some photographs). All the best and happy walking. Scott
This is a great resource. Thanks for providing it.
Started walking from Roker two days ago but had to divert home after losing my bank card and what with Covid-19 I was carrying no cash. Also my 2008 map predates the new bridge between Pallion and South Hylton resulting in me peering over the edge of the cliffs with the path 50m below. A skittering scramble down a sandy gully to the east of the cliffs got me back on track and looking forward to a pint at the Golden Lion – which is now a burned out shell. I did not know that. Should have done more research before setting off but this was a spur of the moment thing.
Anyway I’ll restart today at Castle Dene and hopefully get to the Honest Lawyer at Sunderland Bridge.
Hi Jonjo,
I love hearing about the experiences of everybody else out there – it’s great to get a different perspective to my own. Feel free to notify me of corrections – the maps are easily updated. Have you downloaded the new route sheets? Hopefully they’re a bit more informative (the Northern Spire Bridge is shown and the Golden Lion is missing as it is in real life – if it gets refurbed I’ll add it again). The route sheets also contain directions BUT they’re from the opposite direction to your line of travel. From your description I realise how, without the right cues, things can easily get out shape, hence your finding yourself looking over what I imagine would have been Claxheugh Rock (you could have gone further east to have found the trail you’d have come up). I’m afraid I have to remain committed to a downstream direction of travel but I’ll bear it mind for future revisions. Feel free to let me know about your adventures – love hearing about them. All the best and happy walking. Scott
The mishaps continue – I’m really not prepared for this. Restarted at Castle Dene today but by the time I’d got to Cocken Lodge the sole of my right shoe was flapping like a crocodile’s mouth. Carried on to Durham but by then I was fed up with the shoe + very hot so called in at the Colpitts for a pint. Big mistake as that robbed me of all ambition and I bailed out again.
Too much tarmac on this section but there were a couple of highlights. Finchale Priory is always beautiful but the real surprise was the riverbank opposite the county cricket ground at Chester le Street where there were about a million finches (possible exaggeration) feeding on the seeds of giant hogweed and about a million butterflies on the Himalayan Balsam.
Drove up the dale and left 3 drop bags (Wolsingham, Eastgate, Stanhope). Set off at 6am from Killhope, by the time I climbed up over the trees it was getting light. Blowing a gale (mostly on my back), navigation ok in the earlier section, heading to Rookhope tough going across the fell. Pointless part that takes you to the pub to double back and section above Rookhope has no markings and sheer luck I ended up near the stile by the road. VerY easy to take the wrong path or follow wrong arrow, also don’t trust the locals, ended up scrabbling down the side of a Quarry. Anyway, cut a long story short, the distances seem very random. By Willington (71.5km) I had 84km on the watch and 80km on my phone and 4pm. I had planned to arrive at 2pm. Called time on my FKT attempt as while near record pace thought it was unlikely, given the heat and I would be running for 3 hours in the dark, and too late to expect crew and support to wait. I’ll have another go next year. Someone to open all the gates would be helpful ?
Note: all the mineral valley walk signs make it a bit confusing?
Thanks for that report Jonathan, it made fascinating reading. When things don’t go to plan it’s usually more interesting in my opinion. Regarding the distances, I’ve walked and run all of the sections several times over the years and whilst they almost always disagree to some extent I’ve found them to be in the ball park. If you recorded your route, send me the file and I’ll see where the discrepancies arise – if I can change anything I certainly will. Loved the idea of drop-bags and as far as the issues regarding signage etc, I sympathise completely. I generally advise for sections 3 & 4 to either use map/compass/gps for the open spaces (the only sections on the entire trail with no discernible path) and run your own line. If you didn’t want to do that you could always recce the section (but you know now). I’ll pass on comments regarding the signage in that area but in general the group in Weardale have done an excellent relative to what it was. As for the gates, I’ve run the route from the top to Witton-le-Wear and was over an hour later than I’d anticipated so I resorted to the obvious – I improved my hurdling technique (only joking). Let me know if you have another crack and I’ll do what I can to help. All the best and happy walking (running) Scott
Hi. Thanks Durham Cow for the free maps & information. I’ve run Weardale Way in 2 sections before and know the markers can be tricky to spot and it’s easy to lose your way. Fingers crossed I’ll be near Sunderland before it gets too dark. Hoping for 15 hours – I’ll let you know I get on.
Excellent Jonathan. Good luck (though I’m sure you won’t need it). Looking forward to hearing how you get on as well as any feedback.
Take care and happy running
Scott
Hi. I ran the Weardale Way at the weekend. I started in Sunderland and finished in Killhope. I came in at 85 miles. There were 3 footpath closures which I had to divert around; in Durham City after the Boat Club pub, in Witton-le-Wear and around Cowshill, where one of the bridges was closed. I’m not sure how long term any of these are. I made a number of navigation errors in the dark above Stanhope and again around the Rookhope area and I didn’t always see the WW marker on gate posts/stiles, which I think made me doubt myself in the dark. In hindsight, it would probably be easier to get the Upper Weardale section done first – my legs weren’t thanking me for all those stiles in the second half, lol. Great route though and looking forward to doing some of the sections I did in the dark between Harperley and Rookhope, in daylight sometime.
Wow, brilliant stuff Bev – congratulations! I’d agree that you could have made it easier doing it the other way round (I’ve pointed out previously that you’ve got to love stiles in the upper dale). I’ve run Killhope to Witton-le-Wear myself and it took me much longer than I anticipated for that very reason. If you fancy writing an account I’d love to publish it. Kudos! Scott
Hi Scott. Yes I’d be happy to write something for you.
Thanks Beverley, look forward to it.
Scott
Inspired by Bev’s achievement – wow! Im planning to walk (and maybe run parts of) the Way over the next few weeks. Can you advise whether given that the Killhope Lead Centre is currently shut is there anywhere to park near the start of the walk at Killhope thanks
Go for it Debbie! However, you do it, don’t forget to enjoy it. We’ve still got plenty of nice weather to come. Let me know how you get on. Regarding the parking, I’ll have an answer for you shortly. Looking forward to hearing about the journey, however you do it. All the best, Scott
Hi Debbie. There is a lay-by on the right as you are heading towards Killhope from Lanehead/Cowshill. It’s not far from the entrance to Killhope.
Enjoy the route.
Well done Bev, I saw your FKT. Brave to go upstream, heading into the wilds of Co Durham in the dark and no doubt a headwind the whole way.
I’m trying source to sea on the 13th September . praying for good weather.
The very best of luck Jonathan.
My folks live in Ireshopeburn, 6 miles from Killhope which influenced my decision to head in that direction as it would be easier for someone to come and pick me up if I needed to duck out anywhere. The opposite direction is definitely the sensible option. Enjoy it
Just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for your Weardale Way routes. A few of us from the hospital decided to walk it, using your maps, doing two sections at a time and a bit of car sharing. We started in October last year but recent events put our monthly walks on hold for a while. Thankfully we are now planning to walk the last stretch, from Chester le Street to Wearmouth next Friday. It had been a fantastic journey and I have already found an original copy of the Teesdale Way for our next venture! So thank you for taking the time to plot the routes. We are very grateful.
Love to hear this Helen, thank you for sharing. It doesn’t matter how heavy life’s issues might seem, you can always rely on the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other to restore some balance. Not wanting to undermine your investment, but I’m just about to to post a new series of the Weardale Way Route Sheets as well as the first half of the Teesdale Way (second half will follow shortly). Covid might have put the kybosh on the books for this year but I wanted to get the routes out there. Happy walking. Scott
Well, we were rained off! Our plans to finish the WW have been postponed to sometime over the next couple of weeks, hopefully on a better weather day.
I’m heading to your Teesdale Way route maps now!
Not surprising, the weather wasn’t great was it? We were out on Saturday and got soaked too. Better weather has been forecast though so don’t leave it too late. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the Teesdale Way too (I’ll be posting some really nice circuits based on the Teesdale Way shortly). Let me know when you crack the Weardale Way. All the best and happy walking. Scott
I have been waiting for ages for this guidebook in order to walk the Weardale Way. Please let me know when it’s available. Thanks
Hi Joe,
Glad that it’s been so well anticipated. It was due to be published this year but that was before the government’s response to the coronavirus situation. The commercial outlook was bleak and may remain so but hopefully optimism will have rallied sufficiently to make it worthwhile publishing for next year. It’s the best I can do I’m afraid.
Scott
Hi,
Is there any publication yet? I have promised to take my Neice in the next few weeks?
Cheers Caty
Hi Caty,
I’m afraid that with everything that’s been going on lately, I’ve decided to leave publication until next year, but it’ll be in plenty of time for the walking season. In the meantime I’m going to try to produce single/double-sided download pages although I’m still got a bit to do before I can get around to it. This might just give me the impetus I need.
All the best
Scott
Hi – that would be ideal. ?. I really like the idea of just taking a few pages of printed info with me stuffed into my rucksack. Hope you manage to do it ??
Hi
I ran the Weardale way yesterday the route was more like a 130km 80miles some of the route not marked that clearly around the cows hill area.
I finished 16hours 45mins
Nice one Gwynn! Great effort, well done, and thanks for taking the time to share your info. I’ve had varying measurements section to section over the years but contributions like this are very useful. Waymarking on the trail definitely varies section to section though Weardale is generally very good throughout due to the efforts of its walking groups. If you can be specific with regard to locations I’ll pass it on. All the best! Scott
Hello,
Would i be able to reserve a copy of each for myself? It would be most appreciated.
Certainly, it’s been done.
Scott
Hello Joe
Me too would like to buy your new guide book. Thank you for all your hard work in updating the new book.
Great stuff! Thanks Caroline.
Hello, is the Weardale Way guidebook available yet? I would like to purchase a copy if it is.
Many thanks.
Hi Colin,
Not yet. We hope to have it ready in March 2020. I’ll let you know when it’s available. All the best. Scott
Can you let me know when the guide will be available?
Hi David,
Sorry for such a long delay. I need to be more on the ball. However, I’ve been working hard on the book which should be available by April (I hope). All the best.
I too would like to be notified when the Weardale Way guidebook is ready for sale.
Thank you.
Will do Patrick. It’s coming along nicely and I’ll be making some long due updates to the website to that effect shortly. All the best
Please notify me when The Weardale Way by Joe Watdon has been republished thank you
I certainly will. Intending to have it published before the end of the year.