Weardale Way Section 1 (Killhope to Cowshill)
Introduction
Section 1 of the Weardale Way starts at Killhope Lead Mining Centre, Killhope – not far from the county boundary with Cumbria – and finishes on Burtreeford Bridge in Cowshill. The section includes Cowhorse Hill, the highest point on the entire Weardale Way. Though it’s very exposed, the route is worth doing at any time of the year providing you’re appropriately dressed and that winter roads are open, at least as far as Cowshill (choose a clear day for great views). Also, be aware that forestry operations – a significant industry all along the dale – can change the character of the landscape significantly, extending views but distorting how the landscape might look compared to the map.
IMPORTANT When the Lead Mining Centre is closed, the gate over the ford is locked. If you have a vehicle and think you’re going to be back too late there are a couple of alternative parking options close by. The recommended option is ~800 m E along the road towards Cowshill. You can park closer, in non-dedicated areas, but be aware that vehicles move quickly on this road and passing space is limited. I’d definitely choose the dedicated option unless its full. Whatever you do, park sensibly, don’t block access, and above all, take care.
Stats at a Glance
Distance 6.7 km/4.2 miles) | Elevation Gain 136 m/446 ft | Maximum Elevation 558 m/1832 ft (Cowhorse Hill) | Going Generally firm with some potentially wet/boggy sections on upland pasture, moorland, coniferous forest and farmland | Exposure Very exposed (particularly the first half) | Navigation (OS Maps Explorer OL31; Landranger 87); GPS File | Hospitality & Supplies Lead Mining Centre (Ca*); Cowshill (Ho) | Start Lead Mining Centre, Killhope NY 825431 (w3w: staging.machinery.relatives) | Finish Burtreeford Bridge, Cowshill NY 853405 (w3w: napkins.cuddled.executive) | Grade Moderate | GALLERY
Trail Updates
The following updates have been published by The Durham Cow for this section: 190425
Description
From the Lead Mining Centre the routes starts westwards, through the main gate. It then follows a forestry track around the edge of the plantation, upwards past Kidd’s Dam, and over the shoulder of Cowhorse Hill. On beginning the descent, the route leaves the track for a rough trail helpfully signposted ‘Cowshill’, before crossing the marshy ground at the head of Cowhorse Hush (a large scar in the landscape and the first obvious relic of the area’s lead mining industry).
After descending steeply to a small reservoir, the route continues downhill on an access track to the confluence of the Wellhope Burn with the Killhope Burn. Keeping to another access track, the route passes several dwellings before returning steeply downhill to the Killhope Burn at Heathery Bridge. Directly before crossing the burn the route turns right for a short distance along the riverbank, then climbs steeply over marshy terrain, to a gate at what I refer to as ‘Hill Top Pond’. Around the pond there’s a relatively easy downhill section to reach the track leading to Low Allers.
Turning off the track at Low Allers, the route crosses a field to rejoin the Killhope Burn on what is virtually the first piece of level terrain since leaving Killhope. After passing Copt Hill Quarry the route then crosses the Killhope Burn via a lofty footbridge at Bridge End Cottage. It’s quite a dramatic spot, where the burn runs across a distinctive geological fault known as the ‘Burtreeford Disturbance’. From the footbridge it’s only a short distance on an access road, alongside the burn, to the finish of Section 1 on Burtreeford Bridge.