Weardale Way Update (Section 7)
Harperley Park Footbridge
| 4th September 2023 | I’ve been advised by Durham County Council’s Access & Rights of Way team that the footbridge over the beck in Harperley Dean (pictured) approaching Wadley Farm, has been closed temporarily due to its condition. A signed diversion using other public rights of way and a short section of the A68 is in place which will require a couple of extra kilometres walking. The closure is until the end of 2023 though earlier opening will be advised.
View the map (pdf download)
April 5, 2025 @ 6:20 pm
The footbridge has not been replaced. There are no signs saying that there is a diversion. There is no information on the county website either. I was forced to clamber down the bank, negotiate the profusion of fallen trees, then cross the foot thick mud floor (I fell over at this point), and then crawl my way up the other side. If the beck had been full, this would have been impossible. There will be more and more walkers coming across what could be an impenetrable obstacle on one of County Durham’s key walks.
April 8, 2025 @ 10:13 am
Thanks for sharing that feedback Mark. All the best