Killhope to Cowshill (Burtreeford Bridge)
| 19th April 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 1 of the Weardale Way (Killhope to Cowshill) with particular regard to where it differs from what might be published elsewhere on this site or in our Weardale Way Pocket Guide.
Local conditions and heavy use quickly degrade infrastructure – particularly timber – causing impromptu and possibly persisting access and/or navigation issues. The chances of the trail changing in some way – short and long-term – is even more likely in urban areas. If your experience is different to what we’ve published here, you can help by leaving your insights in the comments.
Killhope Museum Start
Firstly, Killhope Lead Mining Museum is CLOSED for the foreseeable future while large-scale restoration works take place. However, there’s a small amount of parking available off road in front of the barrier across the Killhope Burn. Be aware that, if the barrier is open, DO NOT PARK ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BURN! The barrier is routinely locked, making it difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve your vehicle.
The most obvious change compared to that shown in our Weardale Way Pocket Guide is the extent of forestry operations. The first mile or so, from the car park at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, was once sheltered amongst conifers – now the entire section is without cover of any kind.
Cowhorse Hush
Stiles around the top of Cowhorse Hush have been improved/repaired making access better than it had been for several years. The first stile (hiding amongst the reeds) crosses the fence a few metres before the more obvious second stile. Both are way-marked.
In the book I advise following the steep fence line directly down to the reservoir. Now, however, the way-marked trail bears right diagonally downhill, before turning sharp left to come back along the fence following the way-marks.
Low Allers
Everything else is the same as far as Low Allers where the route has been – maybe temporarily – adjusted. Instead of going directly through the gate at the end of the terrace, you stay on the access road, rounding the corner to a large, metal gate on the right, just before the bridge. It’s not way-marked but is easy to open. There’s no indication of a diversion travelling west-to-east (as we were) but if you’re coming from the opposite direction you’ll see a notice in the field, instructing you to use the gate rather than pass close to the increasingly dilapidated building that was on the original trail.
Copt Hill Quarry
After passing Copt Hill Quarry the way-marked route crosses the Killhope Burn via the footbridge in front of Bridge End Cottage. There’s also an alternative footpath that doesn’t cross the burn and goes direct to Burtreeford Bridge.
Conclusion
A fair degree of effort and expense has been invested in improving WW way-marking for this section making it more extensive and predictable than it’s ever been. While there’s still room for improvement, a GPS file from The Durham Cow should help with navigation. Infrastructure – stiles, way-markers and other features – seems to be in a decent state of repair but still require care to cross.
That’s it for Section 1. We hope this helps. If you have anything to add please feel free to do it in the comments. Happy Walking!
Gallery
View a comprehensive selection of images for Section 1 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.