Cowshill (Burtreeford Bridge) to Westgate
| 19th April 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 2 of the Weardale Way (Cowshill to Westgate) 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.
Burtreeford Bridge (Start)
If the large gate directly off the lane from Burtreeford Bridge (‘Mellon Isle’) is closed, it needs to be pushed DOWNWARDS to retract the bolt. This may change in time but it’s worth noting for now.
Waterside Farm
Approaching Waterside Farm at West Blackdene the trail has been re-routed left around the edge of the field and along the riverbank – to pass further away from the working area of the farm. It then returns to the access track.
Island House
Not that it makes a jot of difference but – just for information – I recently found out that the unnamed farm ‘N’ (in the guide book) is ‘Island House’. It won’t improve the walk but it’s the sort of thing that matters to me for some reason.
Conclusion
Apart from a slight adjustment to the route around Waterside Farm, this section remains as published in the guide book. Specific Weardale Way way-marking for this section has been improved, making it more extensive and predictable than it’s ever been. Nevertheless, a GPS file from The Durham Cow should help with navigation. Other infrastructure – stiles, gates and steps – seems to be in a decent state of repair but all require care to cross.
That’s it for Section 2. 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 2 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.