Westgate to Rookhope
| 21st April 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 3 of the Weardale Way (Westgate to Rookhope) 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.
Heights Pasture/Weather Hill
Although nothing has changed on the highest, most exposed part of the route over the shoulder of Weather Hill, way-marking has been improved by the addition of a couple of well placed way-marker posts. They could still be missed in poor weather but provide reassurance when used in conjunction with our GPS file or a good old OS map.
Rookhope
Sadly, the Rookhope Inn which, for years, offered a warm, welcoming refuge to walkers, remains closed for the foreseeable future. Nevertheless, this pleasant village – mentioned by the poet W H Auden in his 1940 poem ‘New Year Letter’ – still manages to boast a small post-office/shop (open: Mon-Sat 09.00-11.30, Wed 09.00-10.00), a community centre and a bunkhouse while a business centre is due to open in summer 2025 possibly offering refreshments to C2C, Pennine Journey and WW travellers. For now though, when the weather’s decent, there’s some attractive seating near the pub, where you can eat a packed lunch close to well-serviced public toilets. For when the weather’s not so good there’s a covered bus-shelter with seating (bus timetable). Unfortunately, I still have to recommend that, in bad weather, it might be a better option to head directly for Eastgate (Section 4) where you’ll find the Cross Keys Inn close to a bus-stop for the service linked earlier.
Conclusion
Apart from the continued absence of the Rookhope Inn and a slightly new look to the industrial site at Bolt’s Burn this section remains as published in the guide book. We feel that some effort has been made 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 will definitely help with navigation – particularly for this section.
I don’t mind betting that this section incorporates the most infrastructure – stiles, gates and steps – anywhere on the Weardale Way with much of it being in need of maintenance, repair or replacement. Take care when using it, particularly crossing points in stone walls, which can be slippery.
That’s it for Section 3. 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 3 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.