Stanhope to White Kirkley
| 23rd April 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 5 of the Weardale Way (Stanhope to White Kirkley) 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 can quickly degrade timber infrastructure causing impromptu and, possibly, persisting issues with regard to access and/or navigation. Your experience may be different to mine; if it is, help others, including me, by leaving your insights in the comments.
White Kirkley Footbridge
Since September 2024 the footbridge (pictured above) over the Bollihope Burn in Fine Burn Quarry, White Kirkley has been assessed as unsafe by Durham County Council and is barred to walkers. This is a big blow to the Weardale Way ‘experience’ for this section and, although work was to have been completed in March 2025, none has yet started. With no further information available it’s impossible to know when the bridge will be reopened. Alternative routes are available, which we’ve documented and incorporated into the GPS file for the section.
We offer 3 route options, the third of which is the ‘normal’ route using the ford adjacent to the bridge. When water levels are low, as they often are, the burn is easily fordable particularly when wearing waterproofed boots and possibly gaiters. In wet or wintry conditions, or during heavy downpours, it can run much faster and deeper during which times fording couldn’t be advised and would be uncomfortable at the very least.
Conclusion
Apart from the situation with White Kirkley footbridge, this section remains as published in the guide book. In general, we feel that 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 will undoubtedly 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 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 5 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.