Wolsingham to Witton-le-Wear
| 6th May 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 7 of the Weardale Way (Wolsingham to Witton-le-Wear) 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.
Harperley Park Footbridge
A 1300-metre section of public footpath used by the Weardale Way between Harperley Hall and Wadley Farm has been closed since 30th June 2023. This is due to the removal of Harperley Park Footbridge which crossed the steep-sided, woodland beck at Harperley Dean and was damaged extensively by falling trees. The ‘temporary’ diversion – featured in an earlier post here – will shortly have been in place for two years and, by the look of things, there appears to be little chance of it being rescinded anytime soon.
The diversion (map and associated images are in our Google Gallery linked below) adds about a mile to this section and requires a short walk on a good footpath alongside the busy A68. The advantage however, is that there’s a decent pub (Duke of York) close to the trail in the village of Fir Tree (the Fir Tree Country Hotel is a bit further away). I’ve updated the GPS file with the diversion which, if the original route’s ever restored, we’ll probably keep for the sake of the hospitality offered at Fir Tree.
Conclusion
Apart from the issue with the footbridge, this section remains as published in the guide book. As is the case on most, if not all, of the sections, vegetation growth and management has had varying degrees of impact. Specific Weardale Way way-marking appears to degrade somewhat on this section, or seems to be showing its age at least. What there is is functional but needs maintenance. A GPS file from The Durham Cow will definitely help with navigation. There’s a fair bit of infrastructure (stiles, gates and steps) on this section – some of it’s good, some of it’s not so good. Take care when using it as it might be less stable than it looks.
That’s it for Section 7. 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 7 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.