Bishop Auckland to Page Bank
| 5th May 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 9 of the Weardale Way (Bishop Auckland to Page Bank) 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.
Kynren
The only change of any note on this section of the Weardale Way is where it passes the Kynren 11-Arches event site. Here, the trail – which crosses the entrance to the site – has been given a wide, well maintained gravel surface, cosmetically integrated with the rest of the site. Make sure you stay on the trail alongside the wire fence rather than being distracted up the service roads (maybe this will be way-marked in the future).
Conclusion
Apart from superficial differences relating to vegetation and infrastructure (stiles and gates), this section remains as published in the guide book. Specific Weardale Way way-marking hasn’t seen much maintenance and could be improved but can still be followed easily enough. A GPS file from The Durham Cow, will undoubtedly help with navigation. While there aren’t as many stiles (or gates) on this section as there are on others, it’s always worth taking care when crossing them.
That’s it for Section 9 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 9 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.