Chester-le-Street to Mount Pleasant
| 10th May 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 12 of the Weardale Way (Chester-le-Street to Mount Pleasant) 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.
Conclusion
Apart from one or two superficial differences, relating mainly to vegetation growth and management, this section remains as published in the guide book. There appears to be no specific Weardale Way way-marking beyond Lumley Park Wood. Hopefully this will improve but for now, a GPS file from The Durham Cow should keep you on the right track.
There’s very little infrastructure (stiles, gates or steps) on this section, none of which offered any problem (the gate opposite The Floaters Mill pub appeared to be crash-damaged, so badly that you could easily step through it – presumably it will be replaced). As I’ve said elsewhere, always take care when using infrastructure, however it might appear.
That’s it for Section 12. 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 12 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.