Deptford to Roker
| 3rd May 2025 | This general update for walkers concerns current access and navigation on Section 14 of the Weardale Way (Deptford to Roker) 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.
Riverside Sunderland Development
The 32-hectare Riverside Sunderland Development – much of which has been constructed on the former Vaux Brewery site on the edge of the commercial centre – is the latest project to affect that part of Sunderland through which the Weardale Way passes. It’s impossible to say whether these extensive works will be the last to affect the route. Since 2023 the riverside footpath, which passed quietly under the Wearmouth bridges to Pann’s Bank, has been closed (though it could reopen as a feature of the development of Riverside Park/Galley’s Gill). If it does then it will also pass under the New Wear Footbridge which will link the developments north and south of the River Wear from Summer 2025. For now though, there’s no choice other than to walk around and through the works as they’re completed.
Public Art
There’s never been a shortage of public art on this section of the route but I was delighted to find that, in addition to his Gan Canny installation in nearby Keel Square, there are a couple of oversized works from the increasingly prolific local sculptor, Ray Lonsdale, on the riverside, near the university campus. Together with other new installations, often referencing the shipyards that once dominated this part of the River Wear, means that there’s a lot to look at to the extent that it’s getting to be hard work!
National Glass Centre
The National Glass Centre which, since 1998, has been an important feature of the riverside trail at Monkwearmouth, is set to close in 2026.
Conclusion
The first half of this section, before crossing the River Wear, is very different to that published in the guide book after which it’s business as usual. Don’t look for Weardale Way way-marking as there’s never been any. The route generally follows the C2C cycle route though I prefer to use the steps off the Wearmouth Bridge to descend to the riverside on the north side of the river. A GPS file from The Durham Cow will undoubtedly help with navigation.
That’s it (so far) for Section 14. We hope this helps but watch this space! 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 14 taken on the day(s) of the update in our Google Gallery.