5.4 miles

Explorer Map 308 - Durham & Sunderland

The walk described is a relatively short one, though it is a simple matter to extend the walk by following a number of riverside footpaths.
There is a fairly stiff climb up to Penshaw Monument at the beginning of the walk. Although there are other ascents and descents, none are too demanding.
The route is basically very easy to follow, and suitable for all seasons. The woodland beside the river, and adjacent to Penshaw Monument, is a delight for a Summer / Autumn visit.

A map of the route followed has been plotted on the Ordinance Survey mapping website, By selecting the ink below you will be taken to this map, - complete with distances and heights marked on the route.

OS Link

The route shown is on a standard map. To view the route on an Ordinance Survey map, select the icon in the lower right of the screen. If the route is displayed on a 1:50 OS map, zoom in to see the details on a 1:25 OS map.
There is also the option to view the route in a satellite image.

Start from the roadside parking area beneath Penshaw Monument, just off the A183 road (NZ3357654290).
Climb up to the Penshaw Monument for a superb view of the surrounding area.
Take the footpath down from the Monument that heads in a Westerly direction.
Where this meets a broad track, head along this track until you come to a minor road.
Here turn right and after a short distance take the signposted footpath that follows a field boundary in a North Westerly direction. Half way along the footpath changes from the hedge line being on your right, to being on your left.
Cross over the Cox Green road and then turn left along the old railway track bed.
Follow this track bed until you come to a road bridge that crosses the track. Take the path up to the roadway on this bridge, and turn right.
After a short distance, a footpath is indicated on your left. Follow this footpath to the River Wear.
Turn left at the river and continue into Fatfield.
Cross the river by the road bridge in Fatfield. Turn left to visit the War Memorial.
Retrace your steps to the road bridge and cross the road.
Now take the road beside the River Wear on the North bank. Just past the Victoria viaduct continue on the footpath to Cox Green.
Cross the river on the footbridge, then turn left to follow the footpath beside the River Wear.
At the point where the footpath emerges from the woodland beside the river, there is a footpath that takes you in a South Easterly direction to Dawson's Farm.
Continue in this South Easterly direction, along the road and then footpath, to Dawson's Plantation.
On entering the woodland here, there is a clear track that returns you to Penshaw Monument.