9.8 miles.
Explorer Map 305, - "Bishop Auckland"
The highlight of this walk is Bellburn Wood, which in
early May is carpetted with Bluebells and wild Garlic.
Although we started the walk from Byers Green, there are at least two
alternative start points, - the Jubilee Bridge park at Todhills (NZ208344),
or a small car park at the Batts in Bishop Auckland (NZ210304).
The route is mostly straightforward to follow, though there is one turning
where it is possible to make a mistake.
In wet weather, and following wet weather, the footpaths can be very
muddy indeed.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 4 of Memory Map)
Start from opposite the Church in Byers Green (NZ2252933721).
Follow the road NW out of Byers Green and continue along it to Todhills.
At the road junction turn right to follow the road down Whinney Bank
to the Jubilee Bridge. (CARE, - no footpath, and traffic ascending and
descending the bank).
From the Jubilee Bridge, follow the Weardale Way that runs West on the
North bank of the River Wear. Continue along the Weardale Way past Furness
Mill Farm to the pub on Station Road beside the old railway track bed.
At this point, the Ordnance Survey shows the Weardale way continuing
East along a track. TAKE CARE to follow the CORRECT TRACK. One track,
just a few yards North of the proper track takes you to Private Property
where you are clearly not welcome. The Weardale Way itself is shown
by a footpath sign.
Continue along the Weardale Way to cross the River Wear in Bishop Auckland
by the Newton Cap Bridge (NZ2049330302).
From the South bank of the River Wear, now head East along the grassy
bank, to join the minor road just before Jock's Bridge. Continue along
the minor road to meet the footpath on your right at NZ2132931061.
Continue along the footpath to a stile at NZ2110131727, then follow
the footpath to Bellburn Wood (NZ2105332024).
After entering the wood, follow the footpath in an Easterly direction
through the woodland to exit by the old railway line (NZ2255631656).
Follow the railway line North to the footpath back to Byers Green that
can be found close to Old Park Terrace (NZ2298733345).