The Grey Panthers

Outdoor Leisure Map No 308 - Durham and Sunderland

On a sunny day in Autumn, much of this walk would be spectacular as you pass through woodland for much of the way. But even on a dull day, this woodland is highly attractive.
The walk follows clearly marked footpaths and trails and navigation is straightforward.
Some of the sections of footpath on the Great North Forest Trail involve some steep descents / ascents on steps, which can be slippery in wet weather.
Crossing the A19 South Hylton Viaduct is the least pleasant part of the walk, but does afford a good view down to the River Wear.

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory Map)

Some new mapping software is now available which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers web site, - just use QUO!!

Start from the car park for the Washington Waterfowl Centre (NZ330 561).
The Great North Forest Trail heading East is clearly signposted from the car park.
Follow the track and footpath all the way to the South Hylton viaduct.
Cross under the viaduct and take the steps up to the A19 road that runs across the viaduct. There is a pavement for pedestrians.
Descend to South Hylton at the other end of the viaduct (here there is a clear exit pathway).
Head Southwards down the lane, towards the park (CARE : traffic. The occasional vehicle uses this lane).
Where the lane meets the old railway trackbed, turn right and follow the trackbed for almost 2.5 miles. At this point, you come to a road bridge that crosses the track. There are some steps up to this bridge.
Turn right and follow the lane past Low Lambton Farm and then under the old railway line.
A short distance ahead is a footpath that takes you down to the River Wear.
Turn right at the river and walk to Cox Green.
Cross the River Wear by the pedestrian footbridge.
Take the Great North Forest Trail footpath on the right, past the cottage.
Do not turn left where the cycleway leaves the trail, but bear right and follow the footpath back to the Waterfowl Centre car park.