The Way of Love - Hartlepool to Durham
This is one of the Northern Saints' Trails and follows a route from Hartlepool through the former mining communities of County Durham linking the Historic St Hilda's Church on Hartlepool Headland to Durham Cathedral. This route is largely rural and showcases some beautiful parts of County Durham.
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 48.46 km -
Calculated time: 3 days -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Return to departure point: No -
Vertical gain: + 418 m -
Vertical drop: - 363 m -
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Highest point: 178 m -
Lowest point: 1 m
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District: Headland -
Start: N 54.695271° / W 1.182191° -
End: N 54.773737° / W 1.576968° -
Step by step walk
This walk needs several days, find the details below:
Useful Information
Transport: There are many buses which connect Hartlepool and Durham, the Arriva 22 and 57/58 services may prove useful.
Accommodation: There is little in the way of accommodation along the route so you may choose a base in either Durham or Hartlepool and catch the bus to start and end of sections each day. Accommodation options in Hartlepool include both the Premier Inn and Travelodge on the Marina. Along the way options include the Hardwicke Hall Manor near Hesleden, Starshinezzz and Abigail's Cottage at Trimdon Grange and the Three Horse Shoes at Running Waters. There are several hotels in Durham including the Radisson Blu, Hotel Indigo, Town House, Premier Inn and Travelodge.
Terrain: The terrain is very varied but includes town walking, open fields and cycle paths. This walk enables the beauty of the Durham countryside to be fully enjoyed. Parts of this walk are exposed so it is important to dress appropriately.
Facilities: There are no facilities for most of the sections on this walk so do stop at any cafe you pass along the way.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
More details about things to do and see are detailed in each section of the walk, however highlights include:
- Hartlepool Historic Headland and St Hilda's Church.
- Look out for remnants of the mining history of the area. You will be passing through many former mining villages on the route.
- Old Durham Gardens
- Palace Green Attractions in Durham
- Crook Hall, Durham - this was recently taken over by the National Trust after being closed for some time.
Other walks in the area
St Hilda's Church to Hart Station, Way of Love
Walker 7.57 km
+42 m
-21 m
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Headland (Hartlepool)
The Way of Love is one of the Northern Saints' Trails and begins at the historic church of St Hilda's on Hartlepool Headland and finishes at Durham Cathedral. This first stage follows the England Coast Path/Durham Heritage Coast from Hartlepool Headland to the outskirts of Hart Station providing history and stunning views across the North Sea.
England Coast Path - Hartlepool Headland to Seaton Carew
Walker 8.12 km
+5 m
-10 m
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Headland (Hartlepool)
This section of the England Coast Path is a varied section, starting on the historic headland, it then follows main roads through modern developments to the marina and on to the seafront at Seaton Carew. The route passes some of the highlights of Hartlepool which are well worth slight diversions.
Hartlepool Headland Loop
Walker 4.83 km
+11 m
-11 m
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Headland (Hartlepool)
This walk follows the promenade around the historic Hartlepool Headland including St Hilda's Church and the Heugh Gun Battery. Perfect for a stroll on a sunny day. Look out for information boards with the infamous Hartlepool Monkey.
Hartlepool Marina Circular
Walker 
3.80 km
+8 m
-8 m
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Hartlepool
This short accessible walk begins in the historic Church Square and encircles the marina passing the famous Hartlepool monkey statue, new developments and some of the historic buildings in the area.
Hartlepool Town Walk
Walker 5.53 km
+23 m
-23 m
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Hartlepool
This accessible town walk around Hartlepool Town Centre takes in two parks and passes the busy Middleton Grange Shopping Centre giving plenty of opportunity to stop for coffee or just enjoy the parks.
England Coast Path - Seaton Carew to Teesmouth (Circular Walk)
Walker 5.79 km
+6 m
-6 m
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Hartlepool
This walk starts at the Clock Tower in Seaton Carew and follows a rural path around Seaton Snook. It follows the Hartlepool Borough Council suggested walk Seaton Snook Stroll, but if combined with other sections of the England Coast Path continue West at (5)
Hart Station to Hesleden, Way of Love
Walker 7.68 km
+114 m
-36 m
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Hartlepool
The Way of Love is one of the Northern Saints' Trails and begins at the historic church of St Hilda's on Hartlepool Headland and finishes at Durham Cathedral. This second section of the walk covers a couple of villages as well as farmland and woodland crossing Crimdon Beck and Bellows Burn.
England Coast Path - Crimdon to Hartlepool Headland
Walker 7.64 km
+13 m
-40 m
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Monk Hesleden (County Durham)
This section of the England Coast Path begins at the popular holiday park at Crimdon and follows a more urban route to the historic Hartlepool Headland finishing at the old town walls.
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.