Along the Great North Road (County Durham)

The Great North Road ran from London in the south to Edinburgh in the north. This was once a coaching route, but in later years this has been replaced by the A1 which sadly bypasses many of the pretty villages and towns along the route. This trail traces the route from Croft-on-Tees in the south on the border of North Yorkshire and County Durham to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. There are still remnants of that bygone age to be seen on this historical journey.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 65.60 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 4 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 450 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 423 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 163 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 7 m

Step by step walk

This walk needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. E

Practical information

Transport: The entire route is well connected and can therefore be done as linear day walks using public transport to return to the start point. Specific bus routes have been noted in the section descriptions. The Tyne and Wear metro can also be used during the final stage.

Facilities: The route passes through a number of different towns and villages with cafes, pubs, restaurants and public toilets. There are a number of seats along the way too for rests.

Accessibility/Terrain: The entire route, with the exception of the first stage from Croft-on-Tees to Snipe Lane/A66 roundabout, is accessible being along paved footpaths of varying width. There are a number of sections with long climbs, although relatively gentle ones, especially the section through Ferryhill and the long climb from Durham to Chester-le-Street. Durham is known for its hills and these can provide beautiful views of the surrounding area.

Accommodation: There are many hotels along the route, many have been here serving the Great North Road for many years.
The Croft, Northallerton Road, Croft-Croft-on-Tees, Darlington, DL2 2ST (Stage 1)
Premier Inn, St Cuthbert's Way, Feethams, Dalrington, DL1 5AD (Stage 1/2)
Harrowgate Hill Lodge, Harrowgate Hill, Darlington DL1 3AD (Stage 2/3)
Holiday Inn A1(M) North, Newton Park, Coatham Mundeville, DL1 3NL (Stage 2/3)
Premier Inn, Ricknall Lane, Great North Road, Newton Aycliffe, DL5 6JG (Stage 3/4)
Croxdale Inn, Front Street, Croxdale, Durham, DH6 5HX (Stage 4/5)
Honest Lawyer, Croxdale Bridge, Durham, DH1 3SP (Stage 4/5)
Premier Inn, Freeman's Place, Walkergate, Durham, DH1 1SW (Stage 5/6)
Radisson Blu, Frankland Road, Durham, DH1 5TA (Stage 5/6)
Travelodge, Great North Road, Chester Moor, Chester-le-Street (Stage 6/7)
Angel View Inn, Low Fell, Gateshead, NE9 7UB (Stage 8) - no hotel near the end of stage 7.
Hilton Hotel, Bottle Bank, Gateshead, NE8, 2AR (Stage 8/9)
Great North Hotel, Great North Road, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE3 2DS (Stage 9)

In the nearby area

Details have been given in the individual sections, however some of the highlights include:
Darlington Market and Clock Tower (Stage 1/2)
Head of Steam/Hopetown Development, North Road, Darlington (Stage 2)
Durham Botanical Gardens and Oriental Museum (Stage 5)
Durham Cathedral, Palace Green and Castle (Stage 5)
Angel of the North (Stage 8)
Grainger Town and Grey's Monument, Laing Art Gallery (Stage 9)


 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.

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