Croft-on Tees to Darlington Along the Great North Road

Starting in the pretty village of Croft-on-Tees, the first section of the walk follows the route of the Great North Road through countryside and into the heart of Darlington, once a busy market town with many street names indicating the history of the town ending at the impressive clock tower above the market hall.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Along the Great North Road (County Durham)

Technical sheet

42588885
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.61 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 22 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 1 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 54 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 31 m

Description

Start The Comet, 16 Tees View, Hurworth Place, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington. (DL2 2DH) Grid ref. NZ 290 098

(S) From The Comet walk North along Tees View (A167) with the River Tees on your left-hand side. The road bears left and crosses the River Skerne. Take care as you will be walking along a wide grass verge.

(1) After 800m you will see a track to your right which leads to a spur of the Teesdale Way. The route continues along the grass verge at the side of the road for a further 2.5 Km passing Nags Head Farm on your left, once the Nags Head Public House arriving at Bland's Corner roundabout.

Alternative Route: Take the path to the right, before you reach the buildings, take the footpath diagonally across the field (North-West), passing the Croft Kettle and Double Kettle (ponds) to your left. The path then turns North-East following the row of trees until you reach a track. Turn left (West) and then after 50m turn right following the hedge North-Eastwards. Cross the track and continue following the path northeast around the golf course. This joins a road heading North past the golf club until you reach Snipe Lane, turn left to Bland's Corner roundabout.

(2) Cross the roundabout continuing to follow Grange Road (A167) towards Darlington for a further 1.8 Km passing Blackwell Grange to your left and South Park to your right.

(3) Keep right at the roundabout passing the Darlington Baptist Church on your right. Cross Victoria Road and continue North-East on Grange Road.

(4) Turn right into Blackwellgate following this northeast wards to Horsemarket. The market hall and clock tower will be directly in front of you (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 32 m - The Comet Public House
  2. 1 : km 0.83 - alt. 31 m - Footpath for Teesdale Way
  3. 2 : km 3.41 - alt. 43 m - Bland's Corner Roundabout
  4. 3 : km 5.17 - alt. 49 m - Grange Road Roundabout
  5. 4 : km 5.42 - alt. 54 m - Blackwellgate
  6. E : km 5.61 - alt. 53 m - Darlington Clock Tower

Practical information

Start The Comet, 16 Tees View, Hurworth Place, Croft-on-Tees, Darlington, (DL2 2DH) Grid ref. NZ 290 098

Transport: There are many car parks in Darlington. Darlington Station is on the East Coast Mainline. The number 6 bus leaves from Darlington Town Hall every 30 minutes and stops at The Comet at the beginning of the walk.

Facilities: Refreshments can be taken at The Comet before beginning the walk. Along the route is Blackwell Grange and there are many options in Darlington town centre. There are public toilets in the market.

Accessibility/Terrain: The majority of the walk along the A167 is on grass verges so care needs to be taken. The alternative route across the fields may be muddy so sensible footwear is needed. The section from Band's Corner Roundabout (2) is along footpaths and is therefore fully accessible.

In the nearby area

  • Look for signs of the Great North Road such as The Comet and Nags Head Farm along the route.
  • Call in at Blackwell Grange for coffee or afternoon tea, between (2) and (3).
  • Explore South Park on the banks of the River Skerne with its ponds, clock tower and fountain (2) and (3).
  • Explore the covered market and narrow yards in the centre of Darlington.

Reviews and comments

Other walks in the area

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of the author.