Great North Forest Vigo to Lumley Castle

(S) From the Wheatsheaf Inn, cross the road and walk under the bridge. Take the access ramp to your left up to the cycle path. At the top, turn right and follow the cycle path in a northeasterly direction. This will pass under the A1(M) and then Pictree Lane and enter Vigo Wood.

(1) When you reach a path junction, turn left down the slope to Rickleton Way and cross the road in to Coquet. Take the road to your left and pick up the footpath between the houses (southeast). At the end of the path, turn right continuing to walk between the two rows of houses. The end of this path passes through the small shopping centre.

(2) When you emerge from Rickleton Shops, cross the road by The Woodlands and continue straight on in a southeasterly direction through Rickleton Park. Keep right and then take the right footpath at the back of Rickleton Primary School. This path will emerge on Danby Close, turn left.

(3) At the junction of Danby Close and Bonemill Lane, turn right and walk to the end of the road. You will pass one of the entrances to Lambton Castle.

(4) At the junction of Bonemill Lane and Pictree Lane, turn left and walk through the pretty village of Picktree. Continue until you reach the main A1(M) Blind Lane Interchange, keep left and continue up Chester Road (A183). You will see a bridge and gateway to the Lambton Estate to your left. Cross the main road bridge over the Wear and continue up Newbridge Bank

(5) As you near the top of the bank, you will see a gate in the wall to your left. This is a public right of way to Lambton Estate but is seasonal and may be closed. Details of permissable paths across the estate can be found below. If you choose to explore Lambton Park, then return to this entrance to continue the walk. To continue the walk cross the road and go through the gateway to Lumley Lodge signposted public footpath and follow High Drive down and under the A1(M) (southwest).

(6) The path enters some woodland, either cross the bridge over Lumley Park Burn in front of you then turn left along the access road to Lumley Castle (E) or turn left and continue walking through the woods around the back of the castle.

(7) At the second bridge, bear right and cross the bridge, taking the track straight ahead which doubles back bringing you out at the rear of Lumley Castle (E).

Transport: There is no parking at the Wheatsheaf, the best suggestion is to park at Chester-le-Street Riverside Park (Ropery Lane North Car Park) and take bus 21 Angel from Chester-le-Street town centre to the Wheatsheaf.

Facilities: The Wheatsheaf is at the start of the walk. There are shops in Rickleton and opposite the shops is the Woodlands. There is a restaurant at Lumley Castle and a cafe/toilets in Riverside Park. There are public toilets, cafes and takeaways in Chester-le-Street town centre.

Accessibility: This walk is on cycle paths, paved footpaths for most of the way and will be accessible. Be aware that there are some steep hills.

Accommodation: There are a number of hotels on Crowther Road, Washington, a short walk from (1) which will be a good base for a number of the sections of this walk. More upmarket is Lumley Castle itself. The Lambton Worm boutique hotel is just down the street from the Wheatsheaf.

• Lambton Park Estate - there are a number of permissable paths with seasonal access.
• Riverside Park - public park and gardens.