Great North Forest Washington WWT to Hylton Castle

This section of the walk follows the banks of the Wear then climbs up into the suburbs of Sunderland finishing at Hylton Castle. The Shipwrights is the only reminder here of shipbuilding in Hylton and Ferryboat Lane, the only reminder that there was once a ferry here.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Great North Forest Path

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.91 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 1h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 33 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 20 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 37 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 8 m
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Description de la randonnée

(S) As you leave the car park towards Barmston Lane, take the cycle path on your right (east).

(1) As you reach the end of the Washinton Wetlands Trust, the cycle path turns north, the riverside path you are following continues in a northeasterly direction over a footbridge. This path will continue northeast for a short distance, then turn east and then northeast again when it reaches the riverbank. Follow this path along the banks of the Wear. You will eventually pass underneath the A19.

Alternatively, continue to follow the cycle path (route 7) which is a better path. This goes north to the A1231 and then turns south along the side of the A19 before turning northeast to go under the A19 and will eventually meet up with the path again at the Shipwrights on Ferryboat Lane.

(2) From the Shipwrights, follow Ferryboat Lane uphill, keeping left, to the roundabout on Wessington Way (A1018). Cross the roundabout and continue along Ferryboat Lane.

(3) You will pass the Citroen dealership on your left, continue across the roundabout on Ferryboat Lane. On your right you will see the first house with a garage, there is a righthand turn here through a staggered gate onto a path. Follow this path along the back of the houses onto Tilesheds (open area). You will then reach a tarmac path, continue straight ahead, the path turns north here.

(4) Cross Hylton Dene Burn via the footbridge then turn right immediately and follow the path along the edge of the burn.

(5) The path will exit onto Craigavon Road, turn left and continue to follow the road until you reach Hylton Castle
(E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 20 m - Washington Wetlands Trust Car Park
  2. 1 : km 0.6 - alt. 26 m - Track Junction/Footbridge
  3. 2 : km 3.2 - alt. 9 m - The Shipwrights, Ferryboat Lane
  4. 3 : km 4.2 - alt. 30 m - Citroen Dealership
  5. 4 : km 4.99 - alt. 25 m - Footbridge
  6. 5 : km 5.64 - alt. 24 m - Craigavon Road
  7. E : km 5.91 - alt. 37 m - Hylton Castle

Practical information

Transport: There is parking at the Washington Wetlands Trust. There is also parking next to Hylton Park Dene just off Craigavon Road next to Hylton Castle. To return to the WWT, walk back down Craigavon Road to the mini-roundabout then turn right into Grange Road. Take bus 8 Country Ranger towards Stanley getting off at Pattinson Road/Mandarin Way then walking back down Barmston Lane to the car park.

Facilities: There is a cafe and toilets at the Washington Wetlands Trust, you will pass the Shipwrights on the way. There is a takeaway cafe on some days at Hylton Castle, but do check before you go.

Accessibility: This walk can be made accessible, you should follow the cycle route alternative above. Then at (3) you can either follow the route above which has some dirt paths or turn right at the roundabout following Ringway/Grange Road, then turn left at the mini roundabout into Hylton Castle Road/Craigavon Road arriving at Hylton Castle which is accessible. Do be aware that the hill from the Shipwrights to the roundabout is long and steep.

Accommodation: The Shipwrights and Premier Inn are both located on Ferryboat Lane near Hylton Castle.

In the nearby area

Other walks in the area

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