Hesleden to Crimdon - Durham Round Trail

Start: The route picks up from the last section on the Hart to Haswell Walkway. This is located at the end of East Terrace, a short walk from the bus stop outside Hesleden School. The postcode of 1 East Terrace close to the starting point is TS27 4PR.

(S) From East Terrace, turn right onto the Hart to Haswell cycle route in a south-easterly direction and follow this for approximately 2 km where you will see a stile to Hesleden Hall to your right.

(1) Stay on the cycle path for a approximately 2.4 km until you reach the footbridge across the railway lines.

(2) Cross the bridge and follow the railway tracks nortwest for a short time before following the path which bends sharply to the right between the field boundaries until you reach the start of the dunes.

Alternative Route: To avoid the steps and bridge, continue 100m to the notice boards at the end of the Hart to Haswell Walkway, bear right along Hartville Road until you reach the main A1086 Coast Road (Easington Road), turn right and follow this road, you will cross back over the cycle path and Crimdon Beck to the entrance to Crimdon Park on your right. Either follow the access road straight to the Dunes cafe or take the path through Crimdon Dene to your right. Please note this is extremely steep but is well worth the detour and continue at (4).

(3) Continue to follow the path north then take the northeast path at the fork to cross over Crimdon Beck (4), continue up the slope.

Alternative Route: To explore the Dene, take the left-hand path and explore the Dene, when you reach the viaduct, return the way you came.

(5) At the bird hide and Little Tern sculpture, you may take the boardwalk path to the beach, return via either this path or one of the others to the Durham Coast Path. Continue following the path through the first car park to the second car park and the Dunes Cafe (E).

Transport: There is parking in Hesleden on Front Street or in the residential streets near to the start of the walk. There is also ample parking at Crimdon Dene, (Crimdon Beach, TS27 4BL), note parking charges have just been introduced here. Getting back to the start will require a bus along the Coast Road (Arriva 23 or 24) to Blackhall Rocks Post Office and then the 206 Peterlee Purples to Hesleden (not on service on Sundays).

Facilities: These are located in the Dunes cafe at Crimdon Dene.

Accessibility: The walk is on relatively flat cycle paths and footpaths except for a footbridge with steps. An alternative route has been given to make the walk accessible.

Accommodation: The closest hotel is Hardwick Hall Manor Hotel, Blackhall Colliery.

• Crimdon Dene Beach was once a well-loved holiday resort and there are still holiday parks around this area. Its wide sandy beach is a good place for a brisk walk and dunes are a breeding ground for terns.
• Crimdon Dene itself is a deep valley which has a multi-arched railway viaduct passing over the top, well worth exploring.