Low Coniscliffe to Croft-on-Tees - Durham Round Trail

Start: Tees Cottage Pumping Station, Low Coniscliffe, Darlington, DL3 8TF. Parking at the Broken Scar Picnic Area.

(S) From the Tees Cottage Pumping Station on Coniscliffe Road, take the footpath next to the Victorian Pumping Station south to the River Tees, (there is a direct footpath from the Broken Scar Picnic Area and Car Park). The path will turn southeast following the banks of the River Tees. Look out for the Cascade Sculpture along the way.

(1) After 900m the path turns left to follow the edge of a field cutting off the bend in the river. Continue eastwards until you reach the river bank again after a further 500 m. Continue to follow the banks of the River Tees for a further 1 km until you reach the treeline where the river turns south. Shortly after entering the trees, the path will turn southeast to reach Blackwell.

(2) Turn right onto Blackwell and follow the road south until you reach the junction with Bridge Road. Turn right and follow Bridge Road westwards crossing over the River Tees. There are beautiful views here both up and down the river.

(3) At the roundabout, take the first exit and follow the road into Stapleton.

(4) Turn left at the Bridge Inn into Strawgate Lane. Follow this south until you reach the last house on your left, take the track which runs along the side of this house. At the end of the track go through the gate to your right and cross the field diagonally to the kissing gate at the far side.

(5) Exit onto Straw Gate and turn left following the road southeast. Please use caution as this is a narrow road without a footpath. After passing a large farm on your right, continue straight ahead along the track passing the solitary farm building.

(6) The track will turn south, here follow the path along the treeline in a southeast direction keeping the trees to your left and the field to your right. Continue until you see buildings on your right and a gate ahead.

(7) Go through the gate and turn left following the track crossing Clow Beck. To your left is the historic Clow Beck Packhorse Bridge. Continue southeast along the track with the buildings on your right until you reach Croft-on-Tees. Continue along South Parade until you reach The Croft Hotel (E).

Transport: There is a car park at Broken Scar Picnic Area near the start of the walk. Arriva service X75 (Darlington to Barnard Castle) stops near the start of the walk. Take any bus from Croft-on-Tees (6, 6A, 6B) to Darlington town centre and then the X75 to return to the start. It is also possible to park or catch the train to Darlington and take the bus to the start of the walk.

Facilities: You can find refreshments at the Bridge Inn in Stapleton and the Croft Hotel in Croft-on-Tees (opening times vary).

Accessibility: Much of this walk is along dirt paths which can be indistinct at times of the year and can be muddy after heavy rain. Parts of the walk pass near to the river so be mindful when there has been heavy rain as the river may burst its banks. This walk therefore is not classed as accessible to all.

Accommodation: The Croft Hotel in Croft-on-Tees does food and rooms. Rockcliffe Hall and Blackwell Grange are options. There are many accommodation options in Darlington.

• Broken Scar Weir and Picnic Area at Low Coniscliffe
• Tees Cottage Pumping Station at Low Coniscliffe is open on specific dates, so do check before you go.
• Tees Cottage Miniture Railway
• Clow Beck Packhorse Bridge (7)