Parkhead Station to Rookhope - Durham Round Trail

Start : Parkhead Station (DL13 2ES) Grid ref. NZ 002 431

(S) From Parkhead Station, walk West along the access road to the B6278 (300 m or so). Turn right (North) onto the road and walk for about 50 m until you see the cycle path sign to your left. Cross the road and pick up the cycle route again. Follow the footpath North-West. The footpath here is a dirt track across the moors and can be muddy. Ensure you watch out for cyclists as you may have to step aside for them.

(1) After approximately 800 m you will reach a track junction. There are sweeping views down the valley here. Continue to follow the path on the North-West bearing. After 700 m the track will bend to the West following the countour of the slope.

(2) After 600 m you will reach a gravel track. After crossing the gravel track the path turns North-West again. Continue for 1.4 Km.

(3) At the next track junction the path turns West and after 1.6 Km will then turn to the left in a Southerly direction. Continue for approximately 1.2 Km.

(4) On your right will be the remnants of the Bolt's Law Winding Station and cottages. This is the highest point on the walk. After exploring continue South-West, downhill towards Rookhope ignoring the tracks to the left and right. After 800 m, as you near the village, you will notice agricultural fields to your right.

(5) At the C2C cycle route marker bear right and continue to walk down hill towards the village of Rookhope. At the bottom of this track you will see the newsagents, Rookhope Inn and bus stop (E).

Start : Parkhead Station (DL13 2ES) Grid ref. NZ 002 431

Transport: There is parking at both Rookhope and Parkhead Station. You will however need to take a taxi between the 2 points. Bus 102 runs several times a day between Stanhope and Rookhope, but there is no public transport to Parkhead Station.

Facilities: Parkhead Station provides both a cafe and accommodation at the start of the walk. There are public toilets and the Rookhope Inn at the end of the walk. There are no facilities along the way. The walk is also very exposed so suitable clothing needs to be worn.

Accessibility: There are large parts of this walk which are across moorland with a poorly defined cycle path which needs to be shared. This can be very wet and muddy in bad weather. The final gradient is also very steep down a gravel track.

Accommodation: There is accommodation at Parkhead Station and the Barrington Bunkhouse in Rookhope. There are other accommodation options in nearby Stanhope and Westgate.

• Enjoy the stunning views across the Pennines.
• Visit Bolt's Law Winding Station ruins at the side of the trail.