Piercebridge to Low Coniscliffe - Durham Round Trail

Start: Piercebridge Bridge on the north bank of the River Tees on the B6275.

(S) Take the footpath next to the last house next to the bridge, this is signposted Teesdale Way/Public Footpath. Follow this path along the northern bank of the River Tees ignoring any joining footpaths to your left. The path bears left away from the river and crosses Piercebridge Beck. Continue to follow the path towards the A67.

(1) Cross the road with care and turn right following the A67 into High Conniscliffe, continue following the road along The Green, look for a seating area on your right.

(2) Go through the gate next to the seating area signposted Teesdale Way and walk southwest down through the field to the riverbank. The footpath turns south. Continue to follow this path, it will turn east. Continue to follow the river crossing Ulnaby Beck (3) after which you will cross open fields with a good view of the river to your right.

(4) After the path turns south you will cross a track with a concrete ramp which leads to a ford across the river to your right. Continue south still following the Teesdale Way along the banks of the River Tees. The path will turn west towards a loop in the river.

(5) When you reach the treeline turn left and follow the edge of the trees then turn left again along the banks of the river with the field to your left and the trees to your right. You will pass underneath the A1(M) motorway to emerge onto Wood Lane where there is a small car park.

(6) Keep right following the path through the trees, still keeping the River Tees to your right.

(7) The path will turn left away from the river onto Well Bank. At the end of the road, turn right onto Gate Lane. At the bend in the road, go through the wide gate onto the track to your right. Follow this track through the new housing development to the main road.

(8) Opposite is the Baydale Beck Inn. Turn right crossing the Baydale Bridge over Baydale Beck into Coniscliffe Road. Continue to follow Coniscliffe Road east until you reach the Tees Cottage Pumping Station (E).

Transport: There is a car park near the Roman Bridge in Piercebridge and at Broken Scar Picnic Area near the end of the walk. Arriva service X75 (Darlington to Barnard Castle) joins the start and end points of the walk. It is also possible to park or catch the train to Darlington and take the bus to the start of the walk.

Facilities: There are no facilities along the route although you may find refreshments at the Fox Hole or The George in Piercebridge and the Baydale Beck Inn in Low Coniscliffe (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 George in Piercebridge does food and rooms. There are many accommodation options in Darlington.

• Piercebridge Roman Fort and Roman Bridge open any reasonable daylight hours.
• 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