South Hylton to New Herrington - Way of Learning

Start : South Hylton Metro Station (SR4 0RR) Grid ref. NZ 355 567

(S) Leave the South Hylton Metro Station via the car park onto Hylton Bank. Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing and pick up the path directly in front of you by the crossing (South-West). Continue under the A19.

(1) Once through the underpass, continue on the same bearing following the bridlepath sign for Penshaw.

(2) After around 900m, turn left (South-East) at Railway Crossing Cottage. When you reach the small village of Offerton, turn right onto Offerton Lane. At the junction continue straight ahead in the direction of Penshaw Monument which you will see up ahead.

(3) At the point where the road bends to the right, cross the stile straight in front of you and continue heading towards Penshaw Monument. The path will bend South-Eastwards running along the end of Dawson's Plantation to the base of Penshaw Hill.

(4) Follow the path straight up to Penshaw Monument.

(5) After you have visited the monument, turn left (South-Esat) at the edge of the monument and descend the hill South-Eastwards via the steps towards the roundabout. Cross the roundabout and follow the road into Herrington Country Park and turn left (South-East) through the first gate before the car park.

(6) Follow the bridle path until it bends to the left, turn right and continue South-Eastwards. At the end of the path, go through the gate and turn left onto the access road to the car park. Walk through the car park and around the end of the boating lake, the pond will be on your left and the lake on your right. At the far side of the lake, turn right and follow the path along the southern shore. The path will then turn South.

(7) At the track junction, turn left, the path goes South-East then turns South. Leave the park via the gate and then turn left (southeast) onto the road. Continue along the road into McLaren Way then turn right at the triangular grass area past The Stables and onto Herrington Road (E).

Start : South Hylton Metro Station (SR4 0RR) Grid ref. NZ 355 567

Transport: There is parking at South Hylton Metro Station, however as you will need to catch the bus back via Sunderland Interchange it may be better to park in Sunderland City Centre. To reach the start of the walk take the metro from Sunderland Park Lane Interchange or Sunderland Central Station. Buses 35 Cherry and 35A Cherry both go to Sunderland Interchange. Bus 39B stops outside Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens from where it is a short walk to the central station.

Facilities: There are many shops, cafes and restaurants in Sunderland. There are public toilets at Park Lane Interchange, The Bridges Shopping Centre and at the station and Museum and Winter Gardens. The Penshaw Tea Rooms are at the base of Penshaw Hill. There are also toilets at the entrance to Herrington Country Park.

Accessibility: This route is not wholly accessible, it initially follows a cycle route but then the route becomes a dirt path, climbing a steep hill and descending down many steps. To avoid the hill, (after (2)) turn right into Offerton Lane and then turn left walking to Chester Road (A183). Cross the road with care, and turn right walking towards Penshaw arriving at the base of Penshaw Hill. You can then pick up the route again at the roundabout.

Accommodation: The closest accommodation is in Sunderland City Centre which is connected by bus to the end of the route.

• Penshaw Monument - An iconic local landmark which provides views across the area.