Station Town to Hesleden - Durham Round Trail

The 32nd section of the walk connects with the Castle Eden Walkway and the Hart to Haswell Walkway. A short section passes through the village of Station Town before descending to Hope Heads Dene. There are many denes along the Durham coast, these are steepsided valleys, usually with a stream at the bottom. After passing through the village of Castle Eden, the route then follows a well-made cycle path. An alternative, accessible route, has been given in the description.

Technical sheet

n°31839701
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 5.05 km
  • ◔
    Calculated time: 1h 30 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: No
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 6 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 38 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 138 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 100 m
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Description

(S) From the boom gate on the Castle Eden Walkway, turn right (east) and walk along Bridge Terrace and then Ellerburne Terrace. Follow the road around to the right and then cross it and follow the road around to the left. Pass the cemetery on your left and continue past the bungalows and Rose Cottages on your left.

Alternative Route: An accessible route follows the Castle Eden Walkway until it joins with the Hart to Haswell Walkway. From Bridge Terrace cross the road and walk down through the housing estate. At the end of the road continue straight ahead on the public footpath until this joins the main Castle Eden Walkway again. Turn right onto the walkway. Follow this north until you cross a stream and then bear right. After the bend, you will see a path to your right. If this is too narrow or steep, continue on the Castle Eden Walkway until it meets the Hart to Haswell Walkway and double back the way you came. Continue on the Hart to Haswell Walkway until you reach (4).

(1) Note the white Rodridge Farm on the right and then at the next bungalow on the left, turn left down the track (north). Watch out for farm traffic and delivery vans who seem to frequently use this as shortcut. At the end of the track continue straight ahead through the gate.

(2) Follow the path around the fishing pond in an easterly direction. Then turn northeast following the edge of the trees. The path will then turn north through Heads Hope Dene then turns northeast to the A19.

(3) Cross the A19 with extreme care, it is a very busy road. Cross the field in an easterly direction until you reach the road. Turn right and then left after the Castle Eden Inn into St James' Fields. As you round the bend you should see a footpath in front of you running behind a wall and fence. This will bring you to the Hart to Haswell Walkway.

(4) Turn right onto the Hart to Haswell Walkway (east) and continue for 1km.

(5) Take care on the section past the old spoil heap as heavy vehicles may be crossing the walkway, continue straight ahead until you reach the benches at East Terrace (E).

To continue the trail, go straight ahead. To return to the start of the walk, walk up East Terrace to the bus stop.

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 132 m - Bridge Terrace, Station Town
  2. 1 : km 0.82 - alt. 137 m - Rodridge Farm/Two Bungalows
  3. 2 : km 1.62 - alt. 122 m - Fishing Pond
  4. 3 : km 2.58 - alt. 113 m - Heads Hope Dene/A19
  5. 4 : km 3.16 - alt. 114 m - Hart to Haswell Walkway
  6. 5 : km 4.63 - alt. 107 m - Old Spoil Heap
  7. E : km 5.05 - alt. 100 m - Benches at East Terrace

Practical information

Transport: You can park on the road near Bridge Terrace. To return to the start of the walk, take the 209 Peterlee Purples bus from Church Street in Hesleden (outside the school) to either Millbank Terrace or Heaton Terrace in Station Town.

Facilities: There are no facilities at the start of the walk, however you will pass the Castle Eden Inn on the walk. There are shops and takeaways in Wingate.

Accessibility: This route is not accessible and requires the crossing of a very busy road. An alternative accessible route has been given.

Accommodation: The Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel is close to Hesleden. The Railway Crossings Pub in Wingate also has rooms.

In the nearby area

  • Explore Heads Hope Dene
  • If following the alternative route, check out Wellfield Lake which you will pass on your left. You will also see wooden sculptures along the way.
  • Castle Eden Dene - you can take a detour to see Castle Eden Village or head to Castle Eden Dene at (4).

Reviews and comments

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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.