The Way of Learning - Jarrow to Durham

This hike is one of the Northern Saints' Trails starting at the monastery site and church of St Paul in Jarrow, famous for St Bede, following the Bede's Way and then passing the University of Sunderland, the twin church of St Peter, Penshaw Monument, before continuing to Chester-le-Street, the ruined Finchale Priory and finishing at Durham Cathedral.

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   Jarrow to Boldon - Way of Learning

   4.38 mi 135 ft 102 ft

   The Way of Learning is one of the Northern Saint's Trails and connects several historic centres of learning across the North East. This 1rst section begins at the historic St Paul's Church, the site of the monastery where St Bede lived and studied. The first part of the Way of Learning follows the same route as Bede's Way so look for either marker on the way.

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2. 2

   Boldon to Whitburn - Way of Learning

   5.24 mi 174 ft 223 ft

   The 2nd stage of the Way of Learning passes through villages and farmland before reaching the coast at Whitburn. The main landmark on this journey is Cleadon Windmill. This sits at the highest point of the Cleadon Hills and provides views across the countryside and North Sea.

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3. 3

   Whitburn to Wearmouth Bridge - Way of Learning

   4.03 mi 164 ft 138 ft

   This is the 3rd section of the Way of Learning. From Whitburn, the route follows the coastline passing beaches, arcades, cafes, lighthouses, a park and pier before turning to follow the north bank of the River Wear past the National Glass Museum and St Peter's Church before finishing at the iconic Wearmouth Bridge.

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4. 4

   Wearmouth Bridge to South Hylton - Way of Learning

   4.08 mi 233 ft 144 ft

   This 4th stretch of the Way of Learning follows the north bank of the River Wear taking in the industrial and commercial areas of Sunderland. The highlight of the walk are the 3 impressive bridges across the River Wear. The walk starts at the Wearmouth Bridge, passes the Queen Alexandra Bridge and then crosses the new Northern Spire Bridge. Along the way, look out for remnants of Sunderland's mining and shipbuilding past.

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5. 5

   South Hylton to New Herrington - Way of Learning

   3.78 mi 338 ft 217 ft

   This is the 5th section of the Way of Learning. From the busy housing estates of South Hylton, the route passes under the A19 and into open countryside and small villages. The route climbs Penshaw Hill to Penshaw Monument for spectacular views of the surrounding area before descending to Herrington Country Park finishing in the village of New Herrington.

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6. 6

   New Herrington to Houghton-Le-Spring - Way of Learning

   2.80 mi 213 ft 240 ft

   This 6th section of Way of Learning begins in the village of New Herrington and crosses farmland to reach the village of Newbottle. Continuing through the village, the route then crosses more fields before arriving at the top of Houghton Cut, from Houghton Hill there are views across Houghton-le-Spring and beyond. The route then drops down to Houghton-le-Spring where the walk ends in the town centre at St Michael's Church.

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7. 7

   Houghton-le-Spring to Bournmoor - Way of Learning

   3.28 mi 49 ft 138 ft

   Leaving St Michael's and All Angels' Church behind, the route heads through a park, past housing developments into open countryside before returning to villages ending at the Floater's Mill pub.

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8. 8

   Bournmoor to Chester-Le-Street - Way of Learning

   3.66 mi 75 ft 138 ft

   This 8th section of the Way of Learning follows the meandering route of Lumley Park Burn from Bournmoor to the River Wear at Chester-le-Street. The majority of the walk is through woodland, Lumley Park Wood, circles Lumley Castle finishing at the church of St Mary and St Cuthbert in Chester-le-Street centre.

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9. 9

   Chester-le-Street to Finchale Priory - Way of Learning

   4.20 mi 197 ft 167 ft

   This is the 9th section of the Way of Learning. Beginning in Chester-le-Street, the walk begins in the urban town centre, then retraces the route back to Riverside Park with a walk along the banks of the Wear. Passing by Lumley Castle again, the walk continues on the opposite bank of the river before climbing up through farmland to the village of Great Lumley. Leaving the village the route continues along country lanes before descending through woodland to Finchael Priory.

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10. E

    Finchale Priory to Durham Cathedral - Way of Learning

    4.20 mi 220 ft 98 ft

    The final 10th section of the Way of Learning leaves the tranquil Finchale Priory the heads towards Durham City Centre passing HMP Frankland, Brasside Ponds and following the River Wear once more before ending at Durham Cathedral.

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