The Way of Life - Gainford to Durham

Step by step walk

This walk needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   Gainford to Ingleton - The Way of Life

   5.57 km 68 m 26 m

   The start of this walk begins at the historic St Mary's Church on the banks of the River Tees in Gainford and passes through farmland and pretty villages finishing in Ingleton.

   See walk sheet
2. 2

   Ingleton to West Auckland, The Way of Life

   6.71 km 38 m 50 m

   This section of the walk crosses farmland and follows country lanes starting in the village of Ingleton and finishing in West Auckland with its numerous interesting and historic buildings.

   See walk sheet
3. 3

   West Auckland to Escomb, The Way of Life

   7.85 km 63 m 91 m

   The final section of the Gainford to Escomb section of The Way of Life continues across farmland and through small villages finishing at the ancient church in Escomb. A section of this walk follows the Etherley Incline, the route of the first passenger railway in the world. The last part of the walk shares a route with the Weardale Way.

   See walk sheet
4. 4

   Escomb to Bishop Auckland, The Way of Life

   3.72 km 40 m 32 m

   This short walk from Escomb to Bishop Auckland follows the River Wear. It affords a great view of the Newton Cap Viaduct and allows plenty of time to explore Bishop Auckland.

   See walk sheet
5. 5

   Bishop Auckland to Binchester, The Way of Life

   6.58 km 110 m 69 m

   This section of The Way of Life is relatively short to enable you to fully explore Bishop Auckland Castle Park and Binchester Roman Fort, a short diversion from the path.

   See walk sheet
6. 6

   Binchester to Whitworth, The Way of Life

   4.54 km 12 m 37 m

   This shorter section allows follows the Auckland Way for a time before crossing farmland to Whitworth Hall and Deer Park.

   See walk sheet
7. 7

   Whitworth to Sunderland Bridge, The Way of Life

   6.58 km 1 m 68 m

   This section of the walk begins at Whitworth Hall Country Park with its deer, crosses farmland before passing through the pretty village of Tudhoe and then joins the Weardale Way for a short section before reaching the outskirts of Durham City.

   See walk sheet
8. E

   Sunderland Bridge to Durham Cathedral - The Way of Life

   6.70 km 117 m 96 m

   This walk largely follows the River Browney and then the River Wear passing through managed woodland around the outskirts of Durham City before passing the university and St Oswald's Church before rejoining the banks of the River Wear finishing with a walk along the South Bailey to Durham Cathedral.

   See walk sheet