The Way of Light - Heavenfield to Durham

Step by step walk

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S

   Heavenfield to Hexham - Way of Light

   7.59 km 54 m 224 m

   The 1st stage of this trail is a beautiful walk in Northumberland. It starts at the small church of St Oswald near Hadrian's Wall and crosses open countryside, passes through the village of Acomb before winding its way through Hexham to Hexham Abbey. There is so much to learn about the history of Northumbria along this walk.

   See walk sheet
2. 2

   Hexham to Dukesfield Mill - Way of Light

   7.61 km 218 m 134 m

   The 2nd section of the walk leaves busy Hexham and follows the Devil's Water across open countryside to Dukesfield Arches.

   See walk sheet
3. 3

   Dukesfield Arches to Blanchland

   11.75 km 271 m 164 m

   The 3rd section of the walk continues through Northumberland finishing on the border with County Durham. Start the walk by viewing the Dukesfield Arches, then continue to follow the Devil's Water to Slaley Forest. After visiting a quarry, continue to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty before finishing the walk in the pretty village of Blanchland.

   See walk sheet
4. 4

   Blanchland to Edmundbyers - Way of Light

   8.07 km 191 m 178 m

   The 4th section of the Way of Light passes through the North Pennines Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty, crossing from Northumberland into County Durham. The walk starts in the pretty village of Blanchland, crosses wild moorland sharing the route with a section of the Lead Mining Trail and finishes in the equally pretty village of Edmundbyers.

   See walk sheet
5. 5

   Edmundbyers to Castleside - Way of Light

   8.75 km 136 m 162 m

   The 5th section of the walk continues through villages in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty starting in Edmundbyers, passing through Muggleswick and finishing in Castleside on the edge of Consett. This section is about taking in the landscapes, open farmland and gentle woodland.

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6. 6

   Castleside to Lanchester - Way of Light

   10.55 km 46 m 156 m

   This section of the Way of Light from rural Castleside to the pretty village of Lanchester passes through some of the rolling hilly landscapes of County Durham. The route first passes over the impressive Hownsgill Viaduct then follows the Lanchester Valley Path through farmland.

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7. 7

   Lanchester to Ushaw College - Way of Light

   9.96 km 113 m 54 m

   This 7th section of the Way of Light begins in the village of Lanchester and crosses farmland, passes nature reserves, the villages of Quebec and Esh Winning and finishes at the entrance to the impressive Ushaw College. This walk is across rolling green fields and passes many farms. It could also be called the walk of the many stiles, gates and cattle grids.

   See walk sheet
8. E

   Ushaw College to Durham Cathedral - Way of Light

   9.47 km 50 m 164 m

   The final section of the Way of Light walk starts in the tranquil setting of Ushaw College, once a seminary, but now a visitor attraction. Before leaving, ensure you check out the chapels which include elements designed by Augustus Pugin. The walk will pass through some of the villages surrounding the city before ascending to Durham Cathedral.

   See walk sheet