Weardale Way - Willington to Sunderland Bridge

(S) From the Jubilee Park car park join the Weardale Way footpath which is clearly signposted and walk underneath the New Jubilee Bridge. There are multiple tracks here so you will need to check they are still going in the right direction, stick as close to the riverbank as you can.

(1) When you arrive at Lowfield farm carry on straight ahead along the Wear river, the path will become a farm track, continue to follow this past the farm. There are a number of gates here so ensure you leave them as you find them.

(2) Continue following the track until you reach Page Bank Car Park. Cross the road and rejoin the footpath on the other side of the road.

(3) Continue following the path along the Wear river which hugs the riverbank crossing the bridge over Brancepeth Beck.

(4) Passing Scripton Lane parking area, cross the stile and continue walking along the riverbank.

(5) After crossing Holywell Beck bear left and walk up to the track. Maps note a kissing gate here, but none at the next junction if you walk along the riverside track a little further. This path will take you under Croxdale viaduct. Carry on straight ahead along the river.

(6) When you reach Sunderland Bridge turn left and then right at the road junction with Browney Lane.

(7) Cross the roundabout to the Honest Lawyer (E).

Transport: Park at the Jubilee Park Car Park. To return to Willington Park, take the Arriva 6 or 7 bus from the Honest Lawyer into Durham and then the X46 to Willington Park. You will need to walk down through the park back to the car park.
Facilities: There are no public toilets or cafes on the route. Refreshments can be taken in Durham before catching the bus back to Willington. Whitworth Hall and Deer Park is currently closed for refurbishment and should reopen in summer 2022 however as this is a wedding venue it is unclear as to whether there will be a cafe/restaurant open here so check before you go.
Accessibility: This route has dirt footpaths, stiles and gates and is therefore not accessible.

• Willington Park/Jubilee Nature Area
• Whitworth Hall Park, from Page Bank car park (2) cross the river and walk down Stanner's Lane to Whitworth Church, Whitworth Hall Hotel and Deer Park. After your visit retrace your steps back to the bridge and rejoin the Weardale Way.
• Croxdale Viaduct
• Sunderland Bridge