Bowes Railway Path - Monkton to Causey Arch - Tyne and Wear to Co Durham 26 Jun 2017

Bowes Railway Path
Monkton to Causey Arch and return
Tyne and Wear to Co Durham
Distance 39km Climb 570m
Monday 26 June 2017

I often walk part of this path, my last recorded walk along the Bowes Railway Path was in December 2016. On that occasion when I reached Tanfield, I turned right looking for the next part of the Pontop to Jarrow railway line.  Today I was going to have another look in another direction for the elusive line from Tanfield to Pontop. 

It was bright and sunny as I walked west through Monkton Village and followed the road round to the left passed The Lord Nelson. 

At the end of the road I turned right onto the start of the footpath, along the disused railway line, the Bowes Railway Path. There was no navigation needed on today's walk, it was just a case of following the path. 

After walking under a bridge, Campbell Park Road, the path passes behind a new housing estate on the left. Cross Monkton Lane and onto an area which is part of The Great North Forest. Where a number of factory units now stand on the site of the old Monkton Coke Works. Walk under Mill Lane road bridge into an open area with fields on both sides. 

On my last recorded walk along Bowes Railway Path in December, I was in time to see a stunning sun rise over the fields to my left. Today I had missed the sunrise by about 4 hours. 

A narrow footbridge over the metro line, with more open countryside to my right and left, it was very peaceful walking along here.

After approx 1.5km there is a bridge as the path crosses over another old railway line. On my right there are allotments, then the Wardley Welfare Ground, before the path starts moving between some houses. I was now on the edge of Wardley. The line crosses the road continuing under the A184. 

Passing between a couple of housing estates. Unlike most railway lines this is starting to climb gently. At the top the path crosses the A195. The path drops slightly before starting to climb a little steeper. At the top, the path crosses the B1288 shown on the map as a Roman Road. 

Crossing the road I continued up the path. It was a lot more overgrown than on my last walk. At the track to The Leam I had a quick look left, south east to see Penshaw Monument and Cleadon Hills.  

The path is a lot steeper here as it continues to climb with high hedges either side up to the Bowes Railway Museum (140m). There were very few gaps in the hedges to see the open fields on both sides. Approaching the Museum fence, I noticed patches of broom appearing among the trees and bushes on the side of the path. Today I could only see a little of the coal trucks behind the fence due to the vegetation. I did not stop today. 

This was where on a previous walk, I had learnt of the Pontop to Jarrow railway line. 

Crossing the road and turning left, the road leads into Springwell, I took the first footpath on my right leading up to Eighton Banks. Young oak trees lined the route.

The path turns left before twisting a little here then a small drop down onto an old railway line. Turn left again and follow this to Eighton Banks. After a few hundred meters the path runs along beside some track.

Cross the track and follow the line into Eighton Banks. I continued along the path, passing the Mount Community Centre and took the path down to the left. This way leads down to The Ship Public House.

I crossed the road and the old level crossing and sat on a rock on a patch of cleared ground. Where I had a short rest with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoyed the view looking west. 

After walking down this patch of ground looking for the path, it came out into a closed off field. I decided to return back up to the road and walked round the level crossing onto the old train line. Although overgrown, I could see where a number of people, possible local dog walkers, had walked down these tracks and so I followed their route down hill.

The track lead me over rails and sleepers to a metal bridge. Over the bridge the track joined a proper path near Dunkirk Farm, I was now back onto the Bowes Railway Path. 

The Bowes Railway Path continued down hill, hedges give way to high hedges, overgrown with nettles and blackberry bushes. High hedges gave way to steep walls as the path crosses under the A1. Pictures of high hedges on this part of the walk look very similar to pictures of high hedges on other parts of the walk.

This part was spoilt in parts by selfish people not removing their dog waste, just leaving the bags of poo lying around.  

Moving further down hill the views open up a little over hedgerows. Passing a small housing estate on the left, the path then drops to pass under the main Newcastle to London railway line. 

After the railway bridge there is a small bridge over the River Team and I was in area called the Lamesley Reedbeds (10m). 

The path continued west and starting to climb. I passed Kibblesworth on my right. Through the trees I could see a couple of sports fields on my right. With high hedges to my left, I knew from my previous walk open fields lay beyond the hedges. Along here after a small rise there was an old railway sculpture made from old railway line, instead of walking through it I walked around this time.  

After crossing a farm road the line turns a little further north west, along here you will see sculptures as the line crosses roads on it way up hill. The fields on the left look like peas.

High hedges soon covered any view. 

The ground levels near a carved seat. I had a look at the view from the seat, due to the vegetation it was obscured a little. 

It was along here I noticed that the vegetation on the side of the path was changing. Instead of hawthorn hedges with bushes and nettles, it was now gorse bushes with ferns and an occasional large thistle. After just over a km there is another road to cross and the ground starts to level off a little.

Crossing another road beside a couple of houses, Birkhead Cottages, the path starts to level off. 

The last time I walked here I missed the fairy houses and only spotted them on my walk back. Today I made a point of looking out for them.

After the area of the fairy houses it is only a few hundred meters further on that the path chances into a concrete road by Burdon Moor. This leads directly to the Tanfield Railway (170m).

Crossing the A6076, last time I turned right to look for the railway line towards Pontop. Today I decided I would continue west, straight over the bridge that crossed over the Tanfield Railway line. Looking down the line left I could see Andrews House, looking up the line right I could see Marley Hill.

As I walked up the path I saw signs for the Engine Sheds on my right.

I continued straight ahead, following the path as it headed slightly down hill I could see Pontop Pike in the distance so felt I was heading the right way. After awhile the path turns into an overgrown grass track.

At a gate there was a sign showing Causey Arch was down to my left. Moving through the gate I decided to follow the grass track right to see if this was the old Pontop to Jarrow line. After scarring a number of grouse and walking around a field of wheat I concurred after a km, that any track I was following was taking me in the wrong direction. So I decided that I would move back to the gate and follow the sign down to Causey Arch.

On the track to Causey Arch it turned down hill and crossed a stream before leaving the field. Through the gate onto a narrow road I turned right and then left back onto a foot path with signs to Causey Arch. The path through the woods took me back and forth across the River Team a few times before crossing one last time below the Arch.

After taking a few photos at the bottom of the Arch I followed the footpath up to the top. At the top I met a couple of lads who had walked from Sunniside. At the far side there was a wooden truck, one of the lads said it was a replica of an original wooden truck used back in the day.

I had my lunch in the area of Causey Arch station. It was very peaceful here.

After my cheese sandwiches and a couple of cups of hot chocolate it was time to head back. On my way I took a couple of photos from the top of the Arch. Another interesting place, to bring Our Callum and Declan.

I followed my same route out as on my way in, except for the wandering about the wheat fields. Leaving the overgrown grass track and on reaching the tarmac track, just below the bank leading to the Tanfield Line I saw this little chap leading me up the road.

From the Tanfield Line it was over the A6076 and follow the path passed the fairy houses, it was then down hill. Masses of foxgloves stood either side of the path. A little further down, in places where there was gaps in the hedges there were clear views down the valley. 

Moving further down there were places where I could see the height and gradient of the old railway line.


Just outside Kibblesworth I could hear the sound of leather on willow, I could not see them due to the trees and bushes but I could hear a cricket match was being played on the Kibblesworth Recreation Ground. A little down the track, bindweed was wrapped around large parts of the hedges.

The path levels a little as it crosses a fast narrow road before moving into the Lamesley Reedbeds. Cherry trees line the path. Once over the River Team it is a short step to walk under the Newcastle to London railway bridges. 

The path starts to climb now, I could see The Angel over a low part of the hedge up to my left.

It was climb all the way up passed Dunkirk Farm, I took the footpath to the right up over the narrow metal bridge and through the overgrown grass following the local dog walks trails. Passed an old railway building, a lot of these building are still standing in the area. Behind this one I could see the wheel that would have been used to pull up the coal trucks, or lower them down.

On reaching the level crossing, I crossed the road and continued up towards The Mount Community Centre.

A left turn and follow the path to the Museum. Cross the road and following the fence along the footpath, I continued to follow the metal fence around behind the Museum to climb the bank just to look at the magnificent views over the area. On clear days you can see the sea and many local landmarks.

After my brief stop to enjoy the views I returned to the footpath and it was all down hill back to Hebburn and a piece of local art.

It is now only a short walk down the track and back to Monkton Village. 

It had been a good day, the weather had stayed fine although at times I thought I saw dark rain clouds appear and start to follow me home.  I had needed a walk, a fairly decent distance, I had covered nearly 39km with a 570m climb. Good, that will do for now.

I still had not found the part of the Pontop to Jarrow railway line that runs from Pontop to Tanfield. Perhaps next time?

More to follow

Boz North

Details correct at time of walking.

If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done in Tyne and Wear/Co Durham or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

Weardale Way Day 3 - Finchale Priory to Shincliffe - Co Durham 6 June 2017

Weardale Way - Day 3
Finchale Priory to Shincliffe and return
Co Durham
Distance 28.5km Climb 201m
Tuesday 6 June 2017

I had walked from Worm Hill to Finchale Priory in March, the second part of my 124 km Weardale Way shown on the LDWA website. Today was my third day and I was going to walk a little further.

I parked the car in a lay-by on Cocken Road, North of Finchale Priory and took the steep steps down to the river.

It was a little overcast and the forecast was for rain. At the bottom of the steps it was a short walk right to the bridge that took me over the River Wear.

Through the grounds of Finchale Priory a road to my left leads up to the caravan site. I continued through the grounds looking for a sign that I was on the Weardale Way. As I have found in my previous walks, signs are rare and it is only looking on the LDWA site I had an idea which direction I was going to walk in. I did not want to use a map it was all part of the adventure.

Once through the grounds I left the private road of Finchale Priory and followed the public road as it twisted lazily south west. A sharp left turn by Priory Cottage and I was heading south. Far across the fields to my left I could see the spire of the church at West Rainton. The showers were becoming more persistent but for the moment were still only showers.

Reaching a road junction where HM Prison Frankland was directly to my front a sign showed the Way was a right turn, west. After a couple of hundred meters another sign led me south again between the prison and Low Newton Remand Centre. After a short walk through a car park the path becomes a footpath with hedges that hide the high walls to my left, moving south, then turning south east. Another sharp right turn, south west as the Way passes Dovecote Farm Boarding Kennels and Cattery. It was pleasant walking along here, the rain had stopped, briefly.        

As the track started to drop slightly down hill, I saw a soggy looking pheasant in the field to my left.

A little further and the field on my right was full of cows, crows and pheasants. Broom was growing on the left of the track and sheep were baaing in the field to my left looking wet and miserable.

At the bottom of the bank a Way sign took me slightly left, south, through Frankland Farm. As I turned up the track to the right, I had my first view of Durham Cathedral. This is where the signs differ slightly to the LDWA website route. The signs take you around the building on a footpath while the map keeps you on the tarmac road. Nothing major as they both join up a little later down the slope.  A sharp right turn behind the building then after a few meters a sharp left turn onto another tarmac road heads down hill. Walking down here I could see and hear the main Edinburgh to London rail line heading into and out of Durham to my right. To my left it was the traffic on the busy A690, I could hear and see, heading into and out of Durham.

Walking down the road I caught a glimpse of the River Wear just before I re-joined the road I had left at Frankland Farm. This was my first glimpse of the River Wear since crossing it at Finchale Priory. The road then continues between crop fields and passes what smells like a water treatment works before turning sharp right onto a wider road. This is Frankland Lane, and follows the river into Durham City. Passing Crook Hall on its way.

I continued by the river passing the Radisson Blu Hotel on my right and a footbridge over the river on my left.

A couple of cormorants were warming their wings during a brief break in the showers.

Approaching Milburngate Bridge I could see a lot of work was under way developing the area to my right, which had once been the old passport office.

The LDWA website shows the Weardale Way crosses the river at Framwelgate Bridge. I decided to continue on the west side of the river and take the picture below. This view of the Cathedral is similar to a picture my Mam had of the Cathedral hanging on a wall at our house when I was a child. Minus the scaffolding and covering on the tower.

I crossed at Prebends Bridge dropping down to the Count's House as the river starts to turn north east. A sign shows the Count's House was a folly. It was lovely and pleasant along here although a little damp.

I saw a number of rowing sculls some with four and a cox others with only two, as they were working out up and down the river. I thought Tuesday must be their training day. It was much later on my walk I saw a sign showing that it was the Durham Regatta this coming weekend.

From north east the river turns north under Elvet Bridge and the footpath follows.

The river then turns east and the footpath follows. There are signs that part of the footpath is closed but not knowing exactly where this was I continued on this side passed Baths Bridge. More rowing sculls came down the river. Eventually I came to the part of the path that was closed and it was on my side, so I turned back and crossed at Baths Bridge. Just as the showers turned into a heavy downpour of rain.

I was now on the south side of the river with the cricket ground to my right and saw a sign for the Weardale Way. The LDWA website has the route on the north side, perhaps it had changed due to the closed footpath on the north side.

Passing the bandstand to my left, people where running for shelter. I could see why the footpath on the north side had been closed. Repair work was taking place on the far side, it looked like there had been a large landslip.

Passed the Rowing Club I took a path below Maiden Castle Wood and was directed by a Weardale Way sign towards this bridge. No further signs indicated whether I should cross or stay on this side. I crossed and followed the path beside the river on my right and rugby fields to my left, turning south east and south. The rain had eased slightly.

It did not matter which path I had taken as both paths ended up at Shincliffe Bridge.

There were no Weardale Way signs on the east side so I crossed to the west side to see if I could find any signs there, no. Walking a little by the river I found I was on the Houghall Discovery Trail. I walked a few hundred meters on and I was not happy that I was on the right route, so I turned around and returned to the bridge.

Walking over the bridge I could see a path by the river but no sign. I continued passed the pub and saw a footpath sign by Low Road. Again I was not sure but thought I would follow the sign to see where it would lead. I walked along the road passed the garden centre towards Shincliffe Hall. Where I finally saw confirmation from a Weardale Way sign that I was once again on the right route.  

It would soon be time to stop and turn round. The path was nice and the trees gave me some protection against the rain, I could hear heavy rain hitting the leaf canopy above my head. After a few hundred meters I was once again by the River Wear. A short walk along by the river then I stopped for my sandwiches and a cup of hot chocolate.  

After my break I decided to head back, I had stopped approx. 1 km south west from Shincliffe Hall.

On my return, when I reached Shincliffe Hall instead of continuing along the road I saw a path north along the edge of a field that led me to the river, I was looking for Weardale Way signs, there was none.  

The path took me along the flood bank. I had seen a notice board on the Houghall Discovery Trail which told me 14th century monks built some of the flood bank in this area to protect the plain, perhaps this was one of them?

The path led back to Shincliffe Bridge and the pub car park. I crossed to the west side and followed the footpath by the river on the opposite side to the way I had come, again looking for the Weardale Way signs, again I saw none.

Passing below Maiden Castle Wood I saw more rowers. It was as I passed the Rowing Club I saw a banner advising Durham Regatta was on this weekend. I hope they have better weather than today. I was near the bandstand when the rain became heavier.

I crossed Baths Bridge.

Instead of crossing at Prebends Bridge after Count's Corner I continued on what was now the east side of the river heading north.

Crossing at Framwelgate Bridge, returning to the river down some steps. I continued out of Durham City on the same route I had walked in on. The rain was not stopping, it may have eased a little in the shelter of the trees but much of this part of the walk was in the open.  Passed open wheat fields where even the poppies looked battered.

Turning up the footpath to Frankland Farm, the road looks like a river.

Passed the field where the sheep looked even more fed up and soggy. Again here I had a little shelter from the rain due to the trees that lined the path as I headed towards Dovecot Farm Boarding Kennels and Cattery.

Back between the high walls and fences of the prison and remand centre.

Through the car park and turning right at the road. Then left towards Finchale Priory.

Along a wet damp road, that twisted and turned slightly, finally dropping down to Finchale Priory.  Pass the Priory to cross the bridge.

On the other side it only remained to climb the steep steps back to the lay-by and the car.

Although wet I had enjoyed my walk. Especially as I pulled on a dry top and had a warm cup of hot chocolate sitting in my car to finish with.

I had covered 28.5 km with 201m climb.

More to follow

Boz North

Details correct at time of walking.

If you have enjoyed reading my walk or found it useful you may also like to read other walks I have done on The Weardale Way or other areas. Please check out the links on the right hand side.

Follow link to previous walk on Weardale Way Worm Hill to Finchale Priory. 

Follow link to next walk on Weardale Way Shincliffe to Willington