Bishop Auckland - Escomb - Bishop Auckland

Jude Paterson

You need to log in as a member of Walkingworld to access the details for this walk and have an active subscription. Please join, or log in above if you are already a member.

The walk begins by the banks of the River Wear, close to the marketplace in Bishop Auckland, then takes you along the banks of the river towards the small village of Escomb. Close to the beginning of the walk you will pass under a giant Victorian viaduct which was originally built to carry a railway line. After passing behind the rugby club, the path turns up the hill to Broken Bank, where it winds through the thorny bushes. This section of the walk can be quite muddy and slippy. Back down at the river's edge the path leads onto the village of Escomb, where there is a small Saxon church. It is worth taking the time to visit the church before continuing. The return route takes you further up the hill towards Etherley Dene, before descending back to Broken Bank, where the walk follows a similar route to earlier, back to the car park.

England - North England - Durham - Wear Valley

Features

Birds, Church, Flowers, Pub, River, Wildlife

8/22/2023 - Jan Drinkel

Attempted this walk today but could not get past point 7. What remains of the path there was impassable for us as it was a steep, slippery decline. We went instead to point 15, over the railway and onto Escomb (actually the return route). Nevertheless it was a lovely walk and the Saxon Church is well worth a visit. Our dogs enjoyed it!!

7/17/2020 - Tonya Marston

Walked on an overcast but warm day. Saw bullfinches and lots of orchids in the woods near the river. The Saxon church is wonderful sadly closed because of COVID. We will definitely go back. Walk instructions good. Could start the walk at Waymark 4 - (there is parking there) as the section through the car park (3-4) is the least interesting section.

4/25/2013 - ROSE JACK

Walked this yesterday and as usual my little Jack Russell was easily lifted over or pushed underneath stiles, of which there are quite a few. He had river banks, fields and woods to enjoy. 3 rating only because of sodden land which he struggled gamely through.

4/25/2013 - ROSE JACK

Completed this walk yesterday and because of the different terrains it was very interesting. The walk was a challenge in so far as the rains had washed soil down exposed tree roots. A resident called the land 'boggy'. Mud was up to the top of hiking boots in some parts and trying to find ways to go round the swamps made a 5.14 mile walk which took 2hrs 43mins to complete but it was great fun. 4 rating because of mud.

3/10/2012 - Jan Holtham

Completed this walk last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Saxon Church is an absolute unmissable gem. We spent the best part of an hour wondering in and around it and then passed the key to a group of passing ramblers, who equally enjoyed it (as they told us in the Saxon Inn, which overlooks the church, afterwards). We had no problems with any of the directions at all and did not have to make any detours.

11/24/2005 - jack gibson

On reaching waymark 10 the bridleway has been diverted and unfortunately the sign has gone. Go left through the metal gate just past the houses and follow the path round behind the houses. Turn right when you meet a footpath coming in from the left. Eventually you will see the bridleway sign. Turn right here and you're back on the correct route. Apart from this an excellent little walk.