New Coundon - Auckland Park - Gurney Valley - Howlish - Kirk Merrington - Westerton - New Coundon

Alan Anderson

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New Coundon - Auckland Park - Gurney Valley - Howlish - Windlestone Grange - Kirk Merrington - Westerton - New Coundon

A combination of valley- and ridge-walking through the undulating hills in the south of County Durham, the route comprises a mix of railway paths, roads, lanes and fields with outstanding panoramic views from the highest points of the walk.

The walk starts with a little railway path-walking, followed by a section on roads with good pavements to enter the little-known Dene Valley. The route then takes to the lanes and fields through the shallow valley to cross the A689 and start the climb up to the medieval Kirk Merrington along surfaced lanes and through fields. The route stays on the high ridge as it passes from Kirk Merrington to Westerton, travelling through fields and along a quiet surfaced road that provides great panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The final lap descends steeply from elevated Westerton through fields to emerge onto the A688 for a final short walk back to New Coundon.

England - North England - Durham - Countryside