West Cornforth – Ferryhill – Thinford – Low Butchers Race – Hett Village – Hett Mill - Tursdale - Cornforth

An interesting walk that connects three medieval villages in this picturesque area in the east of County Durham. A great combination of lane- and field-walking as the route crosses and re-crosses the main East Coast railway line. Sixty years ago, the countryside around here would have been blighted by a number of large coal spoil heaps, reflecting the coalmining history of the area. The landscape today however, indicates a much cleaner and natural look and feel.

The walk starts from West Cornforth and descends into the valley through which runs the main east Coast railway line and is the home of the Ferryhill Carrs Nature Reserve. After crossing the railway line, the route rises steeply at times then to level off as it enters Ferryhill Village. The walk changes direction and heads north from the lofty village down a glorious enclosed lane that reveals great views of the local countryside. Field- and lane-walking takes you to Butchers Race, the site of a medieval massacre, then on to the quaint village of Hett with its huge village green and picturesque duck-pond. From here the route heads east to cross for the second time the east coast railway line at Hett Mill Crossing. Brief riverside walking follows, after which a series of field-walks takes you to Tursdale. The final section of the walk is flat field- and lane-walking as the walk returns to West Cornforth.

England - North England - Durham - Countryside

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Walk id: 8809

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

9.5 Miles

Height gain

193 Metres

Duration

4 Hours 9 Mins

Average rating

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