Wolsingham - White Kirkley - Elephant Trees - Wolsingham
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.
Wolsingham is the gateway to Weardale, the most central of the beautiful Durham Dales. There are numerous walks starting from in and around the town and this one in particular has all the essentials to make it one of the best.
From the marketplace the walk crosses the River Wear on the Weardale Way, then heads west along the valley following the route of the Weardale Heritage Railway Line. The walk then crosses the railway and takes to the fields and lanes to pass a huge, disused and now partially flooded limestone quarry. Further field-walking follows that passes by an area of disused limekilns before the route arrives at the hamlet of White Kirkley, where the walk changes direction and heads uphill, leaving behind the Weardale Way.
Virtually the only uphill section on the whole of the walk leads you to Pikeston Fell on a good surfaced track for most of the way. The route then intersects a wide moorland track that runs along the almost flat northern edge of Pikeston Fell past the local landmark known as the Elephant Trees, presumably named for their resemblance from a distance to an elephant. The long track presents great views up and down the dale. At the eastern end of the fell, the walk heads downhill on clear tracks through very pleasant pastures to return to Wolsingham.
England - North England - Durham - Weardale
Features
Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Pub, Public Transport, River, Tea Shop, Wildlife
Walkingworld members near this walk
Accommodation
Distance away
Holidays and activities
Distance away
Festivals and events
Distance away