Fishburn: an easy 5000m walk to Hardwick

Parking is available at Fishburn Community Centre and also at Hardwick Park. This route is also accessible via public transport. From Sedgefield, take Go North East bus no. 21 or 21A, or Arriva bus. no 33. From Ferryhill, take Arriva bus no. 33. 

[1] Leave Fishburn Community Centre and cross the road in front of you then turn right, walk to the end of the road then turn left and cross over to the right when it is safe to do so.

[2] Turn right onto South View and follow to the very end of the road then turn left. Walk on the left hand side to stay on path then just after the units on your left you should cross over and bear right over grass following a well used track. 

[3] Hop over style then follow clay looking path downhill. When you reach the fence turn left and then follow fence as it turns right. When the fence goes to bear right again you should stay forwards and head downhill.

[4] When you reach a gravel path you should follow it to the right. Walk past the sewerage works on your right and just after the works you should stay on the walking track as it bears left adjacent to a road. The road will soon bear off to the right.

[5] Follow this path over a style, then under the bridge of the A177 road.

[6] Cross bridge and go through a metal gate, follow this path until you see a wooden post with directions and follow the post as it directs left to Hardwick Park 1 1/2 miles.

[7] You will see part of Knotty Hill golf course on your right and some newly planted trees. When you come to the woods entrance follow path into the woods then turn right.

[8] As you exit the woods you should continue on forwards over grassy area and when you get to the path you should go forwards uphill. Turning left would take you to Knotty Hill Golf Club.

[9] Pass farm buildings to either side of you, then continue on to the end of the lane then turn left.

[10] Turn right when you see a large metal gate, you wil see Hardwick Park Lake in front of you.

[11] Bear left walking past Hardwick Hall on your left then head towards railings on your right and exit to Hardwick Park at gate near blue signs.

[12] Head left and follow path back to the Visitor Centre.

An alternative route is shown on the map for anyone wishing to take the B road back to Fishburn Community Centre this is approx 2 miles.

Fishburn started started a New Age Kurling Club in 2006 after being inspired by Age Concern as most of the original members were Age Concern volunteers.

They play once a week in the community centre and in the following five years they have improved to the point were they have had a World champion, a British champion, winners and runners up at various competitions and at present they are British Team Champions.