[1] From Eden Place car park cross black barrier opposite the entrance and head West. Just past the next barrier turn left then in about 20 metres turn right at another barrier and continue westwards. Keep on this track which turns right after 800m. Continue downhill on this until a T-junction is reached. Turn left and after a few metres (well before a stile is reached) turn left again and walk parallel to the path you've just walked down. This path is uneven with many exposed tree roots so take care.
[2] Cross the rough log bridge over a small stream then take a short ascent to the Sustrans track. Turn left on the track and continue Eastwards along this for a kilometre passing under two footbridges.
[3] Pass under the long road bridge and at the other side you will see the Beamish Shorthorns on your right. Take time to admire these then continue down the track under another road bridge.
(A) The Beamish Shorthorns were sculpted by Sally Matthews out of old machinery. They look incredibly lifelike from a distance.
(B) A fatal accident occurred at Beamish on 9 December 1964. Twenty three wagons loaded with coal broke free at Annfield Plain and ran down the track (the steepest standard gauge line in the country) collided with a goods train and killed the guard.
[4] Just before the blue footbridge overhead turn left up the steps. Turn left at the top and take the right fork (i.e. ignore the stoney track with the yellow barrier back down to the Sustrans track) The path curves through the woods with a steep drop to the right so take care. At the next fork bear left past a post with a yellow waymarker. Continue on this track until it emerges at the Shepherd and Shepherdess pub.
[5] Walk past the pub, cross the road then turn left onto the metalled path at the bus stop opposite the pub. This leads back to the car park. Take care when crossing the road.
(C) The figures outside the Shepherd and Shepherdess pub date back to Napoleonic times and were part of a set used to smuggle lead for ammunition into the country. A plaque beside the main entrance to the pub describes their history.