Located just to the south of the historic city of Durham this picturesque walk encircles two huge loops of the River Wear. The section of the route just past Shincliffe Hall follows paths that were extensively lobbied for by the Ramblers. The area around Low Burnhall is set to change dramatically due to its acquisition by the Woodland Trust. An area of 68ha/168 acres will be planted with 86,000 new trees which will extend and protect the existing ancient woodland and create large areas of new woodland to be enjoyed by all.
[1] From the bridge on the A177 over the River Wear at Shincliffe, go south alongside the west bank of the river and then follow the road south to Houghall Farm. Continue straight on over a stile where the road turns left, and go along the route of the old tramway to Burn Hall Colliery. After ascending a flight of steps, bear left into a field and keep the wood on your right.
[2] Pass the first footpath leading right into the wood and take the second one after 400m/450yds. Descend and cross the stream, before bearing left through the next field, then following a clear path through a succession of fields to Low BurnhaIl. Proceed down the access track to the A167.
[3] Turn left and follow the road to the Honest Lawyer Hotel. Turn right (with care) onto the B6300 for about 150m/160yds and then turn left across the old Sunderland Bridge spanning the river Wear.
(A) Built in 1796, the bridge consists of a single iron arch with a span of 72m/236ft, which was much larger than any single-arched stone bridge at that time yet approx imately 15 times lighter than its stone equivalent. It originally carried the Great North Road, but was not strong enough to sustain the loads when the new A1 (now A167) was opened.
Turn immediately left over a cattle grid and then pass through a tunnel beneath the A167.
[4] On the other side, follow the private road through the Croxdale estate to Croxdale Hall.
(B) Croxdale Hall has been owned by the Salvin family since the 15th century. The current building is Grade-I listed and dates from the 17th century, albeit with major additions and alterations being made since then. It was used as a military hospital during World War II and subsequently as a maternity hospital. There is a disused 12th-century chapel in the grounds, which is also Grade-I listed.
Bear left past a fine old barn to Croxdale Wood House and High Butterby Farm. At the farm, turn right along the lane then left downhill alongside the stream into the beautiful Shincliffe Woods to the river. Walk right alongside the river and pass to the left of Shincliffe Hall, which has a history going back to 1748.
(C) The current layout of Shincliffe Hall was completed in the 1820s and was home to land army girls during World War II, then accommodation for students. It is now used as holiday accommodation. The grounds sit in a natural amphitheatre surrounded by 1.5ha/3.8 acres of woodland and gardens.
[5] Keep going along a new section of footpath - lobbied for by the local Ramblers - and at the end, turn left back along the road to Shincliffe village and your start point.