[1] Enter the Nature Reserve through the gates and turn left when you are through the second gate.
[2] After a while, you will see a gate on your left which leads onto the road. Go through the gate and exit the Nature Reserve. Cross the road and go over the stile on the other side to follow the public footpath which leads you through a field.
[3] Go through the gate in front of the farm and walk along with the farm buildings on your left. You will see a gate in the stone wall after the farm.
Be careful as the ground is very uneven and there might be livestock in the fields.
[4] Go through the gate and walk downhill over the field. You will come out at some cottages. Walk in between them to walk downhill towards the road. Turn left on the road.
If you are following the alternative route, turn right on the graveled farm road and exit the fields onto the road. Turn left to follow the road downhill and follow it around as it goes off to the left.
[5] Follow this road for a long distance. It will lead you along East Hedleyhope. Follow it further and ignore all paths that go off this road. When you reach a set of houses on both your sides (Rose Terrace), walk to the end of the terrace and just past the last house, you will see a public footpath sign on your left. It will be slightly hidden by the trees.
[6] Go over the stile to follow the public footpath which leads you into the forest. The hilly path emerges in front of you and will lead you over a couple of stiles until you reach a field where there may be sheep. Walk along the fence on your left which leads you even higher up until there is a gate at the highest point of the field.
Take your time climbing the hill as it is very steep!
[7] Go through the gate and go along the wooden fence (then stone wall) to follow the path around. You will cross two stiles to get into the next field. Stay close to the wall as it leads you around to the left in this field.
[8] In the corner of the field, you will see a stile leading you past holly (watch out for the sharp leaves). After couple of yards you will come onto another field. Turn left here.
[9] Walk along the edge of the field follow it with the wall on your left. At the end of the field, turn right and again walk along the edge of the field.
Walk carefully as the ground is very uneven.
[10] Cross over the stone stile to get into the last field. Again walk along the edge and exit the field either over the stone wall or walk along the fence to find an easier exit.
[11] Be very careful when exiting the field as you get on the road straight away. Turn left here and follow the road until you reach the starting point. Stay on the right side of the road so that oncoming traffic can see you.
Watch out for fast moving vehicle on this road!
The Nature Reserve in Hedleyhope offers great outdoor activities! The Durham Wildlife Trust has organised a watch group for this particular Nature Reserve. Young members benefit from exciting activities like pond-dipping, wildlife safaris or woodland wanders. Of course, Hedleyhope Fell offers a great variety for walkers and runners! The Community Association of East Hedleyhope not only manages the Nature Reserve but also runs social activities in the village hall.