Let’s Get Walking - Walking for Health - Health Walks

The walks have been produced by the Derwentside Physical Activity Development Group in partnership with the Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative and Groundwork North East.

Let’s Get WalkingApril 2013 - March 2014

A programme of led walks around Derwentside incorporating Derwentside Doorstep Walks, Derwentside Country Walks and Acorn Amblers.

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Derwentside Physical Activity Development GroupThe Derwentside Physical Activity Development Group (DPADG) is a volunteer led organisation that aims to increase the opportunities for all people, regardless of their religion, disability, race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation to have access to physical activity participation and competition and to support the development of quality physical activity programmes.

Want to Volunteer?At Leisureworks, we recognise and appreciate the value of volunteers and the role they play in local communities. With our new volunteer scheme we want to encourage more people to take up volunteering.

As well as being very rewarding, volunteering can have great benefits for you. Join us and you’ll soon be:• Meetingnewpeopleandhavingfun.• Learningnewskillsandimproving your career prospects.• Escapingfromyoureverydayroutine.

We provide constant support to volunteers and ensure they have adequate training. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or require any further information please contact Laura Hood on 01207 218874.

Derwentside Lifestyle InitiativeThe Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative (DLI) is a Leisureworks and NHS County Durham partnership project that aims to promote the benefits of physical activity and leading a healthy lifestyle to people of all ages in the Derwentside locality. The DLI is the lead delivery partner for this programme.

Derwentside Lifestyle InitiativeThe Louisa Centre, Front Street, Stanley, Co. Durham, DH9 0TE.Tel: 01207 218874 Email: [email protected]

If you would like to make a donation to support the future of the programme, please visit www.localgiving.com/DPADG

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Walk to Well-BeingThe DPADG supported by the Derwentside Health Network, the DLI, Leisureworks and Groundwork North East have created a series of progressive health walks in the community.

The doorstep walks featured provide an introduction to walking for health. They are approximately 2 miles long and are suitable for most fitness levels.

The country walks featured provide walkers with progression from the doorstep programme and are delivered over 2 hours. They vary in length and grade and are suitable for confident walkers.

The acorn amblers programme provides further progression and is delivered on the third Sunday of each month. Each walk starts at 1.30 p.m. and ends at approximately 4.30 p.m. Free transport is provided from pick up points in Consett and Stanley to the start of the walk and return.

A pack of independent walks is also available. The pack contains maps and information on individual walks to enable you to make healthy walking part of your daily life. There are walks of a variety of distances within the pack, with an estimated walking time given for each. For information on how to obtain an Independent Walk Pack please contact the Derwentside Lifestyle Initiative office on 01207 218871.

Why walk for Well-being?• Walkingistheeasiestandmost accessible form of physical activity.• Briskwalkinghasclearpositiveeffects on cardio vascular disease.• Walkingataroundfourmphon average is sufficient to classify it as ‘moderate intensity activity’ beneficial to heart health.• Walkingataslowerpacealsohas health benefits notably in expending energy to help control body weight.• Walkingisaweightbearingactivity, which helps to increase bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.• Walkingcanhelpimprovemood, self-esteem and cognitive function.

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The information contained within this leaflet was correct at time of publication.

Derwentside Doorstep Walks

Description of Walks

Walk 1 CastlesideA challenging and picturesque walk through Castle Hill and Birks woods, with some steep slopes.Meet: Smelters Arms car park, Front Street, Castleside, DH8 9AR.

Walk 2 BeamishA lovely walk exploring the woods and paths around Beamish, with some challenging terrain.Meet: Eden Place cycle track car park off Beamish roundabout, nearest postcode DH9 0RE.

Walk 3 Blackhill/Consett ParkAn enjoyable walk through Blackhill & Consett Park and the old steelworks site, taking in stunning views across to the Pennine moors. With some steep slopes. Meet: Blackhill & Consett Heritage Park entrance, Laburnum Avenue, Blackhill, DH8 5TA.

April, 2013

Fri. 05 Castleside

Fri. 12 Beamish

Fri. 19 Blackhill/Consett

Fri. 26 Tanfield Lea

May, 2013

Fri. 03 Burnhope

Fri. 10 Leadgate

Fri. 17 Hownsgill/Grove

Fri. 24 Allensford

Fri. 31 Burnopfield

June, 2013

Fri. 07 Harperley Woods

Fri. 14 Catchgate

Fri. 21 Hamsterley

Fri. 28 Medomsley

October, 2013


Fri. 11 Allensford

Fri. 18 Burnopfield


November, 2013

Fri. 01 Catchgate

Fri. 08 Hamsterley

Fri. 15 Medomsley

Fri. 22 Rowley Station

Fri. 29 Delves Lane

December, 2013

Fri. 06 Shotley Bridge

Fri. 13 Causey Arch

Fri. 20 Malton

Fri. 27 Christmas Break

Walk 8 AllensfordA delightful walk through pleasant woodland and open fields in the valley of the river Derwent.Meet: Allensford Country Park car park, next to caravan site, DH8 9BA.

Walk 9 BurnopfieldA slightly more challenging walk of 2.5 miles, through Burnopfield Plantation. Includes some steep slopes and challenging terrain.Meet: Burnopfield Community Centre, Skye Road, Burnopfield, NE16 6JF.

Walk 10 Harperley Woods A lovely 2.25 mile walk through Harperley Woods Local Nature Reserve.Meet: Harperley Hotel, Harperley, Stanley, DH9 9TY.

Walk 4 Tanfield LeaA pleasant 2.5 mile walk through fields exploring Tanfield Lea Marsh Nature Reserve.Meet: Tanfield Lea Nature Reserve car park.

Walk 5 BurnhopeA pleasant walk around Burnhope with extensive views across the hillsides.Meet: Car park off Langley Lane near the crossroads.

Walk 6 LeadgateA pleasant walk along the C2C cycle track and through Watling Wood.Meet: Leadgate Surgery, Watling Street, Leadgate,DH8 6DP.

Walk 7 Hownsgill &Grove PondsA pleasant but challenging walk with lovely views around the Grove Ponds.Meet: Lydgetts Lane Junction car park, nearest postcode DH8 9AA.

Pushchair/Wheelchair Friendly Walks

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February, 2014



Fri. 21 Burnhope

Fri. 28 Leadgate

July, 2013

Fri. 05 Rowley Station

Fri. 12 Delves Lane

Fri. 19 Shotley Bridge

Fri. 26 Causey Arch

August, 2013

Fri. 02 Malton

Fri. 09 Greencroft

Fri. 16 Esh

Fri. 23 Castleside

Fri. 30 Beamish

September, 2013



Fri. 20 Burnhope

Fri. 27 Leadgate

January, 2014

Fri. 03 Christmas Break

Fri. 10 Greencroft

Fri. 17 Esh

Fri. 24 Castleside

Fri. 31 Beamish

March, 2014


Fri. 14 Allensford

Fri. 21 Burnopfield


Walk 11 CatchgateA walk around the new woodland behind Catchgate and Harelaw.Meet: Outside the shops on Front Street, Catchgate, nearest postcode DH9 8HA.

Walk 12 HamsterleyA slightly more challenging walk of 2.5 miles incorporating a section of the Derwent Walk, with some steep slopes and some paths across fields.Meet: Derwent Care Home, Newcastle Road, Low Westwood, Hamsterley, NE17 7PL

Walk 13 MedomsleyA pleasant 2.5 mile walk exploring some pretty woodland.Meet: St. Mary Magdalene C of E Church, Medomsley, DH8 6PN.

Walk 14 Rowley StationA pleasant and easy 2 mile walk along the Waskerley Way, going over Hownsgill Viaduct.Meet: Rowley Station car park, off A68, DH8 9AB.

Walk 18 Malton Nature ReserveA lovely walk exploring Malton Nature Reserve.Meet: Malton Picnic site, off Durham Road, Lanchester, nearest postcode DH7 0TH.

Walk 19 GreencroftA pleasant, fairly flat walk along a short section of the C2C cycle route and exploring Greencroft woodland.Meet: Tesco car park, Durham Road, Annfield Plain, DH9 7UZ.

Walk 20 EshA lovely walk around the village of Esh with extensive views.Meet: Layby in the centre of Esh, DH7 9QR. (On corner of Hall Road and Front Street).

Walk 15 Delves LaneA lovely 2.5 mile walk through Caribees Community woodland and local countryside.Meet: Outside the shops on Briardale, Delves Lane, nearest postcode DH8 7BG. (First left after traffic lights when travelling from Consett direction).

Walk 16 Shotley BridgeA fairly gentle and enjoyable 2.25 mile walk along the Derwent Walk towards Ebchester and back along the country lane.Meet: Derwent Walk car park, Summerhill, Shotley Bridge, nearest postcode DH8 0NQ.

Walk 17 Causey ArchA lovely walk through the enchanting Causey Gill, taking in sites of historical interest including the Tanfield Railway and Causey Arch. Meet: Causey Arch country park car park (off A6076), NE16 5ET.

Meet at 10.15 a.m. for10.30 a.m. start.

Walks last 1 hour.

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Derwentside Country Walks

Description of Walks

Walk 1 Causey ArchA picturesque 4 mile walk, mostly on tracks with a few small slopes. Taking in sights such as Tanfield Railway and the famous Causey Arch. Meet: Causey Arch country park car park (off A6076), NE16 5ET.

Walk 2 AllensfordA circular walk along the riverside and through woodland, set in the beautiful Derwent Valley.Meet: Allensford Country Park car park, next to caravan site, DH8 9BA.

April, 2013

Wed. 10 Causey Arch

Wed. 24 Allensford

May, 2013

Wed. 08 Beamish

Wed. 22 Medomsley

June, 2013

Wed. 05 Shotley Bridge

Wed. 19 Witton Gilbert

October, 2013

Wed. 09 Medomsley


November, 2013

Wed. 06 Witton Gilbert

Wed. 20 Hamsterley

December, 2013

Wed. 04 Burnopfield

Wed. 18 Coalpark Gill

Walk 5 Shotley BridgeA fairly easy and pleasant walk along the Derwent Walk towards Ebchester and back along the country lane. Meet: Derwent Walk car park, Summerhill, Shotley Bridge, nearest postcode DH8 0NQ.

Walk 6 Witton GilbertA pleasant 4 mile walk along the River Browney and Lanchester Valley walk, with some steep slopes.Meet: Traveller’s Rest pub, in the centre of Witton Gilbert, DH7 6TQ.

Walk 3 BeamishA more challenging walk with some slopes, taking in the sights of the Beamish countryside. Meet: Eden Place cycle track car park, off Beamish roundabout, nearest postcode DH9 0RE.

Walk 4 MedomsleyA circular walk of woodland and fields set in the beautiful Derwent Valley with some lovely views at its peak.Meet: St. Mary Magdalene C of E, Medomsley, DH8 6PN.

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February, 2014

Wed. 05 Allensford

Wed. 19 Beamish

July, 2013

Wed. 03 Hamsterley

Wed. 17 Burnopfield

Wed. 31 Coalpark Gill

August, 2013

Wed. 14 Grove Ponds

Wed. 28 Causey Arch

September, 2013

Wed. 11 Allensford

Wed. 25 Beamish

January, 2014

Wed. 08 Grove Ponds

Wed. 22 Causey Arch

March, 2014

Wed. 05 Medomsley


Walk 7 HamsterleyA moderate 4 mile walk along Derwent Valley, with some slopes and paths across fields. Meet: Derwent Care Home, Newcastle Road, Low Westwood, Hamsterley, NE17 7PL.

Walk 8 BurnopfieldA varied walk visiting Black Hill woodland and the Bowes Railway Path and the fields around the golf course towards Tanfield Village. Meet: Burnopfield Community Centre, Skye Road, Burnopfield, NE16 6JF.

Meet at 10.15 a.m. for10.30 a.m. start.

Walks last 2 hours.

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Walk 9 Langley ParkA pleasant walk starting from Langley Park, heading up towards Esh with some fantastic views.Meet: Langley Park Post Office, 28A Quebec Street, Langley Park, DH7 9XA.

Walk 10 Grove PondsA lovely walk along the banks of the River Derwent to Allensford also visiting the Grove Ponds and Taylor’s Wood.Meet: Car park on Hallgarth Road, the Grove, nearest postcode DH8 8BJ.

Acorn AmblersSunday 21st April 2013 - Penshaw Monument & Herrington Country Park

A walk exploring the iconic Penshaw monument, Herrington Country Park and the banks of the River Wear.

Level: 2 Meet: Herrington Country Park main car park, located off A183 opposite Penshaw Monument.

Pick up route: B

Sunday 19th May 2013 - Shincliffe Woods & Durham Riverside

A walk through the lovely Shincliffe woods and along the riverside path to see the bluebells.

Level: 2Meet: The Graham Sports Centre, Maiden Castle, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3SE (off A177 opposite Houghall College).

Pick up route: A

Sunday 16th June 2013 - Corbridge

Exploring the lovely countryside around Corbridge, through wooded denes and past the historic Aydon Castle.

Level: 2 Meet: Corbridge village car park (off B6321, on left before you go over the bridge into Corbridge).

Pick up route: A

Sunday 21st July 2013 - Nose’s Point & Hawthorn DeneA walk exploring the stunning Magnesian Limestone landscape of the Durham Heritage coast and through the lovely Hawthorn Dene nature reserve.

Level: 2 Meet: Nose’s Point car park, Seaham, off A182 (nearest postcode SR7 7PS).

Pick up route: C

Sunday 18th August 2013 - Wolsingham

A more challenging walk through the stunning scenery of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Level: 3 Meet: Demesne Mill Picnic Site, Wolsingham, DL13 3DB (off B6296).

Pick up route: A

Sunday 15th September 2013 - Cuddy’s Corse (linear walk-booking essential)

A linear walk from Chester-le-Street to Durham via Finchale Priory, following the path of St. Cuthbert’s coffin and the Lindisfarne Gospels. Booking for transport essential.

Level: 2 Meet: Chester-le-Street Riverside Park Centre, DH3 3SJ (parking charges apply).

Pick up route: B

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Sunday 20th October 2013 - Collierley Boundary Stones

A guided tour around Dipton Woods, discovering the heritage of the area and the ancient Boundary Stones.

Level: 2 Meet: Dipton Community Centre, DH9 9DR (off the A692).

Pick up route: A

Sunday 17th November 2013 - Broom Park & Deerness Valley

A walk through the valleys of the Rivers Browney and Deerness, taking in sections of the railway paths of Lanchester Valley Walk, Deerness Valley Walk and the Brandon to Bishop Auckland Walk.

Level: 2 Meet: Broompark Picnic Area, off B6302 (Nearest postcode DH7 7RJ).

Pick up route: A

Sunday 15th December 2013 - Causey Arch

A festive walk through the beautiful Causey Dene, visiting the oldest surviving single-span railway bridge in the world. With some steps and steep slopes.

Level: 2Meet: Causey Arch picnic area, off A6076 between Stanley and Sunniside (nearest postcode NE16 5EG).

Pick up route: B

Sunday 19th January 2014 - Thornley Woodland Park

A walk through Thornley Woodland Park and along the Derwent Walk, hopefully with a glimpse of the famous Red Kites!

Level: 2 Meet: Thornley Woodland Centre car park, NE39 1AU (on the A694 near Rowlands Gill).

Pick up route: A

Sunday 16th February 2014 - Coxhoe Fossil Trail

A Limestone Landscapes trail around Coxhoe, discovering the unique landscape of the Durham Magnesian Limestone plateau.

Level: 2 Meet: Coxhoe Leisure Centre, Linden Grove, Coxhoe, DH6 4DW.

Pick up route: C

Sunday 16th March 2014 - Hetton-le-Hole

Exploring the countryside around Hetton-le-Hole and Houghton-le-Spring.

Level: 2 Meet: Hetton Lyons Country Park main car park, off Downs Pit Lane, Hetton-le-Hole.

Pick up route: B

See over the page for walk levels information and pick up times.

Meet at 1.15pm for 1.30pm start.

Walks last 2-3 hours

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No Transport? No Problem!Free transport to and from the start of each walk is available. The time of pick ups will be determined by the walk location.

If the walk has an A next to it this indicates pick up times will be as below:

Time Location

12.45 p.m. Meet outside of the Lamplight Arts Centre, Stanley

1.05 p.m. Meet at Braes PH, Sherburn Terrace, Consett

1.30 p.m. Walk Start

If the walk has a B next to it this indicates pick up times will be as below:

Time Location




If the walk has a C next to it this indicates pick up times will be as below:

Time Location




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If you would like to book a space on the transport provided or require further information please contact Laura Hood, Physical Activity Co-ordinator on 01207 218874 or email [email protected]. It may be possible to arrange other pick ups upon request.

Walk Levels

1= Fairly easy (flatter terrain, gentler slopes, 4 miles or less)

2= Moderate (may be some rough terrain & quite steep slopes, approx. 5 miles)

3= More challenging (rougher terrain, steeper slopes, 5+ miles)

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Other Information• NowalkswillbeavailableonBank Holidays and during weeks commencingMonday23rdand 30th December.• Alwaysfollowthecountycode: • Besafe,planaheadandfollow any signs. • Leavegatesandpropertyasyou find them. • Protectplantsandanimalsand take your litter home. • Keepdogsunderclosecontrol. • Considerotherpeople.• Thosewithsight,hearing,mobilityor other problems that may necessitate additional assistance are invited to contacttheLifestyleManagerto discuss their particular requirements. (See contact details on page 2).

• Whilstweendeavourtohaveour meeting points in areas where parking is free of charge, there may be occasions when parking charges are applicable.• Pleasecheckwithyourlocalbus company for information on transport routes to all of our walks. Alternatively, please visit Go North East at www.simplygo.com for all local bus timetable.

Monday 1-2.30pm The Louisa Centre, Stanley (All Year)

Wednesday 10.30am-12pmBelleVueSwimCentre,Consett(AllYear)

Tuesday 6-7.30pm (Seasonal)April - The Louisa Centre May -BelleVueSwimCentreJune - The Louisa Centre July -BelleVueSwimCentreAugust - The Louisa Centre

Cycling in a group is a great way to start cycling and to stay motivated. You’ll make friends and discover new places to cycle in your local area. Anyone can turn up and join in - even if you haven’t got a bike! We can supply you with a bike and a helmet FREE of charge.

For more info on our cycle rides, please contact Laura Hood on 01207 218874.

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Documents

Let’s Get Walking - Walking for Health - Health Walks