Image shared for Bishop Auckland: Newton Cap to Sunnybrow railway path
Countryside Out & back

Bishop Auckland: Newton Cap to Sunnybrow railway path

Durham

Distance
4.9 mi
Est. time
2h 30m
Difficulty
Medium
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PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

Start at Newton Cap Picnic Area car park, signed off the A689 north of Newton Cap Viaduct. Walk north along the Brandon to Bishop Auckland Railway Path, keeping to the broad former railway through the wooded corridor above the Wear valley. Pass the old Hunwick station access, cross Station Road carefully and continue north. Beyond Hunwick the path dips and bends at Rough Lea where a former bridge is missing, then climbs gently towards Sunnybrow. Turn back at the bend just before the Helmington Grove road crossing on the southern edge of Sunnybrow, and retrace the railway path to Newton Cap.

Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for this out-and-back walk. Most of the route is a hard, unsealed multi-user path with short surfaced sections. The short dips and ramps can have loose stones or mud after rain; wear shoes with a good grip. The route is shared with cyclists and horse riders, and includes the Station Road crossing. Keep dogs under control and leave space for other users.

Newton Cap has picnic tables. Take food and water for the walk, as this route does not enter Hunwick or Sunnybrow village centres. Check any car park notices on arrival and follow current on-site access signs. The walk uses the southern section of Durham County Council's mapped railway path; it does not cross Newton Cap Viaduct or descend onto riverside paths.

Walk details

County
Durham
Walk type
Out & back
Category
Countryside
Distance
4.9 mi (7.9 km)
Est. time
2h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

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