Image shared for Shildon Rail Trail: Old Town and Black Boy Line
Urban / City Circular

Shildon Rail Trail: Old Town and Black Boy Line

Durham

Distance
3.0 mi
Est. time
2h
Difficulty
Easy
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

About this walk

A walk through the town where railway history is part of the streetscape. Start at Locomotion and follow the museum's central path beneath Spout Lane Bridge, passing the station, coal drops and buildings associated with the early Stockton and Darlington Railway. Continue through Hackworth Close to Hackworth Park, then visit St John's churchyard before walking along Church Street and Cheapside.

The return follows the old Black Boy branch line and the path beside the Bishop Auckland railway, bringing you back past the historic museum buildings. Look for the Hackworth monuments, stone sleeper blocks and the remains of the old railway infrastructure along the way.

This is mainly a pavement and surfaced-path walk, with several road crossings and a gradual climb into old Shildon. Use the pavements, take care at junctions and share the railway paths with cyclists. Keep away from the operational tracks.

Locomotion has free visitor parking, toilets and a cafe during opening hours. Plan the walk within those hours if using its car park. Museum admission is free, and a visit makes a worthwhile addition to the walk.

Walk details

County
Durham
Walk type
Circular
Category
Urban / City
Distance
3.0 mi (4.9 km)
Est. time
2h
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.