Lanchester Valley Railway Path (Walking and Cycling Route)

About

The Lanchester Valley railway Path is part of an extensive network of Railway Paths which are fantastic for cyclists, walkers and horse-riders. The Lanchester Valley railway opened in 1862 and was built to carry iron ore to Consett steelworks and coal from Langley Park; it closed in 1965. Travel along the line and spot the old station houses and platforms at various points throughout your journey.

Lydetts Junction is on the former Consett steelworks site and is marked by a sculpture of a smelt wagon. From here follow the signpost to Lanchester – you will pass the former site of Knitsley Station and discover how the site was lost through opencast mining and farming. At the approaching embankment there was once a magnificent wooden viaduct until 1915. It is actually still there – just under your feet, buried under all that soil. Now you will see flowers such as Great Butterfly Orchid and you can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of surrounding farmland.

The Railway Path then leads to Lanchester which is sited on Dere street, the Roman supply route from York to Scotland – a busy market town for centuries. Keep an eye out for redwings and fieldfares from Scandinavia, and you may even spot a roe deer on quieter stretches. Enjoy a welcome stop at Malton Picnic Area – one of the best places to see tawny-owls at night time.

The route is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and wheelchair users. Please follow the Railway Paths Visitor Charter so everyone can enjoy this route together.

Download the PDF for more information and maps.

Route supplied by Durham County Council’s Countryside Service.