Waskerley Way Railway Path (Walking and Cycling Route)

About

The Waskerley Way is a beautiful 9.7 mile route passing through a varied landscape, from urban fringe through to upland sheep farms and on to exposed heather moorland. You will pass through one of the most impressive railway structures in North East England at Hownsgill Viaduct – towering 46 metres above the tree canopy of Knitsley and High House woods. Enjoy stunning views across Smiddy Shaw, Waskerley and Hisehope reservoirs. Take a welcome break at Park Head Picnic Area and grab a well-deserved rest whilst browsing the railway memorabilia inside the popular café, or learn about the thriving railway community that once stood at Waskerley station. And don’t miss the Rowley Station Picnic Area, where this famous station once stood before it made it was dismantled and rebuilt at nearby Beamish Museum.

Spot rare plants and wildlife along the way, including red and black grouse, merlin, adder, slow worm as well as frog orchid and melancholy thistle. The Waskerley Way also forms part of the C2C cycle route, making it one if Durham’s busiest and most popular railway paths.

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 below for lots more information, maps and accessibility information.

Route supplied by Durham County Council’s Countryside Service