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Chester le Street Group

We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.

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Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking
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Overview

Derwent Gorge & Muggleswick Woods: Thursday, July 31st

Join me for a 5 mile walk in the upper stretches of the Derwent Valley, river and woods where the area is steeped in history and mining.

We will explore the Derwent Gorge and Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve.

The route involves mostly minor roads, tracks, fields with sheep and woodland paths and there are a few short, steep banks. There are fabulous views as we walk over the surrounding area and over to the Hownsgill Viaduct.

Difficulty: Moderate

 

Max time: approx 2.30 hrs accounting for the stiles (about 5 and a few gates)

Thursday, 31 July 2025
Meeting time:
10:00 am
Start time:
10:40 am
Estimated finish time:
2:00 pm
Difficulty:
Moderate
Distance:
8km / 5.0mi
Ascent:
N/A
Type:
circular

Directions: Google maps suggests it is quicker from the Civic Centre to travel to Stanley on the A693 turning left and staying on this road past Annfield Plain. Turn left onto the A692 then over to the A691 to Blackhill, turning left onto Pemberton Road, past the caravan park, the car park is near to the A68.

 

Refreshments after the walk: At the cafe next to the caravan park along the road from the car park. You can walk there.

Meeting point

Grid reference:
NZ 27520 51928
Nearest postcode:
DH3 3UA
what3words:
icons.gazed.flat
Meeting time:
10:00 am

Starting point

Grid reference:
NZ 07798 50202
Nearest postcode:
DH8 9BA
what3words:
snowmen.decoder.nurture
Start time:
10:40 am

10.40 Meet at Allensford Car Park (West) near the A68 - *NOT* the main caravan car park DH8 9BA ///snowmen.decoder.nurture

Join the Ramblers and enjoy

  • unlimited free access to 50,000 Ramblers group walks
  • a library jam-packed with thousands of tried-and-tested routes
  • a welcome pack teeming with top tips plus our Walk magazine
  • exclusive discounts from our partners
  • knowing your support is opening up more places to walk and helping more people discover the joy of walking