Washington

5 mile walk from Washington Wetlands Centre along the sides of the River Wear.

Date: 28th February 2026

Start time:  10:30am

Estimated Finish time:   1:30pm 

Starting location: Washington Wetlands Centre.

The Wetlands Centre manager has granted permission for us to park there and use the wetland centre facilities. 

Parking:

WWT have a series of events on this week and ask that we park in the farmyard that they own.

Only our cars will park there but access is required for their vehicles.

Please only park in the areas marked green in the farmyard on the image below.

The farmyard is on the right just before reaching the Wetlands Centre

There are toilets at the start in the Wildfowl Wetlands Centre a few minutes walk from where we will meet.

There are also some toilets about half way around the walk at Mount Pleasant (they are okay there but basic).

There are no stiles. Most of the walk is flat but there are steps and short steep inclines as we move from river level to and from the start. 

The ground is muddy and can be slippery in a lot of places, therefore gaiters and poles are recommended if you have them.

The walk is approximately 5 miles on well established tracks with some sections on tarmac roads. 

Walking from the wetlands centre we travel slightly downhill to the side of the river Wear. 

When we reach Cox Green we will cross the river using the footbridge.

Walking along the side of the river until we reach Mount Pleasant Lake view (approximately half way on our walk) where we will stop for lunch.

After lunch we cross the river using Fatfielf bridge, public toilets are just after we cross, next to the Biddick Inn.

We then begin to walk back to Cox Green and then return to the start at the wetlands centre.

There is a really nice cafe in the wetlands centre with lovely views over the wetlands.

Please remember your binoculars and cameras. There are lots of opportunities for some great photos.