We are the Chester-le-Street Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Hetton Lyons & Murton
This is a moderate circular route of just over 5.5 miles. After almost losing one of Chester le Street’s most important members in a quagmire, on the original route, this was tweaked (phew!) and is now entirely based on tracks and lanes. Obviously, that does not mean “mud-free” but it really isn’t too bad. We start by heading north through Hetton Lyons Country Park, past all the lakes, and then east onto Downs Pit Lane. This is the only real climb of the walk - going past Eppleton Quarry and close to Windmill Hill. We continue in a north-east direction on paths and tracks, past Sharpley Plantations and towards Seaton Bank Top. We then head south on an old railway track, to the edge of Murton. We return west, via Carr House Plantations and back to the car park.
The cafe plan, after the walk, is that we will head for Homer Hill Farm Shop, on Pittington Road, Rainton Gate, DH5 9RG, which is “almost” on the way back to Chester le Street. You can reach this via back roads, from the outskirts of Hetton, or the simplest route to follow is to return towards Chester le Street on the B1284; at Rainton Bridge, turn left to join the A690 towards Durham; take the Pittington turn off on the left (at traffic lights) and Homer Hill is on the right, after a very short distance.
09.50 to meet and 10.00 to leave, at the old Civic Centre car park, Chester le Street, DH3 3UA
10.30 at the car park on the south side of Hetton Lyons Country Park, nearest postcode is DH5 0RH and What3 Words is ///seasonal.newsreel.solids * Please note that this is not the main car park for the Country Park, which is situated on the north side, near the cafe and toilets* Directions from Chester le Street Take either A183/A1052 or B1284 to Fencehouses/Chilton Moor Continue to follow B1284 to Rainton Bridge Go under the A690 and follow B1284 to Hetton le Hole When you reach the double mini roundabouts, go right at first one and left at second one, onto B1285 for Murton. Look for the last turn off on the left, before open farmland. There is a white sign for Hetton Lyons Country Park, well hidden in trees. After taking that left turn, you need to go almost immediately right and into the car park.
