Derwent Walk Country Park and Derwenthaugh Park
The Derwent Walk Country Park is a mixture of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, riverside and reclaimed industrial sites all linked by the Derwent Walk. The Derwent Walk is the track-bed of the old Derwent Valley Railway. It is 11 miles (18 km) long and follows the Derwent Valley between Swalwell in the north and Consett in the south.
The Country Park between Swalwell and Rowlands Gill is owned by Gateshead Council. Between Rowlands Gill and Consett, the Derwent Walk is owned by Durham County Council.
The attached leaflet (PDF brochure is available via the link in the right column) has been produced to make sure you get the most out of this beautiful area! It incorporates a full annotated map of the Derwent Walk Country Park and Derwenthaugh Park. It has detailed information about cycle links, visitor centres, observation hides and disabled access. Walking routes from Thornley Woodlands Centre are highlighted, and an easy access walking, cycling and horse riding trail is shown.
You will also find details of the History Trail in the Derwent Walk Country Park. Information is given about the major features of industrial and historic interest which can be seen whilst walking this trail. Useful contact information and travel advice can also be found in the leaflet.
WildlifeThe ancient woodlands of the Derwent Valley hold a wide variety of wildlife - carpets of springtime wood anemones and celandines, many birds including green and great spotted woodpecker, nuthatch and sparrowhawk and the occasional glimpse of animals such as fox, badger and roe deer. The flowers found in the hay meadows support butterflies like the common blue and meadow brown. The Derwent Walk is home to blackcap and whitethroat, heard singing in summer, and bullfinches and flocks of siskins seen feeding in the winter. The River Derwent supports a wide range of wildlife including kingfisher, dipper and otter.
Hollinside ManorHollinside Manor is a 13th century manor house situated east of the Nine Arches Viaduct. From the Manor there are commanding views of the Country Park and surrounding countryside. It was the home of the Harding family for two centuries during which time the manor became known as the "Giant's Castle" since the men folk were very tall. The estate passed on to George Bowes of Gibside in 1730 for the sum of £10,000. Today the Manor is an Ancient Monument.
Derwenthaugh ParkUntil 1986, Derwenthaugh Park was the site of the Derwenthaugh Coke Works. Opened in 1928 it took coal from the Chopwell colliery and the resulting coke was shipped from the staithes on the River Tyne at Derwenthaugh. In the 18th and 19th centuries Crowley's Ironworks dominated the site. These were the largest ironworks in Europe at the time. The workers lived in old Winlaton Mill which was situated along the lane beside the Golden Lion Inn. The village was demolished and re-built on its present site in 1937.
Axwell HallThe Hall was built in 1758 by James Paine for Sir Thomas Clavering, an eminent politician who represented County Durham in four Parliaments.
High Forge and Swalwell Visitor CentreThe Swalwell Visitor Centre is built on the site of an old iron/steel forge which was powered by water from the River Derwent. The power for the mill came from a race, which drew water from the weir at Dam Head. The weir, known as "The Lady's Steps", was a popular picnic spot in Victorian times. Part of the mill race can still be seen in Swalwell Village, but most of it has been covered over.
Clockburn LonnenAlthough it is difficult to imagine now, Clockburn Lonnen was once the main highway from the north to Durham. It crossed the River Tyne at Newburn then passed to Winlaton via Blaydon Burn and from there to old Winlaton Mill, crossing the Derwent and following Clockburn Lonnen to Durham. Cromwell's army of 16,000 men passed this way on the 15th July 1650 on their way to the Battle of Dunbar.
Walking, Cycling and Horse Trails
Marked circular trail from Thornley Woodlands Centre
1 mile walk through Thornley Wood, an ancient woodland with observation hide and wildlife rich pond. Steps, undulating gradients and rough in places.
Walking Trails
Marked Circular Trails From Thornley Woodlands Centre
1 mile walk around Paddock Hill Wood through varied woodland with glimpses of the Derwent Valley. No steps and undulating gradient.
2.5 mile walk taking in Paddock Hill Wood, the River Derwent and the wildflower rich Riverside Meadows. With views of the Nine Arches Viaduct and Gibside. Several flights of steps and steep gradients, rough in places..
A History Trail in the Derwent Walk Country Park
A historical walking trail from Swalwell Visitor Centre or any of the Derwenthaugh car parks is highlighted on the map in the attached attached leaflet (PDF brochure is available via the link in the right column). The following historical sights can be seen along the way.
Derwent Valley RailwayThe Derwent Valley Railway was opened in 1867 after three years hard building work. Four viaducts were constructed and a deep, 800 metres long cutting was dug near Rowlands Gill. Stations were built at Shotley Bridge, Ebchester, High Westwood, Lintz Green, Rowlands Gill and Swalwell. At its peak the railway was carrying over half a million passengers a year with regular goods traffic of timber, bricks and coal to Newcastle and iron ore to Consett. As road traffic became more efficient the service declined until the line finally closed in 1962. The railway is commemorated in the Geordie folk song about an ill-fated train journey from Rowlands Gill, "Wor Nanny's aMazer".
Nine Arches ViaductThe Nine Arches Viaduct was one of the major engineering feats of the railway. It is five hundred feet long and was built because the Earl of Strathmore would not allow the railway to pass through the Gibside Estate.
Click here for a virtual tour view from the Nine Arches Viaduct.
GibsideFrom the Derwent Walk near Rowlands Gill there are panoramic views across to the Gibside Estate. The hall was completed in 1620 but the estate was not landscaped until the 18th century. The Column of Liberty, Orangery, Banqueting Hall and Chapel were all built during the landscaping period. The Estate is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public.
The Butterfly Bridge and Winlaton MillThe Butterfly Bridge was originally built in 1842 by John English. Lang Jack, as he was known, stood 6 feet 4 inches tall and worked as a stonemason on the old Scotswood Bridge before he built the Butterfly Bridge. Lang Jack's "Butterfly Bridge" was destroyed by flood in 1902. On old maps, the spot is marked as Eel's Haugh. The name "Butterfly Bridge" was supposedly derived from the fact that the Derwent Valley was a paradise for butterfly collectors and enthusiasts were thought to begin their expeditions from the bridge. The new bridge was built in 1950, however, on 6th September 2008, the bridge was carried away by floodwaters following two days of almost continuous rain over the North East of England. There are plans for the footbridge to be replaced during 2010/11 and the new bridge will be wider allowing pedestrians and cyclists to cross, while horse riders may cross at the ford. Near the site of the bridge are the remains of George Eavan's house, the miller of the flour mill. This ruin is all that remains of old Winlaton Mill. The village was very attractive with white-washed cottages and a stream running through the centre. Winlaton Mill was founded by Saxon families who chose to settle there after the Romans left the area.
Northern Kites ProjectBetween 2004 and 2006 ninety four red kites were released into the lower Derwent Valley as part of the Northern Kites Project. Kites began to breed in the north east in 2006 after an absence of 170 years. The Northern Kites Project is managed by English Nature and the RSPB in partnership with Gateshead Council, the National Trust, Northumbrian Water and the Forestry Commission with additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the SITA Environmental Trust. For information, telephone 0191 496 1555.
The Countryside Code & Water SafetyPlease Follow the Countryside Code and... - Be considerate to all other users of the Country Park.
- Cyclists must slow down and give way to walkers and horse riders.
- Horse riders must give way to pedestrians.
- Dog owners must keep their dogs under close control and 'scoop the poop'!
- Protect plants and animals and take your litter home.
- Be aware that horses graze in the meadows during the summer.
Water Safety - Be Aware Of The Dangers!Rivers and ponds may look safe but they can be dangerous. Hazards like hidden currents, deep water, sudden drops, rubbish, reeds and thin ice on water can cause serious accidents. The best way to keep out of trouble is not to enter the water at all.
Visitor Centres
Thornley Woodlands Centre - on the A694 near Rowlands Gill. Toilets, parking and information available. Open to the public from 10am to 2pm during the week and 12 noon to 5pm at weekends and spring and summer Bank Holidays. Cyclists and horse riders please note - there is pedestrian access only at the Thornley Woodlands Centre.
Swalwell Visitor Centre - at the Swalwell end of the Derwent Walk on the B6317 beside Blaydon Rugby Club. Toilets, parking and information are available. There is direct access for cyclists and horse riders to the Derwent Walk and the Derwenthaugh Park multi-user route. Information centre and toilets open daily.
Observation Hides
Thornley Wood - across the road from the Thornley Woodlands Centre and about 100 yards down the path. This hide overlooks the feeding station where feeding takes place at approximately 9am daily. Please be aware that this hide is used by school visits on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings throughout term time. Car parking is at the Thornley Woodlands Centre.
Far Pasture Ponds - this is a wetland hide about half a mile along the A694 towards Rowlands Gill from the Thornley Woodlands Centre. Take the first left turn (beside the bus lay-by) and follow the narrow surfaced road. After crossing the bridge over the Derwent Walk turn right at the T-junction then go down the hill to the end of the road. The car park is open 9am to 5pm.
Shibdon Pond - this is a wetland hide on the pond edge facing Shibdon Road. Park at the Blaydon Swimming Baths and walk along the edge of the pond towards Swalwell.
All hides are kept locked and keys are available for purchase from the Thornley Woodlands Centre.
The hides are wheelchair accessible.
Disabled Access and Gateshead Countryside Mobility
The Derwent Walk is wheelchair accessible at Swalwell Visitor Centre and Derwenthaugh Park is wheelchair accessible from Swalwell Visitor Centre and all three car parks along the A694, linking with the Derwent Walk near the Nine Arches Viaduct. A short circular boardwalk gives limited access to the woodland around Thornley Woodlands Centre. Both observation hides are wheelchair accessible. A 'Breakfree' leaflet pack is available free of charge, giving detailed access guidance.
Scooters are available for hire under the Gateshead Countryside Mobility scheme. Scooters are based at the Swalwell Visitor Centre and can be hired on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. The scheme is only open to members of Gateshead Shopmobility (small yearly membership fee applies). To find out more information, pricing, and to book the scooters telephone Gateshead Shopmobility on 0191 477 9888.
Cycle Way links from SwalwellFrom Swalwell you can follow the Sustrans C2C long distance cycle route beside the River Derwent to join the Keelman's Way which runs along the south bank of the River Tyne between Wylam and Hebburn.
Wildlife
