Description
Penshaw Monument and River Wear
Penshaw Monument is a place where not many of our walkers have visited and many were interested in a walk here.
The Monument, also known as the Earl of Durham’s Monument, was built in 1844 in memory of the 1st Earl of Durham. It is looked after by the National Trust and is occasionally open to the public to climb the stairs in one of the towers.
Details
| Hills: |  |
2 hills |
| Distance: |  |
Medium distance |
| Grade: |  |
Moderate |
| Map: |  |
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| This walk is on OS map 308 Durham & Sunderland. Click on map image to buy this map. | ||
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Start
We will start climbing the steps to the iconic Penshaw Monument. There are a few areas to stop and admire the view on the way up.
At the top of the hill we can explore the Monument and we will hopefully get a 360° view of the surrounding area.
Following visiting Penshaw Monument we will take a path over the back of the hill and through Penshaw Wood.
River Wear and bridges
There is a short section of road walking towards the River Wear. The river is one of the longest in the area at 60 miles long.
There are often otters and kingfishers on the river and hopefully we will spot one.
We cross the river a couple of times, once at Cox Green and again at Fatfield. The bridge at Fatfield is the oldest road bridge crossing the Wear in the area.
We pass underneath the impressive Victoria Viaduct on both sides of the river. The railway bridge hasn’t been in use since 1991.
Back to Penshaw
We will following the old railway back to the hill to the back of Penshaw Monument.
This walk has a sting in the tail. We have to head back up the hill to Penshaw Monument before following a path through the woods back to the cars.
The End
At the end of the walk we will head to Penshaw Tearooms. They also have a bakery, greengrocers and butchers.
It is a great walk and we hope to see you there.
Julie & Martin x
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Strolls with Poles – Nordic Walking for Fun and Fitness