Consett & Sunderland Railway path
Go to online mappingFrom - to: Lydgett's Junction (Consett) to Roker (Sunderland)
Type: Disused railway path
Access: Railway stations at Chester-le-Street and Sunderland
Surface: Tarmac or good quality gravel
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As this route is predominantly downhill into Sunderland, and the prevailing wind is westerly, there is a strong argument for riding it from west to east unless you are looking for more of a challenge. It is part of the C2C, the first of the National Cycle Network 'challenge' routes, but this is one of its gentler sections. The route's full length is 26 miles one way, but it can easily be broken up into shorter sections:
Consett to Beamish (10.5 miles each way), Beamish to Washington (7.5 miles) or Washington to Sunderland (8 miles).
There is plenty to visit along the route. Between Stanley and Beamish you pass the intriguingly named Hell Hole Wood, managed by the Woodland Trust and part of the Great North Community Forest. The Beamish Open Air Museum is famous for bringing history to life, and its 19th century manor house and early 20th century town, colliery and railway station are well worth a visit. Further along the ride, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Centre at Washington is a haven for overwintering migratory water birds, and has large flocks of curlews and redshanks - bring your binoculars.
The route also features a collection of artworks including Terris Novalis by internationally renowned artist Tony Cragg, a theodolite and an engineer's level at twenty times life size, on heraldic animal feet.
Download a full route description and view further details on the Sculpture Trail.
Local attractions: