Great North Forest Heritage Trail
This circular cycle and walking route takes you through the countryside of this former mining area in Tyne and Wear. The trail passes Pelton, Bournmoor, Hetton-Le-Hole, the Penshaw Monument and Witherwack. The route includes a section along the River Wear in Sunderland and a delightful coastal section visiting Whitburn, Marsden Bay, the splendid magnesian limestone cliffs at the Leas in South Shields and Souter Lighthouse. You will also visit Lumley Castle - a 14th century quadrangular castle at Chester-le-Street with lovely gardens. Also of interest is the Penshaw Monument - a folly situated on on Penshaw Hill dedicated to John George Lambton, first Earl of Durham. The video below shows the splendid views from this most beloved landmark which appears on the badge of Sunderland Football Club.
Near Stanley the route visits the oldest single-arch railway bridge in the world at Causey Arch.
The historic site includes a lovely woodland gorge, interesting geology and views of the Tanfield Heritage Railway which runs through the area.
The route is waymarked with a yellow and green disc.
Great North Forest Heritage Trail Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Great North Forest Heritage Trail Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Great North Forest Heritage Trail OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Great North Forest Heritage Trail Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
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Penshaw monument
Lumley Castle
Hetton Lyons Country Park. The trail passes through this park located in Hetton-Le-Hole in Tyne and Wear. The public open space is maintained by Sunderland City Council. The W2W Cycle Route also passes through the Park.
Rainton Meadows. Near Durham there's the Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve with its lakes and wildlife.
Souter Lighthouse
Causey Arch