Penshaw Monument Walk
Climb Penshaw Hill and visit this iconic Sunderland landmark on this short walk in Tyne and Wear. It's a popular spot with the impressive monument sitting in an elevated position with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. You can park at the foot of the monument and follow the footpath up the hill to the high point. After taking in the views you can then explore the woodland trails in Penshaw wood where there are pretty bluebells, white ramsons and wood anemones in the spring.
The 70 foot high monument was built in 1846 and commemorates the 1st Earl of Durham. It appears on the badge of Sunderland Football Club and can be see for miles around.
To extend your walk you can visit the nearby Herrington Country Park. It's just to the south of the hill and includes cycling and walking trails with a boating lake, a nature pond and a sculpture trail.
The Great North Forest Heritage Trail crosses Penshaw Hill so you could also continue along this long distance trail. Head north and you can join the Weardale Way for a stroll along the River Wear. The riverside trail will take you to Chester-le-Street in one direction and to Sunderland Harbour in the other.
Postcode
DH4 7NJ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Penshaw Monument Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Penshaw Monument Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Penshaw Monument OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Penshaw Monument Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Explore the Area with Google Street View 
Pubs/Cafes
The Penshaw Tea Rooms are conveniently located just south of the monument. The Nursery and Tea Room have been expertly converted from an old stable block. Inside there's exposed character beams and grand windows framing the exquisite views of Penshaw Monument and its surroundings. There's also a lovely large garden area with fine views up to the site. It's the perfect place to relax on a warm summer day.
Dog Walking
The hill and woods are a nice place for a dog walk and you will probably see plenty of other owners on a fine day. The tea rooms mentioned above also welcome dogs in the outdoor area.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Just west of the monument you'll find the expansive Lambton Park. On certain days the large estate is open to the public. Here you can explore woodland, parkland and a lovely river gorge on a network of footpaths.
Head a few miles south along the Great North Forest Heritage Trail and there's Hetton Lyons Country Park to explore. There's a fine lakeside cycling and walking trail here with good facilities including watersports and a cafe.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Tyne and Wear Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
This view of Penshaw Monument was taken from Cox Green looking across Dawsons Plantation, when daffodils were in full bloom.
Looking across to Penshaw Monument from Herrington Country Park
View south from the Monument. Herrington Country Park lies beyond the main road.
Striking monument/folly built in 1844 in honour of John George Lambton, first Governor of Canada.
Penshaw Hill from afar. A view across the fields and woods up to the folly on a fine summer day.
Footpath down from Penshaw Hill. This steep path is the access route between Penshaw Monument on the hill and the A183 layby car park