River Browney – National Cycle Route loop from South Hetton

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

River Browney – National Cycle Route loop from South Hetton

Hard

riders

River Browney – National Cycle Route loop from South Hetton

03:51

59.7km

500m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 12.2 km for 66 m

After 16.4 km for 193 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.53 km

Pittington Way Railway Path

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

Pittington Way Railway Path. Fast, flat, interesting narrow railway path / double track. A good leg tester. Watch for lots of glass under the bridge at the Eastern end of the track

Tip by

11.5 km

View of Durham Cathedral and Castle from the Riverside

Highlight • Cycleway

There is a castle , now part of the university , a cathedral with a stunning rose window, and numerous museums - lots of free admission to some places. The …

Tip by

12.6 km

View of Durham from Durham Station

Highlight • Viewpoint

14.6 km

River Browney

Highlight • Forest

The River Browney flows through County Durham through moorland, forests, disused coal mines, and remnants of a bygone industrial era. Decades of lead and coal mining badly affected the river's …

Tip by

16.0 km

Broompark Picnic Area

Highlight • Viewpoint

16.5 km

Relley Wood

Forest

18.0 km

The Ponderosa

Nature Reserve

25.9 km

Willington War Memorial

Highlight • Historical Site

Willington is a former mining town based on the Brandon to Bishop Auckland disused railway, which use to serve the coal mining industry. It's colliery closed in 1967.

There are …

Tip by

27.7 km

National Cycle Route

Highlight • Cycleway

Hard packed former railway, now a popular walkway for cyclists and walkers. A good route to Bishop Auckland and beyond. Can get busy on weekends.

Tip by

31.1 km

Newton Cap Viaduct

Highlight • Historical Site

This impressive viaduct is a Grade II-listed structure and was built in 1857 to carry the Bishop Auckland to Durham railway line across the River Wear. Spanning 828 feet (252 …

Tip by