Attractions and Places To See around Healeyfield - Top 20

Healeyfield is rich in industrial history. You can visit the archaeological site of the Healeyfield Smelt Mill Flues, which played a significant role in the area's 800-year lead mining history. Another notable site is the Healeyfield Lead Mine at Dene Howle. Don't miss the 'Cuckoo Bridge' (Old 'Horse Shoe' Arch Bridge) in Charlton Howl, one of the world's oldest railway bridges. For a tribute to the region's steelmaking past, see the colossal Terris Novalis Sculptures on the C2C trail.

Yes, the area offers several excellent routes. The Waskerley Way is a popular 15.6 km traffic-free path ideal for cycling, hiking, and horse riding, featuring impressive railway structures and diverse landscapes. The Healeyfield Parish Walk is a moderate two-hour route exploring historic sites. Additionally, the Hownsgill Viaduct forms part of the C2C cycle route and offers extensive views.

You can explore the scenic River Derwent, located just one mile south of Healeyfield Parish. The large Derwent Reservoir offers opportunities for various outdoor activities and pleasant walks around its perimeter. The region also features the Coalfield Upland Fringe and Coalfield Valley geographical features, providing varied terrain.

Absolutely. Chopwell Wood is excellent for families, offering marked red and blue graded mountain biking trails alongside extensive natural paths suitable for walking. The Hownsgill Viaduct and Terris Novalis Sculptures are also considered family-friendly attractions, providing interesting sights and views. The Derwent Reservoir is another great spot for family outings.

Healeyfield is a great base for mountain biking. Chopwell Wood features short red and blue graded trails, plus many hidden natural trails. For more options, you can explore various MTB Trails around Healeyfield, including routes like the 'Parkhead Station Café – Edmundbyers loop'.

Beyond the industrial heritage, you can find the Ancient Larch Tree, where John Wesley is said to have preached to lead miners in 1772. The Dean Howl Farmhouse, nestled in a sheltered valley, has a fascinating history connected to the Earl of Derwentwater. The Castleside War Memorial, a Grade II listed pink granite obelisk, commemorates those who died in the World Wars.

Yes, the region caters to various cycling preferences. You can find several Road Cycling Routes around Healeyfield, with options like the 'Blanchland Village – Edmundbyers loop'. For gravel biking, there are also dedicated Gravel biking routes around Healeyfield, such as the 'View of Lanchester Valley – Deerness path loop'.

The Waskerley Way, a popular route, can be quite crowded in summer. While many trails are enjoyable year-round, be aware that exposed areas like the Waskerley Way can experience rapid weather changes and strong winds, especially outside of peak summer months. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

For Chopwell Wood, parking is available in the main car park, which is accessed via a single-track road from Hookergate, High Spen. For other attractions, it's advisable to check specific location details, as parking availability can vary.

The Terris Novalis Sculptures are colossal steel artworks, twenty times larger than their real-world counterparts (a Theodolite and a Leveller). Located on the C2C trail, they pay tribute to the steelworkers of County Durham and the region's 150-year history of iron and steel production, commemorating the legacy of the Consett steelworks which closed in 1980.

Many outdoor areas around Healeyfield are dog-friendly. For example, Derwent Reservoir is noted as dog-friendly. When using shared trails like the Waskerley Way or those in Chopwell Wood, please ensure dogs are kept under control and be considerate of other users, including cyclists, hikers, and horse riders.

The Hownsgill Viaduct is a former railway bridge, designed by Robert Stephenson and built between 1832 and 1834. It is 210 meters long and 46 meters high with twelve pillars. Today, it's part of the C2C cycle route and provides extensive, impressive views of the surrounding countryside. There's also a tearoom nearby for refreshments.