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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: February 12, 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 cloisters of the cathedral were used in the Harry Potter movies as part of Hogworts - free to visit but they do like you to give a donation.

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 biodiversity. However, since the closure of the mines, the river has bounced back and you may even spot otters here today.

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 some local shops and plenty of benches, so serves as a good rest stop.

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 m) and built from stone and brick, its 11 arches stand 100 feet (30 m) above the river. The railway closures of the 1960s saw the viaduct fall into disuse. However, it was quickly adapted for foot traffic in 1972, before being strengthened to take the A689 road in 1995.

Tip by

57.3 km

Quarryhouse Wood

Forest

59.7 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

16.7 km

12.2 km

11.7 km

11.4 km

4.15 km

3.67 km

Surfaces

38.4 km

11.2 km

5.07 km

3.89 km

1.02 km

113 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (150 m)

Lowest point (30 m)

Weather

Today

Friday 15 May

12°C

2°C

20 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 9.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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River Browney – National Cycle Route loop from South Hetton

Pittington Way Railway Path

View of Durham Cathedral and Castle from the Riverside

View of Durham from Durham Station

River Browney

Broompark Picnic Area

Willington War Memorial

National Cycle Route

Newton Cap Viaduct

Nearby routes

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