National Cycle Route – River Deerness loop from Durham School

United Kingdom

England

North East England

Brandon And Byshottles

National Cycle Route – River Deerness loop from Durham School

Moderate

5.0

(3)

riders

National Cycle Route – River Deerness loop from Durham School

01:40

31.6km

200m

Gravel riding

Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 17, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 15.5 km for 198 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

173 m

Broompark Picnic Area & Railway Paths Hub

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

so many places to from here

Tip by

9.74 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

11.5 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

12.9 km

Bishop Auckland to Brandon Railway Path

Highlight • Trail

The Bishop Auckland to Brandon cycle and walking path is a 14km (9mile) traffic free cycle route linking the two towns via Willington. It's built on the old railway line that was used to carry coke and coal but closed in 1964 with the demise of the coal industry.

Tip by

16.7 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

22.0 km

Willington Mining Memorial

Highlight • Monument

Willington is a former mining village which was hit hard by the closure of the colleries in 1967. It's now starting to thrive but is still a commuting village as there isn't much local industry or work. There are a few local shops so it's a good place for a mid ride snack stop. The NCN70 goes through the village on the route of the old railway line.

Tip by

31.0 km