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- stanhope circular route three
Stanhope Circular Route Three
Route facts
Waterways:
River Wear »
Distance: 15.53 miles / 25 km
Duration: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Circular route from: Stanhope
This route gives you great views over Weardale, and a lovely return route to Stanhope alongside the River Wear.
1.1 Turn right out of Dales Centre at Stanhope and go along along the A689 for 1km (just over half a mile) past Old Stanhope Hall. On the outskirts of the village, on the brow of the hill, Turn right up the minor road beside Toll Cottage (signposted: Greenfoot Caravan Park). There is a long uphill section and two gates to pass through - but it's all worth it for a magnificent view of the dale from the top. 1.2 Follow this road downhill and give way at the bottom as you are now joining the main road into Rookhope. Turn right and go through the village, passing Rookhope Nursery and Rookhope Arch on left. 1.3 After Rookhope Arch turn left over bridge. Begin the steady climb to the top of Scarsike Head, with views of the valley opening up. 1.4 Go over the top, turn left at the junction (signposted: Westgate) and descend gently and then steeply down to Westgate. Beware of oncoming traffic. 1.5 At T-junction, turn left onto main road, then turn right over river and turn left onto a pleasant country lane. Watch out for farm vehicles and the occasional fast car. 1.6 Go straight ahead along this road taking care in wet weather as the sides of the roads become heavily silted. This section of the route is used by farm vehicles and the occasional car does travel quite fast. Keep well to the left and go round corners in single file. Follow this road along the south side of the valley for about 10km (6 miles). Near Stanhope, turn left across the bridge over River Wear and turn right onto A689 back into Stanhope.
Getting there
Parking: Town centre.
