Event Details

The Northern Saints Trails are a series of 6 routes converging on Durham Cathedral, and over 2 days we will follow the southerly route called “The Way of Life”,which runs from the church in the lovely spa village of Gainford north to Durham. It is said that the route corresponds to the last part of the journey of the body of St Cuthbert from Ripon to his final shrine in Durham. The same route forms part of the official Camino Ingles Pilgrimage. The two stages can be done separately or together.

Our first day takes us through varied countryside, past Headlam and Ingleton to West Auckland, famous as the home of the first Football World Cup!  From here we start to see evidence of the railway history of the area as we walk along the Etherley Incline which formed part of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway. The area roundabout was an important centre for coal mining and iron works. We will reach Escomb, with its small Saxon Church, before following the Weardale Way to Bishop Auckland, where we take our chosen arrangements to get transport home. Those doing both legs may wish to arrange accommodation in Bishop Auckland overnight. Although this is relatively straightforward walking, the length of the route (16 miles) justifies the grading of hard and means we will need to maintain a good pace throughout.

Day 2 of our walk starts at Auckland Tower near the gateway to Auckland Castle, former home to the Bishops of Durham and now the centrepiece of the Auckland Project. Sadly, we will not have time to linger but will make our way through the Deer Park and onto the railway path towards Byers Green. Passing through Whitworth, the former home of “Bonny Bobby Shafto” of the famous song, we pass through Tudhoe Village to Sunderland Bridge. From here we are on the final leg towards our goal of reaching Durham Cathedral. We will get a wonderful view of this from the aptly named Mount Joy before we descend into the City and make our way to the Cathedral. Although this is relatively straightforward walking, mainly on wooded tracks and paths, the length of the route (15 miles) justifies the grading of hard and means we will need to maintain a good pace throughout.

A Richmond Walking & Book Festival event

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