Washou two

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This is a great route with a variety of scenery and added artwork. It showcases the beauty of this area of county Durham.
The first section is a gentle downhill walk on tarmac paths through Princes Anne Park with some attractive woodland beside a stream. A short climb takes you out of the park and then following roads through the village of Fatfield and down to the River Wear. There are a number of pubs on the north side of the river here. Crossing the bridge you can take the more straightforward path to the right or you can follow the river bank more closely via a slightly overgrown footpath. Both of these will bring you out just before the A192 Washington Highway crosses the river. The path continues using a footpath beside the slip road then the main dual carriageway. You are separated by hedging and fencing but this section was very noisy. Thankfully the path left the road and continued through the beautiful Biddick Woods.
Exiting the woods you cross the road between Bournmoor and Shiney Row. Head left and you will see a set of steps on the right just before crossing the bridge over the currently defunct railway line. This takes you onto a footpath beside the track and then along the edge of a field. keep a lookout for a path on your left which takes you underneath the railway track then up a tarmac path to the entrance of Elba Park. An alternative route after crossing the road to continue for a few metres to the roundabout rather than taking the steps then turning right and walking down to Elba Park.
The park is an attractive mix of grassland and patches of woodland. You follow the path from the entrance and take a path to the right. This takes you to the highest point of the park with views of the surrounding area and the iconic Penshaw Monument on the horizon. You pass artwork and a sculpture celebrating the mining history of the area. Cross an attractive bridge over the Herrington Burn follow the path out of the park, crossing the road to the left of the roundabout and then going right down the road until you see a public footpath sign on the opposite side of the road. Cross again and follow this path past the sewage works to the edge of the village of Fencehouses. There was quite a strong smell at times so be aware of this and check the wind direction!
Turn left along a footpath along the Moors Burn. At the time of year when we were walking it was difficult to see the burn through the dense vegetation. You then cross the burn and enter Houghton-le-Spring via the Burnside area. It is then just a bit more street walking until the route brings you to the main street and your destination.

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