Widlon one

Slow Way not verified yet. Verify Widlon here.

This is a walk of two halves - towards Wideopen there's parks, Waggonways and a lake, switching to pavement walking through Forest Hall.
Generally the walk is on tarmac or well-maintained gravel paths - with only one awkward section in the middle (see suggested diversion)

Some Suggested Diversions (see photos for route):
1. For a view - Take the option up the hill in Weetslade country park for a view to the sea. The east side of the hill is a tarmac path, the west side is rough gravel and dirt track

2. To avoid an uncontrolled ECML level crossing and a narrow muddy section - Continue along the wagonway, then turn right to cross the road level crossing and continue straight to reach Killingworth Lake

3. To avoid a flight of steps - At the flying Scotsman continue along the road, turn right onto the main road and follow the pavement over the bridge to rejoin the route

4. To walk along the field rather that the road - Turn right past the sorting office, then right then left into the field. Go straight, continuing past the school until you reach the main road. Turn left and continue straight to Four Lane Ends

Description of Route (West to East)
The route starts opposite Wideopen Post office, passing the playground on your right the path quickly turns to a gravel track then back to houses. Very soon you will enter Weetslade Country Park and the waggonway around the base of the hill (see diversion 1 to get the view). The official route continues along a short wooded section of waggonway with information boards for those historically curious. Before long you will pop out at the base of the hill and the wide tarmac / concrete path duet. This path continues all the way to the carpark at which point you should cross straight over the road and continue along a wide wooded waggonway. Having past under the large road bridge the path takes an unexpected turn to the left to cross the East Coast Main Line. I do *not* recommend this route - I suggest use Diversion 2 for a much more pleasant walk. The main route uses an uncontrolled level crossing before entering a very narrow muddy section sandwiched between the base of the road embankment and an industrial fence. All this can be avoided by taking diversion 2.
Before long you should appear at a well-lit road by the interesting looking Killingworth Site. A this point cross the road and get onto the parallel road behind the trees on the left hand side (West Bailey). You will soon see Killingworth Lake on the right, complete with playground and refreshments. Follow the path around the lake (or stop to enjoy some bird watching). On exiting the lake do a right-left zigzag onto the final waggonway of this walk.
At the end of the waggonway you are now into Forest Hall. Cross to continue straight and follow this road until you reach the Flying Scotsman. The the steps over the railway line on the right (see Diversion 3 to avoid steps) and continue straight (see diversion 4 to reduce some road walking). On your left you will pass Benton Cemetery which is open 9-4 (winter) and 9-7 (summer). After the cemetery cross the side road to continue straight. Here the path will veer away from the road, keep left at the shops and you will appear in Benton Metro Station. Go into the metro station and over the bridge (there is a lift). Continue straight and veer left to rejoin the main road. At the end of the road turn right and continue to Four Lane Ends.

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