For those able to use steps you can cut down just on the left of the bridge, otherwise just go past the bridge and go down a short embankment then turn right and go under the bridge to join the path. It's then a case of following the path head, crossing the road and entering the Whitehills Nature Park. The path takes you out of the Nature Park where you turn left along the street. Follow the road and just past a new housing development on your right cross the road and enter the Windy Nook Nature Park. The view towards the coast as you leave Springwell, then the views north towards the Scottish border as you walk through Windy Nook nature Park....

Philip Le Marquand

The view towards the coast as you leave Springwell, then the views north towards the Scottish border as you walk through Windy Nook nature Park. for even more views especially on a clear day before leaving Whitehills climb the small hill in front of you, (actually a pit heap), where there is a mock ruin/art installation with fantastic views....

Philip Le Marquand

Walked this route early on a summer morning and it was pleasant, if a little uninspiring. I walked both SprWas One and Two as a "there-and-back" and this route is easier to follow the exact route. I walked this route from Springwell to Washington. An alternative route along Springwell Lane is possible and has well made up footpaths all the way from the village to the Mill House pub....

Andy Redfern

The Springwell end starts with a little bit of a narrow footpath that was quite muddy in places but after that it was very clear and easy to follow. I really enjoyed this route....

Emzor

There's one part where the public footpath crosses a field (the corrected part in this new version), which would be very muddy when wet and there are three stiles to cross if gates are closed. Some of the route requires you to walk on the road but it was not busy....

Emzor

You can expect walking on verges for 1km, horse fields for 1km, village for 1km and other 1km of woods, estates, roads and things. (Photos to follow)...

danravenellison

At Whitehills I couldn’t find the bridle path which is marked on the OS map, but it was easy to pick up another path to the top of the hill....

Jane Taylor

You'll mostly be walking downhill and you'll get to enjoy the views more. Although neglected in places, White Hill is a lovely nature space....

danravenellison

Overall this is a good route, but we did find 3 places where it is inaccurate and could potentially cause problems. Please use Gatspr Two which corrects these glitches....

Jane Taylor

The Springwell end starts with a little bit of a narrow footpath that was quite muddy in places but after that it was very clear and easy to follow. I really enjoyed this route....

Emzor

There's one part where the public footpath crosses a field, which would be very muddy when wet and there are three stiles to cross if gates are closed. Some of the route requires you to walk on the road but it was not busy....

Emzor

You cross over a busy road then walk through a nice village before going through parts of Washington. The next section was along a very busy flat road section which then took you via a footbridge over the A19....

Philip Le Marquand

There is a short stretch of road walking until the footpath goes through the pastures to the left. Crossing the road was easier than I thought then it was just a case of following footpaths and grass verges through Washington....

Philip Le Marquand

The bulk of this route follows the Bowes Railway Path. Once on the Bowes Railway Path 'proper' the path was a straight incline with variable surfaces along the track....

Philip Le Marquand

A good route - with a mixture of footpath and bridleway. The bulk of the route is an old waggonway so the gradient is friendly. The route goes through open countryside and urban park....

Philip Le Marquand

This feels like a route of two halves - the first a steady climb using streets then onto rougher tracks through post industrial wasteland and countryside on often very muddy and sometimes boggy paths....

Philip Le Marquand