Walking Route: Sunderland Bridge to Hett Circular
Sunderland
Bridge to Hett Circular
Parking: Sunderland Bridge (the actual bridge, not the
village)
Duration: 2 ½ hrs
Distance: 4 ½ miles
Difficulty: Leisurely
Overview:
This walk takes in woodland, riverside, farmland and village. There are several places of interest along the way, not least the bridge from which the walk begins. Sunderland Bridge – which crosses the River Wear – dates back to the 14th century and offers a splendid vantage point from which to admire the river and its wildlife. The area surrounding the bridge was not always as tranquil as it appears now. It was near here that a clash took place in 1346 between the forces of King David II of Scotland and the English forces of the Archbishop of York and the Bishops of Durham. This battle was just a prelude to the main clash which took place at Neville's Cross in Durham, where the English forces claimed a resounding victory. There is a story that during the battle, the Durham Prior and his monks knelt in a woodland nearby Sunderland Bridge, where they proceeded to pray for an English victory over the Scottish forces. As they did so, they held above them a banner depicting St. Cuthbert impaled on a spear. For some, this was further evidence of the divinity of this hermit Saint, who lived out the final chapter of his life in extreme asceticism on the Holy Island of Lindersfarne and the nearby Farne Islands. The story of Cuthbert is central to the formation of Durham and it is one that will be explored at great length in in future blog posts.
Opposite the bridge are the grounds leading to Croxdale Hall, which – along with its chapel – are among the oldest buildings in the area. Croxdale Hall has long been owned by the Salvin family, who built St. Bartholomew’s in the village of Sunderland Bridge. The village is quiet. Aside from the church there is nothing in the way of amenities. But its quietness adds to its attraction. And its picturesque floral displays do much to enhance its aesthetic; one which earned it gold status in the “Northumbria in Bloom Awards.” It is hard to deny that the village has a certain charm about it. Ancient is interspersed with modern when you leave the quaint village to follow the east coast mainline. The village of Hett is next on the agenda. Again, this is a very quiet village with not much in the way of amenities. But it has its own points of interest, from a small pond on the village green inhabited by ducks and geese, to a rather peculiar looking village hall which was originally a steel World War Two Nissen Hut.
On the final stretch, you visit two other villages.
The first being Tudhoe Grange – not to be confused with the nearby Tudhoe
Village which is much older. Tudhoe was once a hub of industry. In addition to the
coal pits in the surrounding area, it also had an ironworks, accounting for much of the employment in the area. But both of these
are now consigned to history. As is the former comprehensive
school which, shortly before being demolished, served as the set for the final
series of the BBC police drama series George Gently. From Tudhoe you
pass briefly into Croxdale, a village with an Inn, The Daleside Arms and an Indian Restaurant called Penash (which I highly recommend). Before
descending into Croxdale Wood, you pass by The Daleside Arms. On
the pub wall there is a sign commemorating the children who attended the nearby
orphanage of St Mary’s (which has now been demolished). It alleges that some of the staff behaved “in contradiction and in violation of Psalm
82 by administering wanton mental, physical and spiritual cruelty on many boys.”
Some of whom, it later adds, took their own lives as a result of the abuse they endured. The Daleside Arms hosted a reunion of those who attended St Mary’s
organised by Brian Roy, himself a victim of the institution. Mr. Roy has
campaigned to raise awareness of the abuse which took place at St Mary's which is documented in a website he set up (to which I have included a link at the bottom of the page).
Directions:
Before going anywhere take some time to gaze out from
Sunderland Bridge to the Wear. The view is splendid and you might catch a
glimpse of wildlife. The last time I was here, I caught sight of the Muscovy
duck who seems to be a frequent visitor to this stretch of the river. When you
are ready to begin the walk, exit the bridge toward the main road (A167) and
turn right. On the other side of the road, beside St Bartholomew’s church, you
will see the sign for the village of “Sunderland Bridge.” Cross the road and
enter the village.
As you walk through the village, keep an eye out on
the right for a public footpath sign. The sign points both left and right. We
are following the sign to the right (left would take you into the grounds of
Croxdale Hall). Our route takes you past
the side of a house along a track. Veering off to the left, you come to a wall
with a gap in it. Pass through the gap and cross the stile into a field. Be
mindful, especially if accompanied by a dog, that the field contains horses – though
the horses seem placid enough. Aim for the top right corner of the field. Once
there, you will meet a bridge to your right which crosses the railway line into
Croxdale and to the left, a stile which follows the railway line. Turn left
over the stile and proceed along the path with the railway accompanying you on
the right. Carry on over another stile, again avoiding a bridge to the right. You
will shortly emerge onto Hett Lane where you turn right and follow the road.
If you wanted to shorten the walk, you could follow
this road into Hett. If not, turn left to cross the brick stone bridge not far
ahead. Once across the bridge, cross the stile into the field. Again, be wary
dog walkers, for this field contains cows. Follow the outskirts of the field
always keeping the fence to your immediate left. Ignore the first stile that
you pass on your left and keep following the fence until you re-emerge at the
railway line. Cross the stile at this point and follow the railway line briefly
through Tursdale Wood. You shortly emerge at a thin bridge crossing the railway
line. Walk over the bridge. In front you will see a stile which you should
cross to enter a field. Crossing this field involves a steepish incline, though
either through an act of admirable consideration or sheer coincidence, there is
a log on which to sit and take a break once you get to the top. When you are
ready, continue on through the field where you will emerge onto a track at the
end of which you will re-emerge at Hett lane. To the left you will clearly see
the sign for the village Hett. Follow the sign and enter the village.
One of the first things that will catch your eye is
the old Church House. On your right there is a pond which is now inconspicuously
hidden by hedges (thereby wholly undermining the utility of the seat facing
it). Go round the other side to take a look at the pond, which is frequented by
ducks and geese. Continuing through the village, you will see on your right the
village hall, an unusual metal building which was formerly a WW2 Nissen Hut.
Turn right onto “West Street” which is just before the village hall and then
turn left along some houses before meeting a metal gate to your right. Turn
right through the gate and cross the field which eventually leads to a main
road (A167). Here take a brief left turn before crossing the road to the footpath
sign on the other side, pointing over fields. Follow the sign over a couple of
fields before entering Tudhoe behind the local primary school. Once at the main
road, turn right. You will shortly enter Croxdale.
Once in Croxdale, you will shortly approach the
Daleside Arms. Take a left turn immediately after passing this pub, and then
turn again abruptly right and follow the track forward into Croxdale Woods.
The stroll through the woods is a pleasant one and offers a welcome change from
farmland. The path runs along side Nicky Nack beck and there are several potential
stopping points, ideal for a spot of lunch or a coffee. Continue on until you
come to a fork in the path. Take the right hand fork where you will shorty be
reunited with the river Wear. Follow the riverside back to Sunderland Bridge.
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