Killhope to St John’s Chapel linear walk
Tuesday, 30th June 2026
Killhope to St John’s Chapel linear walk
Important: In the event of bad weather walks may be cancelled, changed or rescheduled for later in the same week. Please consult the weardale.uk website from 8am on the morning of the walk to confirm the walk is going ahead. Note we are often able to update the website the evening before.
Walk Route: The walk takes us on the Weardale Way extension from Killhope Wheel to St Johns Chapel. It’s a linear walk and will mean a car share from the car park at SJC cattle mart to Killhope Mine. Parking outside the entrance. There’s a steady but not severe climb, on a gravel road at the beginning of the trail. This is followed by a generally downward journey, across mainly untrodden green and rough grassland. While there are wooden walkways and gravel tracks on sections, there’s some uneven ground and in one place a short muddy area.
The path offers no easy cut off points in the first 3.5 miles. However, those wishing a shorter, flatter walk could join the group, approximately 2 hours later at Wearhead for the last 3.5 miles along the riverbank to SJC. The path from this point has easy access to the road and bus route.
Date: Tuesday, 30th June 2026
Start time: 10.00 am Estimated finish: 14.00
Starting point: Meet at 1000 at St Johns Chapel Mart car park for car share to start at Killhope.
Length: approx 7 miles
Height gain: 476 ft
Descent: 1094 ft
Time: 4 hours max.
The walk consists of footpaths, gravel, pasture and moorland. There are a number of stiles and gates along the route.
Leader: Peter Stephenson.
All general enquiries about the group to David Towndrow 07485780121
Walks cost £1 to cover mountain rescue contribution.
Equipment for this walk: walking boots and socks, waterproofs, small snack and drink, walking poles or stick.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on this walk but must be on a lead.
Public toilets: St John’s Chapel.
OS maps. Explorer 31 North Pennines.
Disclaimer: Everyone taking part in any of our group walks does so at their own risk. The group works on the same basis as a group of friends who go out walking together. Walk organisers accept no risk for anyone attending any walk and will not be held responsible for any accident, injury or loss occurring on a walk or in connection with travel to and from a walk. None of our leaders are qualified or has first aid training but a basic first aid kit is available. Participants must read the walk description carefully and assess whether the terrain, distance and height gain of the walk are within their own and their guests’ capabilities and whether their equipment is suitable.