- This event has passed.
(Bishop) Auckland Park Tue 3rd Nov 26 Going ahead as planned
Auckland Park Going ahead as planned
3 November 2026
Important: In the event of bad weather walks may be cancelled, changed or rescheduled. Please consult the weardale.uk website from 8am on the morning of the walk as we are often able to update the website to say if the walk is going ahead the evening before.
Walk Route: From the Batts car park we follow the river upstream to the 14th Century Bishop Skirlaw Bridge, from which Edward Palfreys made his leep in1744. A steep walk up hill takes us to Bishop Auckland’s oldest street: Bondgate, and on to the Market Place.
After briefly visiting the grounds of Auckland Castle we proceed through the parkland, noting points of interest as we go. The English army camped here on the eve of the Battle of Neville’s Cross, 17 October 1346.
When we cross the River Gaunless (the wanderer) we walk up hill to find a pyramid before joining the old railway. We follow this as far as Bell Burn before descending through the wood, then over fields to take the road and the 18th Century Jock’s Bridge back to the car park.
Date: Tuesday 3 November 2026.
Start time: 10.00am. Estimated finish time: 1:00p.m.
Distance c. 10 km. Height gain: 123 m.
Leader: Bill Heslop Contact details: Bill Heslop Tel: 07504 663223
Starting Point: We use the small car park at the Batts, which is down by the river. To drive there follow Wear Chare north from Bishop Auckland Market Place. Those seeking a shorter walk, avoiding the hill, may park in North Bondgate and wait in the entrance to Auckland Tower for the main group, which should pass at approximately 10:30 a.m.
OS Ref: NZ 210 303. What3Words: rungs.louder.hitters
OS Map: Bishop Auckland Explorer 305.
Walks cost £1 to cover costs and mountain rescue contribution.
Terrain: Roads, good made-up paths, grassland and woodland track.
Toilets: At the entrance to Auckland Tower.
Equipment for this walk: Walking boots and socks, waterproofs, small snack and drink. Walking poles are optional.
Dogs: Dogs on a lead are permitted on this walk.
Accompanied children under 16 and accompanied vulnerable adults are welcome.
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 is 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.