Lambton Estate: Walking route map, parking and footpath trail information

The Lambton Estate reopens to the public this Saturday, May 29, after an extended winter closure.

The estate opened almost 10 miles of new pathways as part of a major redevelopment in July last year.

Four new walks were created, accessible from a public car park off the A183 at Bournmoor.

The paths are part of a restoration scheme funded by the development of new houses on the estate.

The overall scheme was granted planning permission more in 2016 and includes the construction of a community hub including retail and leisure space, and a significant increase in office accommodation at Lambton Park.

The park had been closed to the public except for the annual Lambton Run, organised by the Foundation of Light, since the Lion Park closed, but reopened for the first time over the summer, a little later than planned due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Creation of the new paths was a part of the agreement the developers reached with Durham County Council in order to secure planning permission for the scheme.

The pathways, which are not paved, are closed during the winter and were due to reopen at the beginning of February.

However, estate bosses reached an agreement with the council to be allowed to push the date back in light of the poor winter weather and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The routes will be open daily from 9am until 6pm (last access 5pm) until June 30, after which open on Sundays only until September 30.

Limited parking will be available in a dedicated new car park at Bowes Business Park, with a £3 charge.

The Lambton Estate is home to numerous grand properties, including Biddick Hall and its gardens and Lambton Castle itself, a huge imposing castle which dates back to the 1820s.

The three walking routes:

*The 3.2km Ridge Walk enjoys panoramic views across to Lambton Castle, and leads down to Black Drive which heads along the banks of the River Wear from Lamb Bridge to the New Bridge;

*Shepherd’s Ghyll is a 2.1km route which passes through woodland and open parkland, to the banks of the Wear;

*Hedworths is a relatively flat 1.7km woodland walk, ideally suited to young families;

*And Racecourse is a 2.6km walk which follows the riverbank to the River Wear Gorge.

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