West Park to Walworth Gate (9 miles/1-2 hours)
A moderate ride recommended as suitable for family groups with older children used to cycling on quieter roads. (Adults and competent child cyclists with an average level of fitness).
1. Starting from the gates to West Park ( just off West Auckland Road). Set off up the hill on the main track through the Park, taking extra care on the loose surface. You can stop off to see the fascinating sculptures or leave this till you return at the end of the ride.
2. From your vantage point at the highest point in West Park you will be able to see the route of the former Darlington to Barnard Castle rail line, now a path for pedestrians and cyclist. Take care heading down the hill to join the former rail line. (We recommended that younger children and less confident cyclists walk their bike for this part of the route). At the bottom of the hill turn right, following the blue sign for Heighington and continue to Newton Lane.
3. At Newton Lane you have a choice, either turn right onto the road or continue on the former rail line (now a loosely surfaced path). The first option takes you directly north west towards Walworth Gate. The latter option which rejoins Newton Lane at Archdeacon Newton provides a more interesting ride, but in the winter or after heavy rain can be impassable due to flooding. If you take this route, follow the former rail line until it turns south just before as a railway it passed underneath the A1(M). Continue through a metal gate and turn immediately to your right onto a farm track taking you underneath the motorway. Follow the track as it turns northwards, look west and you can clearly see the route of the old railway. Continue until you reach Archdeacon Newton, passing the Acorn Dairy on your left and rejoining Newton Lane. Turn left towards Heighington.
4. From Archdeacon Newton climb steadily uphill until you reach a fork in the road. Taking care at this junction, turn right and continue as far as Walworth Gate.
5. On reaching Walworth Gate turn left and continue down hill (if in need of refreshment look out for the Jersey Ice Cream parlour on your right) until you reach a t-junction.
6. Turn left at the t-junction and follow the road back towards Darlington to rejoin the former rail line as you enter the built up area. You can now retrace your route to West Park.
