Low Coniscliffe & River Tees

An easy walk, which includes a section of the Teesdale Way long distance footpath. Stroll through woodland and farmland alongside the River Tees. Look out for the variety of wildflowers growing alongside the path and listen for the songbirds and water birds along the river.

START/PARKING

Broken Scar picnic area, Coniscliffe Road. OS MAP GRID REF NZ245135

RECOMMENDED ROUTE

1. Walk from the entrance to Broken Scar picnic area onto Coniscliffe Road. Turn left and follow the road for approx 660m, past Tees Cottage Pumping Station, before crossing a waymarked stile on the left almost opposite the Baydale Beck Pub. Follow the footpath through 2 fields and a narrow channel to emerge into Low Coniscliffe. Turn left and look out for a public footpath sign on the left after approx 80m, pausing to read the important safety sign about Giant Hogweed. Turn into the footpath and follow the path next to the river for approx 400m. Exit the path onto the end of Wood Lane.
2. Turn left and follow the public footpath sign through the wooden kissing gate at the end of the lane. Follow the main footpath. On a summer evening look out for bats hunting above the river. Continue for approx a further 700m, passing under the road bridge to reach the wooden sculpture in a clearing on your left, a good stop for a rest and to enjoy a good view of the River Tees.
3. Continue along the main path for approx 1km, as it bends sharply right, then follows the field edge. Notice the area of young trees and meadow to your right and follow the path along the grassy embankment and into the trees.
4. On reaching a fork in the path, take the right hand path to emerge into a field. Follow the way marks to turn right onto the surfaced lane, heading away from the river. (At this point you could also continue further along the river to eventually reach High Coniscliffe). Continue straight ahead following all way marks, and keep going as it rises up to cross the road bridge, before heading back to Low Coniscliffe.
5. On reaching the road turn right and follow the road around for approx 440m. Take the 2nd public footpath sign that you meet on the right and follow back across the fields to meet Coniscliffe Road. Cross the stile and turn right and follow the road back to Broken Scar.