Dipton Community Centre Dipton DH9 9DR

Parking is available here or along nearby streets. Public transport is available e.g. from Stanley to Dipton. Take Go North East 44 or V8. From Consett take Go North East V8 or X70.

[1] The walk begins in the car park of Dipton Community Centre. Leaving the car park take the path past the war memorial and cross the main road (A692) using the mid carriage island.

Dipton has a vibrant community centre where many activities are offered to the local residents. Classes such as line dancing, Zumba, Hoola-Hoops exercise, Tai Chi, kickboxing and karate.

[2] Head down the lane just to the right of the crossing point at the end of the terrace.

[3] Follow the road to the point at which it takes a right hand turn at the corner of a terrace of houses. At this point take the footpath that runs up the left hand side of the terrace and to the left hand side of the metal boundary fence.

[4] A footpath crossroads is reached a short distance up the grassy bank. Turn right and take the footpath behind the rear of the terrace heading west. Follow the distinct footpath. After about 300m a childrens play area is passed on the left. Keep heading west and cross the metalled drive that leads uphill to Pontop Pike.

[5] Go through the woods and when the path forks take the right hand fork towards a visible stile that leads into a grazing field. Follow the field boundary on the right hand side until a second stile is reached. Climb the second stile and take the lane down towards the main road (A692).

[6] Turn left and after about 200m cross the main road using the mid carriageway island. Turn left and walk a short distance before taking the footpath that forks off to the right through a substantial metal gate. You are entering the site of the former South Medomsley Colliery.

[7] The footpath curves around to the right and begins to descend. When the path curves left a path leads off to the right towards two field access gates. Take this path and, passing between the two field access gates enter the wood.

[8] After a short distance the footpath again forks. Take the right hand fork and walk through the commercial plantation until a gate is reached. Slip through the gate and drop down left onto the lane.

[9] Turn right and follow the lane uphill to Pontop Hall farm. Pass in front of the hall and head uphill towards the church of St John the Evangelist.

[10] At the church the main road (A692) is reached once again. Turn left and follow the main road back to the community centre.