Northern Saints Trails: The Way of Light – Heavenfield to Durham – 45 miles, 4-5 days

Yellow line on map below

This route links with St Oswald’s Way, starting with a descent from Heavenfield to Hexham Abbey, founded by St Wilfrid. Then the route follows the attractive valley of Devil Water, Slaley Forest, then across light and open moorland, and a railway path to Lanchester, after which the route ascends to the ‘Signing Field’ near Esh before eventually reaching Durham.

Highlights

  • Inspired by the stories of the A-Team of Northern Saints
  • Lots of route options within a relatively compact geographical area
  • County Durham and Northumberland’s open landscapes
  • Durham being a keystone of these routes

Holy Places on the Northern Saints Trails that are mentioned in Britain’s Pilgrim Places book:

  • Hartlepool
  • Escomb
  • Durham
  • Newton Hall / Finchale Priory
  • Chester-le-Street
  • Monkwearmouth
  • Jarrow
  • Tynemouth
  • Newcastle

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Route highlights

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Location

Nearby Sanctuaries
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Tom Jones

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Northern Saints Trail to Durham Cathedral - Way of Light

North of England

45
 miles
  -  
4-5
 days
Moderate
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