Here, for 70 years and more, hundreds of men toiled by hand with simple tools to dig the Great Limestone out of the Weardale fells, just a short distance from the centre of Stanhope. They left behind a huge, mile-long hole in the ground which today, over 60 years since they downed tools, nature is slowly reclaiming. This 2-mile circular route follows the paths the quarrymen would have once taken to work. It rewards a bit of a climb at the start with fantastic views over Stanhope and a fascinating insight into Weardale's industrial past.
Location:
Starting from the Durham Dales Centre car park in Stanhope (NY996392 / DL13 2FJ).
Distance:
3 km
Terrain:
- Boggy ground
- Off road sections
- On road sections
- Steep sections
Area:
Access:
- Car parking
- Cycle parking
- Public transport
Interests:
Facilities nearby:
- Accessible toilets
- Cafe
- Playground
- Pub
- Shop
- Toilets