Located on a former railway line, this woodland trail is an excellent walking and cycling route for all of the family. The main route follows surfaced paths through woodland, wildflowers and plants and under bridges with the option of taking winding footpaths up into the coniferous trees. Whilst on the trail, look out for the abundance of wildlife that nestles here including an array of wild birds such as goldcrests and owls. Throughout spring, summer and autumn, you can enjoy the scent of wild flowers such as herb robert, violets, stitchwort and scabious.
You can begin the trail at either end of the woodland, but this route will begin at the Tilery Wood car park located off the A689 near Wynyard Village. Starting from the car park, follow the route through the woodland. After around half a mile, you will come to a choice of two pathways. If you take the right path, it will take you through Brierly Woods and link up with the main route after a mile. If you take the left path, you will walk for around 0.3 Miles before coming to the main route.
Here, you have an option to go left or right. If you go left, this will take you back towards the car park or over the bridge across the A689. Take the right turn down the main trail to continue your walk towards the old station house at Thorpe Thewles. Now, it is a straightforward walk for 2 miles through the beautiful woodland and flowers until you reach the old station house on your left. Once you reach the station house, there is an option to extend your walk further to Thorpe Thewles by following the path and signs towards Stockton. However, you may prefer to enjoy the amenities available at the play area, station house or planetarium and then finish your walk by following the trail back through the woodland.
Access and Amenities
There are a range of amenities at the Thorpe Thewles end of Wynyard Woodland Park. The old station house has been transformed into a tearoom which serves a range of teas, coffees, cakes and sandwiches from Tuesday-Sunday. For families, there is a large play area and picnic area with benches. There is also a planetarium and observatory, operated by Teesside Astronomical Science Centre.
There are public toilets located at the Thorpe Thewles end of the walkway behind the old station house. This a disabled access toilet and the station tea room has wheelchair access.
Car parking is free at both ends of Wynyard Woodland Park. There is an electric car charging point at the Thorpe Thewles end of the trail. If you are accessing the trail from near the village of Thorpe Thewles, follow the brown tourist signs off the A177. If you are accessing the trail from near Wynyard and Sedgefield, follow the signs off the A689. Please note that some of these signs may still refer to Wynyard Woodland Park as Castle Eden Walkway.
