Our Beamish Valley walk begins at the Eden Place car park, where you'll find the way marker post for the Heritage 100. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the logo, as it will be your guide throughout the walk.

As you step out of the car park, be sure to glance to your left and catch a glimpse of the iconic red steam hammer at the entrance to Beamish museum, the world's largest open-air museum. 

Our route takes a right, leading us towards the enchanting Beamish Village, formerly known as Pit Hill. Here, you'll be greeted by the 18th-century inn, The Shepherd and Shepherdess, a charming reminder of the area's rich history. 

As we leave the Village behind, prepare to descend into the heart of the valley. This valley was once a bustling industrial community, where people lived and worked amidst the noise and activity of the 18th century. Yet, as industries declined, nature's resilience prevailed, and the valley transformed into a magical woodland.

At the bottom of the valley, we cross the Urpeth Burn, before embarking on a short, steep climb into the Ousbrough Woods, a Site of Nature Conservation Importance. Here, the enchantment continues as we walk through this magical woodland, straddling the county border with Gateshead. Keep following the trail through Pockerlyhill Wood until you reach a beautiful pond. Take a moment to pause, relax, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of your surroundings. You deserve this respite before following Beamish Burn back to the heart of the valley.

Along the way, keep your eyes open for Flint Mill House, believed to be the oldest recorded building in the valley, dating back to the 12th century. Step closer and marvel at the wheels and gearing that once powered the mill, a testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors.

As we find ourselves back in the heart of the valley, we once again cross the Urpeth Burn before embarking on the final ascent out of the valley. Get ready to feel the exhilaration as your heart pumps and your blood flows, fueled by the energy of the climb. Conquer the steep staircase and follow the inclined path until you finally reach the end of the route, right by the Shepherd and Shepherdess. As your heart rate normalises, take a moment to reflect on the sense of elation and achievement that comes from a journey through nature. The physical and mental benefits of this walk will soon become evident, leaving you eager and excited for the next Heritage 100 walk!

Distance:  7.64 km ( 4.75 miles)