Boundary walk at Chopwell Wood

Boundary walk

The longest way marked walk in the Wood. The route tours the Wood from north to south, giving you an overall feel for the character of the woodland. Contrast the dappled light in old beech woods planted in the early 1900s with the deep summer shade cast by large blocks of maturing larch woodland planted after World War Two. 

The industrial heritage of Chopwell Wood is apparent as you cross the stone bridge over the old mineral railway line, which you will join for a short spell further along the trail. As you began the climb from the river Derwent back towards the car park, the trail guides you past a variety of woodland sculptures including a giant bird of prey, woodland guardians and the popular Chopwell ‘hands’, which are at the end of a stunning avenue of copper beech trees.

Not only is this the longest walk, but it is also contains the most inclines, especially on the walk back to the car park from the river.

Trail information

Chopwell Wood, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, NE39 1LT
Grade - Hard
Trail Length
4.5 miles (7 km)