Castle Eden Dene

Castle Eden Dene is found along the A1086 between Hartlepool and Horden. There is parking for a couple of cars, on the left of the road, you then decide whether to go to the right of the road for Denemouth, or left of the road for Castle Eden Dene.

Denemouth The Denemouth option takes you from the A1086 to the sea. It is a pleasant walk, downhill at first, then levelling off. You then walk under the viaduct, which carries the East Coast railway line, and carry on. there is a water works under the viaduct. Eventually, the countryside feel gives way to sand, and you are staring at the North Sea. Birds I have spotted here include Kestrel, Green Woodpecker, Whitethroat, Grey Wagtail, and, out at sea, Gannet.

Castle Eden Dene If you take the left-hand option, you enter Castle Eden Dene. This magnificent wooded walk carries on past the A19, but that is a long way!! You may enter the Dene from the visitors centre at Oakerside Dene Lodge at Peterlee. this area was England's first designated Local Nature reserve back in 1954. The scenery in here can be quite spectacular in places. Birding here, I have spotted Nuthatch, Willow Tit, Treecreeper and Jay. It can be really annoying, though, as there seem to be lots of bird songs and calls, but, because of all the trees, they can be very elusive and really hard to see. It has steep inclines in places, also. Keep an eye open for Red Squirrel in the Dene, as it is one of their last strongholds in this country. It is also home to the Argus butterfly, which is only found here. Rare orchids are found here, as well. It is not advisable, though to visit the Dene in bad weather, as the rain can make the path very slippery.