Malton Picnic Area Walking Route

About

Distance: 0.5 miles
Grade of walk: Easy

This is a picnic site which is UK Woodland Assurance Scheme certified. Habitats include woodland, riverside and wildflower meadow. The route shown is only to be used by walkers, wheelchair users and those with pushchairs. Cyclists and horseriders are welcome to use the Railway Path.

The wooded riverside path follows the River Browney for a short distance and is an ideal place to spot birds such as kingfisher, dipper, tree creeper and great spotted woodpecker. The wildflower meadow is bursting with colour during spring and summer and attracts a variety of butterflies. There is an area of wet woodland, a rare habitat listed on the national Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The woodland trees include crack willow, alder and pussy willow whilst the ground underneath is covered with reed canary grass.

Noctule bats have a roost within the woodland. They are one of the largest British bat species and are one of the first to emerge on an evening. The site is close to Malton Nature Reserve (managed by Durham Wildlife Trust).

A 0.5 mile (800 metre) circular route which is suitable for walkers, visitors with disabilities and those with pushchairs. It is at least 2.3 metres wide, has a well compacted, sealed surface and is generally flat. The riverside path has picnic tables and seats at regular intervals.

You can join the Lanchester Valley Railway Path, a linear route that runs between Broompark, near Durham and Consett. The Railway Path is 3 metres wide, fairly level and well surfaced.

Route supplied by Durham County Council’s Countryside Service.