ACTIVE VALLEYS
At Active Valleys, we want to get Deerness Valley residents of all ages moving, improving health and wellbeing! Whether it’s taking the bike out for a muddy ride, searching for nature with the kids, taking a stroll for a catch up with friends, or even joining a nearby aerobics class or boxing club, the railway path is a perfect place to get some fresh air, exercise and discover new things.
But what else can you discover along the way? There are so many clubs, activities and organisations that can help you not only get active but also make friends and try new things along the path.
ABOUT ACTIVE VALLEYS
Active Valleys is a new and exciting Sport England funded initiative to build healthier, more active communities in the Deerness Valley. An active lifestyle benefits the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals along with creating a better connected, more resilient community.
This new initiative brings together a group of local organisations who are working together to achieve one goal – to improve physical activity in the area. Active Valleys is a number of villages connected by an old railway path. We want local residents of all ages to use the route to be active. Deerness Valley includes the following villages; East Hedleyhope, Waterhouses, Esh Winning, Ushaw Moor, Broompark, New Brancepeth, Brandon, Bearpark and the grounds of Ushaw College.
As part of Active Valleys there are a wide range of things happening and we hope that by showing all the fun, family-friendly opportunities available along the Deerness Valley Railway Path we can help you get moving
WHAT TO DO AT THE VALLEYS
The Active Valley area has community halls, a sports centre and a dedicated gymnastics facility. The Deerness Valley Railway Path is a valuable asset which follows the route of the River Deerness through a mixture of arable and grazing land, woods and meadows. It incorporates the villages of Broompark, Ushaw Moor, Esh Winning, Waterhouses and East Hedleyhope.
Did You Know?
The railway line was opened in 1858 and carried coal out of the Deerness Valley for nearly 100 years until the line closed in 1951. Today, the line has been completely transformed and reclaimed, following the route of the River Deerness through a mixture of arable and grazing land, woods and herb rich meadows. You may see a variety birds including herons, woodpeckers and jays, some colourful butterflies, and all sorts of other wildlife from a hare to roe deer. The route length is 8.5 miles (13.5km), and it is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.
There are various walking, running and wellbeing sessions that also operate in the Valleys, via Walk Durham, Run Durham and Ways to Wellbeing.
The Valley has a wide range of sports clubs, which cater for both adults and juniors such as football, cricket, gymnastics, boxing, table tennis, running and karate. Take a look at our interactive map to see the full list of provision available.
Due to the Government guidelines regarding COVID 19 some activities may have changed or not currently be available. Please check with the provider or facility before attending.
INTERACTIVE MAP
The interactive map will show you where you can get moving in Deerness Valley! Select the numbered marker at each location for information on facilities, clubs and groups, and activities to take part in. You can also download a PDF version of the Active Valleys map here. (Opens in a new window).
Deerness Gymnastics Academy
Ushaw Moor Cricket Club
Esh Winning Cricket Club
Langley Park & Bearpark Cricket Club
New Brancepeth WMC Football Team
Deerness Valley Junior FC
(girls & boys section)
Durham United Junior FC
Durham United Junior FC
Durham County FC
Esh Winning FC
Esh Winning Cricket Club
(over 40s football team)
Ushaw Moor Cricket Club Football Team
Run Fit North East
Durham Roller Derby
Junsui Karate
Brandon United FC
Brandon Table Tennis Club
Brandon Cricket Club
Brandon Boxing Club
Bobby Robson Sports Centre
Bearpark Community Centre
Hamsteels Community Centre
Waterhouses/East Hedleyhope Village Hall
New Brancepeth Village Hall
Lionmouth Rural Centre
The Hut, Ushaw Moor
Woodland Hall,Esh Winning
Sevenoaks Quebec Village Hall
Brandon Community Centre
Brandon Carrside Youth & Community Project
INTERACTIVE MAP
The interactive map will show you where you can get moving in Deerness Valley! You can also download a PDF version of the Active Valleys map here. (Opens in a new window).
PATHWAY IMPROVEMENTS
There are pathway improvements being made to various routes of the Deerness Valley Railway Path.
As part of this work, new way markers and people counters will be installed to make the routes more accessible and give everyone the chance to get moving on the #PathOfDiscovery.
ACTIVE AT HOME
Throughout lockdown, many people discovered the many benefits of physical activity by staying active at home.
If this is you, or you want to start getting active at home, there is a wealth of free online content to help get you active. Even small amounts of activity will have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. You can read more about it here.
VALLEYS WELL-BEING WALKS
These Durham County Council walks cover various terrain and routes are relatively flat, however some routes may include slopes, steps, uneven surfaces and stiles. They are led by our friendly, trained instructors and last up to approximately 90 minutes.
The walks take place on Tuesday 10:15 – 11:15am at Esh Winning, Wednesday 10-11am at Langley Park and Thursday 12:30-2pm at Ushaw Moor
For more information, please click here.
To book a place, please click here.