New walking and cycling route following historic Stockton and Darlington Railway line launches New walking and cycling route following historic Stockton and Darlington Railway line launches

A new walking and cycling path that follows parts of the historic Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) line has just opened in the north of England.

Launched to mark 200 years since the launch of the world’s first passenger and goods train journey, the S&DR Trail of Discovery goes between Witton Park in County Durham and Stockton in Tees Valley, covering around nine miles. Work will continue on the line until 2027, when the full 26-mile route will be completed thanks to works by Historic England.

Along the marked path, walkers will pass by heritage buildings and sights including Heighington Station, the world’s first railway station, which is still in use today, Skerne Bridge, the oldest railway bridge in continuous use, and the Brusselton Incline, where a section of the original track is still visible.

There are also new murals along the path, commissioned specifically for the S&DR Trail of Discovery, that focus on the history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway as well as themes of momentum and community. Artist Ivan Black has created a kinetic sculpture for the train, which is meant to ’embody the dynamic spirit of the railway’.

Teesside University company Tucan has created a treasure hunt game for those walking the path, whereby you can collect fun facts about the route, the trains that used it, and the areas of beauty you’re passing through by using augmented reality and live podcasts. The game will also tie in some of the murals and public art along the way.

There’s a full programme of events going on throughout the year, and you can discover more about SD&R200 here. For the anniversary of the maiden journey on 27 September 1825, a renovated replica of Locomotion No. 1 and one of the passenger carriages will travel along parts of the original route.

More information: sdr200.co.uk

Read next: 4 of the best walks in County Durham