Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk, Wynyard, historical walk instructions

History of the area

The walk begins at the junction of The Wynd, the original main road through the housing development, and Wellington Drive. One of many references to the Duke of Wellington, to be found in the big house and around the estate, including a 127ft obelisk in the main park. This is, perhaps, an early and extravagant example of the phenomenon of "name-dropping", considering that The Iron Duke seems to have visited once, in 1827.

Even more prestigious visitors have included King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, who (as Prince and Princess of Wales before 1901) were frequent visitors to Wynyard. As King, Edward presided over a meeting of the Privy Council there in 1903 — the first time the Council had met in a house belonging to a subject since 1625. King George V also visited during his time as Prince of Wales.

Following Sir John's acquisition of the hall, celebrity residents included Kevin Keegan (whose former residence is visible, just, across the golf course, and Alan Shearer, whose former house you will pass on this walk).

There has been a house on the site since the Middle Ages, though the huge Manor house was originally built by Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, a famous coal magnate and founder of Seaham Harbour, at a cost of £130,000 (equivalent to £12,000,000 in 2020) to build and furnish the home. Tragically, in 1841 it was all but destroyed by fire, and had to be restored at great expense.

In the 19th century, George Vane Tempest, the 5th Marquess of Londonderry in 1872, owned vast estates - 27,000 acres (11,000 ha) in Ireland, and 23,000 acres (9,300 ha) in England and Wales. He also sat as an MP for 26 years.

From 1945 until 1960, the house was let as a training school for teachers, during which time it lost most of its original contents through sales and breakages.

The estate remained in the Londonderry family until 1987, when it was sold in 1987 to Sir John Hall, along with 5,000 acres (2,000 ha). Hall spent £4,000,000 to restore the house; he later moved his company headquarters, as well as his home, into the mansion. The estate, comprising the house and 780 acres (320 ha) of parkland, was listed for sale in July 2002 for £8,000,000 but was never sold. It is now a special event venue owned by the Hall family and, while much of the estate has been given over to residential and light-industrial development, the parkland around the house has been preserved. The original walled garden has also been restored as a tourist attraction and hospitality venue.

Directions

The walk begins at the junction of The Wynd. Entering the woods, from The Wynd, follow the path parallel to the A689.

Veer to the right, into a clearing, to head south along a track which is clearly visible, but not paved. Here you join the Wynyard Country Path. Follow this with the fields on your left as it gently curves around the first of two lakes.

A flat, gentle, but muddy (depending on the weather) stroll, sees you turn left, right and then right again as you navigate around the second lake. Neither of these are accessible but offer a nice vista across them, often occupied with birdlife.

Leave the Wynyard Country Path, turning right as we reach Warren Farm, to head towards Wynyard Golf Course.

Follow the path as it veers to the right with the forest on your right-hand side. Houses will appear on your right as you continue towards the Golf Club building.

Emerging from the golf course, turn left onto Wellington Drive, and follow the footpath, past the spectacular homes once inhabited by Douglas Hall and Alan Shearer, among others.

The road bisects the golf course, affording spectacular views (keep your eyes peeled for wild deer). Continue on this road as it meanders through the estate.

At the T-junction, turn right onto the Wynd, and follow this as it gently climbs up and down through the estate, with the Kennel Hill Plantation on your left.

As you continue on The Wynd, you reach the starting point near Wellington Drive