Route Filmstrip & Description
Gainford is a beautiful village on the banks of the River Tees, just outside Darlington. From the village green, this phototrail takes the more adventurous disabled visitor past the 13th Century church of St.Mary’s (built on the foundations of an Anglo Saxon monastery) and past the Millennium Green to a tranquil seating area with lovely views of both the river and the adjacent medieval village of Barford. Another viewing platform just down from the Church also offers good views along the river and has an interesting sundial feature too. There is parking outside the church and additional spaces can be found around the adjacent village green. The return route is approximately 800m long and in a number of locations, the gradient of the path exceeds 8% (1 in 12) with the steepest point being 10% (1 in 10). This could be challenging for some and assistance may be required. Paths are firm and range from 1m–1.2m wide. Seats are provided but may be difficult for some wheelchair users to access. The path to the seat by the river is across an uneven grassed area which is open to seasonal variations.
Surveyed by: David Gribble, September 2015
(Autumn)
Accessibility Rating: 3
Distance: 0.5 km
Car Park: There is limited parking adjacent the church entrance and around the village green
Steps: No
Barriers: No
Toilets: No


Car park and pedestrian access from the village green. A level 1m wide paved routes leads from the road through the parking area to St. Mary’s churchyard. No spaces are designated for disabled visitors. Car park surface is compacted gravel but there are also some areas of loose gravel. Parking bays are not marked

Steep 1.2m wide route down from the church grave yard approx 30m long with level landing at mid point Gradient starts at 17% (1 in 6) reducing to 10% (1 in 10) with cross falls of 10% (1 in 10) in places. Take the left hand path
Low barriers do not offer support or allow good grip.

Viewing platform with an interesting sundial feature marked into its surface. Platform offers good views along the river.

Seat off viewing platform depth 380mm (15”), backrest height 370mm (14.5”) and seat height 490mm (19”) above ground level.

Follow the right hand path at the fork. The other path has excessive cross falls towards the water so presents a significant risk of falling into the river.

Path continues on the level for approx 100m past the Millennium Green. The surface is compacted gravel the path is approx 900mm wide.

The seat off the path has a steep and muddy approach. The height varies 300-380mm (12”-15”) and the depth is 430mm (17”).

Route to seat on river bank off path is narrow approx 600mm (24”) wide and uneven with a gradient of approax 8% (1 in 12).Seat height varies 500-570mm (20”-23”) seat depth 420mm (17”).
Gainford Millennium Green Phototrail
Map Markers
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Vertical Profile
This is an approximate vertical profile with samples taken at 100m intervals along the trail.
