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

Full Profile

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

Route through the churchyard is narrow, 1m wide and surfaced.

Narrow firm surfaced path continues on the level through the graveyard behind the church.

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.

Historic stone drinking trough off the right hand fork. This route is uneven and steep.

Route down to concrete viewing platform to left off the path beyond the leaning tree.

Gradient down to the viewing platform 8% (1 in 12) over approx 3m.

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.

The path is level, less than 2.5% (1 in 40) and 900m wide. The surface is compacted gravel.

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”).

Gradient up from crossing of paths approx 8% (1:12) for approx 2m.

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”).

Level path with firm surface continues.

Compacted path with some exposed and loose stones.

Path is uneven with loose material in places.

The route ends in a steep 8% (1 in 12) path 3 metres long. This ends short of the riverbank and the last section is over uneven grass that is open to seasonal variations.

Seat at river bank and end of outward leg of walk lacks armrests and the area of large stones in front of the seat will make it difficult to access. Soft muddy surface makes negotiating the route to the seat difficult for some.