(S) Follow the path from the front of Ushaw College around the right-hand side of the building and follow the track north past another building.
(1) When you reach the junction with a number of paths, choose the one which runs in a north-easterly direction. Follow the path across the fields, cross the stile and continue along the track opposite in the same direction.
(2) When you reach the second style, cross it and turn right onto the Lanchester Valley Walk (the Way of Light continues straight across the track but at the time of writing the path was closed and diversions in place).
(3) Continue along the Lanchester Valley Way, you will cross one track and then turn left at the second. The track will then bear right. Cross the bridge over the River Browney. Here you will see the ruins of Beaurepaire Priory. This is also the point where you will rejoin the Way of Light path. Bear left and follow the track around the bend, this will then pass through some buildings.
(4) Continue down the track, you will pass another cluster of houses on your left, shortly after this, look for a path on your left. Follow this path along the edge of the fields in an easterly direction, it will then bend sharply to the right continuing in south-easterly direction. The path will eventually turn into Club Lane at the back of Whitesmocks Avenue.
(5) You will emerge onto Whitesmocks (A167). Very carefully cross the road and follow the track opposite behind the houses. You will emerge onto Springfield Park, continue walking straight ahead and then turn right at the junction into Fieldhouse Lane. Then take the next right into Flassburn Road. At the end of the road go through the gate onto the woodland path.
(6) There are a number of paths through the wood, keep to the left path which runs along the back of the houses and allotments. You will then cross Hangman's Hill.
(7) The footpath will emerge on Valeside, turn left following the street and then right at the junction onto Back Western Hill. When you have walked down Back Western Hill you will see the railway viaduct in front of you.
Cross the road in front of the Old County Hospital to Dominoes Pizza. Walk under the viaduct going right, cross the road towards the bus station and then cross the access road to the bus station, you will now be at the top of North Road.
Alternative Route: The official Way of Light requires you to cross the road and follow Station Approach up towards the station, then cross via the footbridge to the top of North Road. This way you only have to cross one road.
(8) Walk down North Road and cross Millburngate Bridge. After the bridge, turn right down the steps onto the riverbank, keeping left walk up the path at the base of the castle. At the end of the large building you should see Windy Gap on your left, a narrow passageway which takes you to the Palace Green and the Cathedral (E).
