Causey Arch, built in 1725-6 is the oldest surviving single arch railway bridge in the world. It spans the gorge of Causey Burn.

Footpaths through the wooded gorge link the car park and picnic area to the Arch. One path leads down to the valley bottom. This route takes you alongside a massive man-made earth embankment before following the Burn upstream to the Arch, crossing a series of footbridges on the way. An easier alternative route takes you alongside the Tanfield Railway and onto the course of the original wagonway before reaching the Arch.

There is an extensive rights of way network linking Causey Arch with the Beamish Valley.

The Tanfield Railway was opened in 1725 and is the world's oldest operating railway. It was constructed to take coal from Stanley and Marley Hill to the River Tyne. Originally, horses hauled small wagons along wooden track. They were replaced in the 19th century by metal rails and locomotives. The line closed in 1962 but is now being run by a private company assisted by enthusiastic volunteers.

The Tanfield Railway currently operates a passenger service on several miles of track between Sunniside and East Tanfield which calls at Causey Arch. For enquiries about Tanfield Railway contact tel. 0191 3887545. 

Information

Location

• approx. 23 km (14 miles) by road from Durham City centre
• approx. 3.5 km (2 miles) by road (A6076) from Stanley centre
• Grid Ref. NZ 203 561
• Bus route See: Journey Planner

Facilities

• Free Parking
• Benches and Picnic Tables
• Woodland walks
• Network of paths, linking to Causey Mill, Beamish Burn and Beamish
• The path along the gorge at Causey Arch is steep with steps, and there are several narrow bridges. There is an alternative route (suitable for wheelchair access) to the Arch from the carpark that follows and then crosses the Tanfield Railway. Then proceeds along the course of the original wagonway to the Arch.

Enquiries

Picnic Area - (0191) 383 3594
Tanfield Railway - (0191) 388 7545

www.durham.gov.uk