Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park Walk
County Durham
Penshaw Monument is one of the North East's most recognisable landmarks, and this dog friendly circular pairs it with the open parkland of Herrington Country Park at its foot. From the large Herrington car park the route winds around the park's main lake, then climbs gently up Penshaw Hill to the Monument itself, a half-size replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens that sits on the skyline for miles around. The views from the top take in the Cleveland Hills, the North Sea and the city of Sunderland.
Herrington Country Park is mostly off lead friendly, with open grass, a big lake and wildflower meadows, though a lead is needed near the car park entrance and around the cycle track. Penshaw Hill itself is grazed by sheep so dogs must be on a lead for the climb. There are no livestock in the country park itself. The monument is now accessible with steps to the top courtesy of the National Trust, though dogs are not permitted inside. Herrington has a huge free car park, toilets, cafes and play areas, which makes it a fine family day out.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Park, Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafes, picnic areas and play equipment at Herrington Country Park; no facilities at the Monument itself.
- Parking
- Large free car park at Herrington Country Park off Chester Road (DH4 7EL); limited free parking at the foot of Penshaw Hill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park Walk dog friendly?
This walk scores a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it's a great choice for a day out with your dog. Herrington Country Park offers plenty of open space, a large lake and wildflower meadows, while the highlight of the route is the climb up to the iconic Penshaw Monument with its sweeping views across Wearside to the Cleveland Hills and the North Sea.
Can dogs be off lead at Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park Walk?
Much of Herrington Country Park is off lead friendly, including the open grassland and areas around the lake, though you'll need to keep your dog on a lead near the car park entrance and around the cycle track. The climb up Penshaw Hill to the Monument requires leads throughout, as the hill is grazed by sheep. Dogs are also not permitted inside the Monument itself.
What should I know before visiting Penshaw Monument and Herrington Country Park Walk with my dog?
The main thing to be aware of is that Penshaw Hill has grazing sheep, so leads are required for that section of the walk. It's worth knowing that while the National Trust has made the Monument accessible via steps, dogs can't go inside. On the plus side, Herrington Country Park has a large free car park, toilets, cafes and picnic areas, making it easy to plan a comfortable day out.
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