Thornley Woods, near Rowlands Gill, County Durham

Thornley Woods Sculpture Trail

Broadleaf woodland

Source image

5.8

Wildland

Under 1 hour

Time

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Cost

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Why it's Wildland

5.8

A short woodland walk with around ten animal and bird sculptures carved from fallen trees by wood sculptor Tommy Craggs.

The appeal is the combination of a simple woodland stroll and a locally distinctive trail of carved wildlife, including a large red kite. It is a worthwhile short stop, though the supplied evidence does not establish a deeper ecological or historical story.

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Thornley Woods, near Rowlands Gill, County Durham

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The experience

Allow around 20–30 minutes for the short sculpture trail, or longer to explore a separate circular walk in the surrounding country park. The supplied sources mention a café and toilets at the car park, but advise checking current details before setting out.

Things to do

Follow the sculpture trail

Walk the short trail around Paddock Hill Wood and look for the carvings made from fallen trees.

20–30 minutes

Spot the red kite carving

Look for the large red kite sculpture, described by the source as a standout feature of the trail.

Walk the longer woods-and-lake circuit

A separate circular route is described through woodland and along riverbanks, with remnants of the old railway to look for. Check the route details and conditions before setting off.

0.5–1 hour

Make a day of it

Quick escape · 20–30 minutes

Quick Escape: find the woodland carvings

01
Start from the Thornley Woodlands Centre or car-park area, checking current access details.
02
Follow the short sculpture trail through Paddock Hill Wood.
03
Look out for the carved animal figures and the large red kite before returning the way you came.

Half day · Around 1–2 hours

Make a little more of the visit

01
Walk the short sculpture trail in Paddock Hill Wood.
02
If you want a longer outing, use the separately described Thornley Woods and Clockburn Lake circular route; check the route information and conditions before setting out.
03
Finish with the café if it is open.

Verified history

The sculpture trail was created in 2011. Wood sculptor Tommy Craggs made its carvings using fallen trees.

Hidden details

The sculptures began as fallen trees — The carvings were made from fallen trees rather than being described as separate installed figures. Look for the relationship between each sculpture and its original piece of wood.