The County Durham Local Access Forum was scheduled to discuss a range of national and regional issues affecting access and rights of way, alongside updates on local projects and partnerships. Key topics included the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project, environmental land management schemes, and the progress of walking and cycling routes along the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The forum was also set to receive updates on the North Pennines National Landscape Partnership and consider its own work programme.

A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project. Discussions were expected to cover the project's impact on walking, cycling, and horse-riding routes within County Durham. Previous reports indicated that contractors were working with limited flexibility for changes to the approved scheme, and a start date had not yet been confirmed. The Pennine Way was noted as being largely unaffected, with only a slight diversion planned for the Bowes Loop to accommodate surface water drainage.

Environmental Land Management Schemes

An update on Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs) was scheduled. Previous discussions had noted an ongoing scheme that had reached the funding stage but was subsequently withdrawn, with no further information available at that time.

Stockton and Darlington Railway Walking and Cycling Routes

An update was planned regarding the walking and cycling routes associated with the Stockton and Darlington bicentenary. While the event itself had received significant media coverage, there were still some outstanding negotiations with landowners to complete the route. Additional surfacing works were anticipated in the Spring at West Auckland to reinstate a historic section. The route spans approximately 26 miles, with 14-15 miles within County Durham, and there was an intention to explore the development of accessible circular routes branching off the main line.

North Pennines National Landscape Partnership

The forum was scheduled to receive an update from Mike Ogden, Access and Rights of Way Team Leader, on the North Pennines National Landscape Partnership. This update was to include the minutes from the Access and Recreation Working Group and the Pennine National Trails Northern Working Group meeting held on 21 November 2025. Previous discussions highlighted the launch of the Roof of England Walk and ongoing work to develop an accommodation guide. Concerns had been raised regarding changes to booking policies at Langdon Beck and Alston Youth Hostels, potentially limiting access for solo walkers. The group also discussed developments in off-road mobility scooters and hire schemes, which were seen as supporting inclusive access.

Rights of Way Team Update

An update from Helen Barber, Senior Rights of Way Officer, was scheduled to cover the activities of the Rights of Way Team, including Lost Ways ¹. The number of Definitive Map Modification Orders was reported to be in the 350s, with new claims emerging in areas like Burnhope. Objections had been received for orders at Trimdon Station and Sleightholme Road, which were to be referred to the Planning Inspectorate. A public inquiry was also scheduled for 22 April 2026 regarding Watergate Lane in Crook, concerning an order to upgrade a footpath to a bridleway, which had been contested by the landowner.

Public Access to Council-owned Land

The forum was scheduled to receive an update on public access to council-owned land. Previous discussions indicated that a meeting with relevant council members had been postponed due to changes in Cabinet Portfolios. A briefing note had been provided, summarising the history of work undertaken by the forum and the council's final response regarding granting further access.

Northern Saints Trails

An update on the Northern Saints Trails was scheduled to be provided by the Access and Rights of Way Team Leader.

Health

An update was expected from the Healthy Weight Alliance Group meeting held on 13 January 2026.

Heritage Coast Annual Forum Event

The forum was scheduled to receive an update following the Heritage Coast Annual Forum Event held on 29 October 2025.

Work Programme

The forum was to consider and discuss its Work Programme for the upcoming period. This included reviewing the current format, which had previously been deemed not fit for purpose, and discussing the allocation of responsibilities.

Member Training

An update was scheduled regarding member training. It was noted that Christine Pope from Natural England had been invited to attend the next meeting to discuss Natural England's work and recent restructuring. Discussions also touched upon the formation of a new group in Weardale to coordinate local paths and designated longer-distance routes, and the potential value of training for understanding the group's purpose. The possibility of inviting the County Durham Association for Local Councils to a future meeting was also raised.