Discover Hutton Magna from two different perspectives: through the well-preserved remains of a medieval settlement and on a circular walk that can start in the village. The settlement remains draw attention to the layout and arrangement of a village; the route offers a different walking perspective, with several views across the south bank of Teesdale. This lets you decide in advance whether local history or a designated walking route should be the focus of your stay.

Medieval settlement and village green

The remains of Hutton Magna’s medieval settlement are well preserved. They show a series of rectangular longhouse-shaped buildings arranged along parts of three sides of an open area. This open area is thought to have been a large, roughly rectangular village green. Here, the longhouse shape refers to the form of the individual buildings; the interpretation as a village green draws attention to the open space between them. The settlement remains can therefore be understood both through their architecture and their spatial layout. For travellers interested in historic settlement forms, the appeal lies in the combination of building shapes and the arrangement of the open space.

East of the medieval settlement, the hollow way continues as a road that is still in use today. This transition adds another clue to the route’s course through the landscape.

Church of St Mary, cross base and lychgate

The Church of St Mary in Hutton Magna is a listed parish church. The base of the churchyard cross lies four metres south of the church; it is medieval and made of dressed sandstone. The location and material complement each other: the distance gives the base a precise location, while the sandstone and period describe its architectural character.

The lychgate adds a different historical reference. It is a First World War memorial, built by Robert Thompson, the “Mouseman of Kilburn,” to designs by Harry S. Chorley of Connon & Chorley. Unlike the cross base, the emphasis here is on both its commemorative function and its named construction history. The medieval structure and the war memorial thus represent different historical connections within Hutton Magna.

Circular walk and views

The route from Whorlton to Hutton Magna is a 10.8-kilometre circular walk rated “easy.” It can be started in the village of Hutton Magna. The distance and difficulty rating answer different questions: one describes the length of the loop, the other its stated rating. Check the path conditions before setting out. The route offers several views across the south bank of Teesdale; views and path conditions can vary seasonally. The details work together for planning, but they do not mean the same thing: 10.8 kilometres describes the route, “easy” its rating, and starting in the village a possible starting point. You can therefore consider the walk as a separate focus alongside the historic details of the village.

Discover more destinations: Barnard Castle, West Auckland, Evenwood, Burnhope, Byers Green, Shotley Bridge, Wycliffe, Bowburn.

For the wider travel overview: Durham.