From steam to screen
Heritage technology trail opens as legacy of 200th anniversary rail celebrations. Tony Henderson reports
A rail trail has been launched as the legacy of a nine month long celebration of North East pioneering spirit.
The Stockton & Darlington 200 festival has opened the Trail of Discovery, a public walking and cycling route that follows sections of the original 26-mile journey of the world’s first passenger railway.
It connects key heritage sites between Witton Park in County Durham and Stockton, including Shildon, Darlington, Heighington, and Eaglescliffe. Interpretation panels, lineside signs, and artworks, including nine murals, guide visitors along the route, revealing the history of the railway that changed the world.
It will be a key part of the legacy of the S&DR200 Festival to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the historic Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The Trail of Discovery web app and interactive game, voiced by broadcaster Steph McGovern, uses augmented reality to bring the route to life. Created by Teesside University’s TUCan Studio, it allows visitors to unlock stories, podcasts, and digital experiences at key locations.
In addition, the S&DR Active Travel Route, developed by Durham County Council, forms part of the wider Trail of Discovery. The route encourages active travel while involving visitors in railway heritage.
It passes through historically significant locations such as the Etherley Incline and the Masons Arms Crossing, with interpretation panels enhancing the experience.
Further additions to the trail are continuing this year, including the opening of a new bridge over the River Gaunless in the same location as the original S&DR bridge.
Festival director Niccy Hallifax said: “The Trail of Discovery is a cornerstone of the S&DR200 celebrations. It’s not just a route - it’s a journey through time, innovation, and community.
“The web app is making history accessible for all as a live project that can be followed on the route.”
Steph McGovern said: “As someone who grew up in the North East, and started my career in engineering, I am incredibly proud of the part our region played in the development of the modern railway.
“It was a treat to voice the Trail of Discovery game, which I hope will encourage even more people to connect with our fascinating heritage.”
Reuben Kench, chair of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Heritage Partnership, said: “The Trail of Discovery and web app are fantastic examples of heritage, technology, and storytelling coming together to create a lasting legacy for the region. They epitomise what S&DR200 is all about - drawing inspiration from our history of innovation.”
The Trail of Discovery links to key museums, including Locomotion in Shildon, Hopetown in Darlington and Preston Park in Stockton.
Locomotion is located at the western end of the trail in Shildon - where Locomotion No. 1 began its historic journey in 1825.
For more information on the Trail of Discovery, visit the website.