St Oswald's and River Bank Loop, Durham
A short walk along the River Wear taking in St Oswald's Church, Prebends Bridge and the Count's House. This walk provides views of Durham Cathedral and the Fulling Mill on the peninsula and passes the one remaining gate in the city walls.
Description
Start : Whitechurch pub (DH1 3DN).
(S/E) From the Whitechurch pub walk North-East along Church Street until you reach St Oswald's Church. Turn into the churchyard.
(1) After visiting the church walk down the steps to the left of the church onto the river bank footpath follow the riverbank in a southeasterly direction keeping to the lower footpath. Look across the river for a view of the Count's House. Continue around the river, crossing two footbridges.
(2) When you reach Prebends Bridge, turn right and cross the bridge and then turn right again and follow the footpath along the bank of the River Wear to the Count's House. After visiting the Count's House, retrace your steps to Prebend's Bridge.
To your right is the Watergate, the only gate left in the city walls. In front of you is an artwork, the 'Storyteller's Chair'. Cross back over the bridge. To your right is another artwork, 'Reveal'.
From the bridge, continue straight ahead and then follow the road to the right.
(3) At the top of the bank you will reach a roundabout, go straight across on Quarryheads Lane back to Whitechurch (S/E).
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 58 m - Whitechurch pub
- 1 : km 0.33 - alt. 54 m - Steps
- 2 : km 0.95 - alt. 56 m - Prebends Bridge
- 3 : km 1.75 - alt. 63 m - Roundabout, Quarryhead's Lane
- S/E : km 2.16 - alt. 58 m - Whitechurch pub
Useful Information
Start : Whitechurch pub (DH1 3DN).
Transport: There is on-street parking on Quarryheads Lane and Potters Bank (charged) and bus stops at St Oswald's Church and Whitechurch (this stop is called New Inn, the former name of Whitechurch). A number of buses stop here from the city centre as well as the park and ride bus.
Facilities: Whitechurch provides refreshments and toilets.
Accessibility: This walk includes muddy footpaths and steps. The steps can be avoided but there will still be slopes.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
Check out St Oswald's Church and its churchyard, the Count's House and stunning views along the river bank towards the Castle, Cathedral and Fulling Mill as well as Prebend's Bridge and Framwellgate Bridge in the distance.
