Refine your search for walks in Bradbury and the Isle
Bradbury and the Isle walks
Rushyford to Croxdale - Along the Great North Road
Visorando Member
4.50 mi
+318 ft
-164 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Chilton (County Durham)
The 4th section of the Along the Great North Road walk joins two former coaching inns and roughly follows the modern day A167 through countryside, diverting into the former mining communities of Ferryhill and Chilton. Along the way is evidence of the old coaching route if you look out for it.
Stillington to Wynyard - Durham Round Trail
5.44 mi
+167 ft
-75 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Stillington and Whitton (Stockton-on-Tees)
The 30th section of the walk starts in Stillington and crosses open farmland until it reaches the Castle Eden Walkway Country Park at Thorpe Thewles. From there follows the Castle Eden Walkway, a cycle and walking route which follows the route of old railway lines.
Coatham Mundeville to Rushyford - Along the Great North Road
5.43 mi
+82 ft
-69 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Coatham Mundeville (Darlington)
This 3rd section of the Along the Great North Road passes a number of inns both new and old along the route and takes in the pretty Aycliffe Village. The rest of the route follows the A167 but the path is surrounded by trees for most of the route and is therefore shaded in summer months.
Wynyard to Station Town - Durham Round Trail
4.85 mi
+171 ft
-16 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Sedgefield (County Durham)
This is the 31st of the Durham Round Trail which follows the Castle Eden Walkway (Cycle Path 1) from Wynyard Village to Station Town passing through agricultural land and affording good views of Hurworth Burn Reservoir. This section of the walk is accessible.
Trimdon Grange to Kelloe - Way of Love
4.40 mi
+121 ft
-207 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Trimdon (County Durham)
This stretch of path follows two railway paths across open farmland between the former mining villages of Trimdon Grange and Kelloe. A church can be found at each end of the walk, St Alban's in Trimdon Grange and St Helen's in Kelloe.
Kelloe to Sherburn House, Way of Love
5.01 mi
+180 ft
-364 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Kelloe (County Durham)
This is a largely rural walk, taking in the villages of Kelloe and Cassop. The walk follows field boundaries and woodland, giving a view of County Durham which would have been very different 50 years ago when the collieries were still operating. Keep a look out for evidence of the mining heritage of County Durham during your walk.
Croxdale to Durham Along the Great North Road
4.93 mi
+246 ft
-486 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Spennymoor (County Durham)
This 5th section of the Along the Great North Road, from Croxdale, starts in open countryside, then crosses the old Sunderland Bridge which once carried the Great North Road across the River Wear. The route then passes the landmark Cock o' the North roundabout, then follows South Road past the modern university buildings down New Elvet into the heart of Durham City finishing in the historic Market Place.
Binchester to Whitworth, The Way of Life
2.82 mi
+39 ft
-121 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from County Durham
This shorter section allows follows the Auckland Way for a time before crossing farmland to Whitworth Hall and Deer Park.
Wingate Quarry Loop
4.80 mi
+177 ft
-177 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Wheatley Hill (County Durham)
This walk takes in Wingate Quarry Nature Reserve and Wingate Welfare Park with its football pitch, bowling green, play park and woodland walk. The walk first follows a green lane and passes through the site of Wingate Grange pit, then on the return follows the track of the old Wingate railway line.
Whitworth to Sunderland Bridge, The Way of Life
4.09 mi
+3 ft
-223 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Spennymoor (County Durham)
This section of the walk begins at Whitworth Hall Country Park with its deer, crosses farmland before passing through the pretty village of Tudhoe and then joins the Weardale Way for a short section before reaching the outskirts of Durham City.
Sadberge to Stillington - Durham Round Trail
5.55 mi
+62 ft
-102 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Sadberge (Darlington)
The 29th section is another walk through open countryside and farms finishing in the village of Stillington where evidence of the industrial past is evident through the rows of terraced houses and the railway which runs through the centre of the village.
Bishop Auckland to Binchester, The Way of Life
4.09 mi
+361 ft
-226 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Bishop Auckland (County Durham)
This section of The Way of Life is relatively short to enable you to fully explore Bishop Auckland Castle Park and Binchester Roman Fort, a short diversion from the path.
Bishop Auckland Castle and Deer House
2.31 mi
+174 ft
-171 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Bishop Auckland (County Durham)
A gentle walk through Auckland Park taking in the River Wear, River Gaunless, Walled Garden and Deer House.
Weardale Way - Sunderland Bridge to Durham City Centre
5.35 mi
+279 ft
-295 ft
2h 40
Easy
Departure from Brandon and Byshottles (County Durham)
This walk is a little more challenging and includes some steep gradients but finishes with a more leisurely walk along the river banks in the city itself finishing at Brown's Boat House next to Elvet Bridge. Along the way the route passes several farms, Croxdale Hall with its Chapel and Shincliffe Hall. These are closed to the public but make good route points.
Sunderland Bridge to Durham Cathedral - The Way of Life
4.17 mi
+384 ft
-315 ft
2h 15
Moderate
Departure from Brandon and Byshottles (County Durham)
This walk largely follows the River Browney and then the River Wear passing through managed woodland around the outskirts of Durham City before passing the university and St Oswald's Church before rejoining the banks of the River Wear finishing with a walk along the South Bailey to Durham Cathedral.
Wingate Loop
3.59 mi
+144 ft
-148 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Hutton Henry (County Durham)
Easy walk around Wingate area. Look out for the Miner's Trail sculptures.
Station Town to Hesleden - Durham Round Trail
3.14 mi
+20 ft
-125 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Hutton Henry (County Durham)
The 32nd section of the walk connects with the Castle Eden Walkway and the Hart to Haswell Walkway. A short section passes through the village of Station Town before descending to Hope Heads Dene. There are many denes along the Durham coast, these are steepsided valleys, usually with a stream at the bottom. After passing through the village of Castle Eden, the route then follows a well-made cycle path. An alternative, accessible route, has been given in the description.
Miner's Heritage Trail from Station Town
11.10 mi
+256 ft
-259 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Hutton Henry (County Durham)
This trail traces the history of mining in the villages around Station Town, Wingate, Trimdon Station, Wheatley Hill, and Thornley. The route is marked by disks.
Wingate to Trimdon Grange, Way of Love
4.29 mi
+223 ft
-148 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Wingate (County Durham)
The Way of Love is one of the Northern Saints' Trails and begins at the historic church of St Hilda's on Hartlepool Headland and finishes at Durham Cathedral. This 3rd section of the route passes through the former mining communitis of the Trimdons, Trimdon Station (Deaf Hill), Trimdon Colliery, Trimdon Village and finishes in Trimdon Grange. The route now passes through woodland and rolling green fields, but you may be able to spot evidence of mining in the area as you walk.
Shincliffe Circular Walk
4.53 mi
+374 ft
-374 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Shincliffe (County Durham)
An easy circular walk from Low Shincliffe beside the River Wear and up through Shincliffe Woods to High Shincliffe with a return leg via the old railway track.
Weardale Way - Willington to Sunderland Bridge
4.80 mi
+7 ft
-36 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Greater Willington (County Durham)
This section of the Weardale Way follows the loops of the River Wear. It is a tranquil place with many vistas of the river along the way ending at Sunderland Bridge.
Around the Western area of Darlington
7.88 mi
+118 ft
-125 ft
3h 45
Easy
Departure from Darlington
A walk suitable for all ages, good well preserved footpaths, nature reserve, museum on the route, watching trout jump the weir on the river Tess, good opportunities for pub food and cafe snacks.
Sherburn House to Durham City - Way of Love
3.62 mi
+308 ft
-315 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Shincliffe (County Durham)
This final section of the Way of Love feels like a pilgrimage walk, first crossing fields to the River Wear, then winding its way through the older parts of Durham finally arriving at the Cathedral. Glimpses of the Cathedral can be seen all along the route.
Houghall, The Botanic Gardens and Woodland/Riverside Circular
3.45 mi
+292 ft
-302 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
A short walk taking in the Houghall Estate, including the remains of the old colliery. Then up through the woods to the University Botanic Gardens for a pot of tea (and exploration of the grounds if you want to make the walk longer). Back to the woods and across to traverse beneath Maiden Castle (site of an iron age hill fort) then return to the car via a riverside walk.
Durham Loop
3.82 mi
+210 ft
-190 ft
1h 55
Moderate
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This walk takes in the main visitor attractions in Durham, starting from the Howlands Park and Ride, visiting the Oriental Museum, Botanical Gardens, Castle, Cathedral and Market Place. There are some steep hills, but a bus can be caught from Elvet back to the Park and Ride.
Colleges of Durham
4.86 mi
+364 ft
-364 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This walk follows some of the oldest and most historic streets in the city and passes all 17 Durham University Colleges as well as its visitor attractions. Throughout the walk are many visitas of the castle, cathedral and River Wear.
Ryhope : An Out and Return ride along Nat. Cycle Route 1 from Castle Eden
23.45 mi
+489 ft
-476 ft
2 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Castle Eden (County Durham)
A flat out and return along National Cycle Route 1, starting from Castle Eden and going North to Ryhope, then returning via the same route. This is a companion ride to Castle Eden Walkway : https://www.visorando.co.uk/walk-castle-... although not as scenic.
The Lesser Known Durham Denes and the Coastal Path
12.54 mi
+646 ft
-650 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Castle Eden (County Durham)
A varied and interesting circular walk from Castle Eden. It starts and finishes near the Castle Eden Inn which is well known for its good beer and good food. Explore the lesser known denes that lie to the south of the village via the disused railway which is now a bridle path and part of the national cycle network. Traverse the coastal path north before dropping to the beach and then heading back via the better known Castle Eden Dene.
Castle Eden from Castle Eden
20.35 mi
+328 ft
-338 ft
1.5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Castle Eden (County Durham)
An flat out and return along the Castle Eden Walkway, starting from Castle Eden and going South to the old railway station at Thorpe Thewles, then returning via the same route. This follows the national cycle way route 1 and in most parts is easy to follow.
Usually done on a bicycle but can be walked. Interesting scenery and also alternative diversions if on foot.
Nesbitt Dene
6.06 mi
+256 ft
-285 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Castle Eden (County Durham)
A short and relatively easy walk which explores the lesser known Durham Denes that lie to the south of Castle Eden Dene.
Darlington to Coatham Mundeville Along the Great North Road
4.02 mi
+115 ft
-33 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Darlington
This 2nd section starts in Darlington town centre and follows the route out of town up North Road past the historic Skerne Bridge and Stockton and Darlington Railway development at Hopetown to the village of Coatham Mundeville. Look out for evidence of the history of this railway town during the walk.
Castle Eden Dene Full
8.82 mi
+505 ft
-499 ft
4h 30
Easy
Departure from Castle Eden (County Durham)
The full tour of Castle Eden Dene taking in all the best parts with varied and interesting scenery:- Old buildings, open country, ancient woodland, the North East coastline, a magnesium limestone dene with its craggy outcrops, a meandering river and steep-sided gorge. There is a multitude of flora and fauna; if you are quiet you may see squirrels and/or deer. Starts and finished near the Castle Eden Inn which is well known for its good beer and good food.
Durham University Loop
1.59 mi
+118 ft
-118 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This short walk around the university showcases the best the campus has to offer. It is suitable for a lunchtime walk for staff and students, and for a longer walk taking in the Botanical Gardens and Oriental Museum. The walk is accessible, but be ready for a steep climb through the Botanical Gardens.
St Oswald's and River Bank Loop, Durham
1.34 mi
+72 ft
-52 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County 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.
Durham Round Trail
178.06 mi
+9,514 ft
-9,042 ft
10 days
Difficult
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This circular trail follows the borders of County Durham from the centre of Durham City to the Pennines, Durham's Heritage Coast before finishing back in the City Centre. County Durham is often overlooked but it offers some of the most beautiful and rugged landscapes along with interesting towns and villages. Long sections of this walk follow former railways which are now cycle tracks as well as sections of other walks including the Teesdale Way and Durham Coast Path. Whether you want a challenge or are looking for a shorter walk, then explore the Durham Round Trail sections that interest you.
Durham City Centre to Finchale Priory - Durham Round Trail
4.79 mi
+141 ft
-262 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This 1rst section of the Durham Round Trail, around Durham area, is easy to access allowing interesting heritage discoveries. Starting at the Cathedral, the trail follows the River Wear around the peninsula before leaving the city climbing to Brasside and finishing at Finchale Priory.
Durham riverbank via Maiden Castle
2.56 mi
+85 ft
-85 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This short, relatively flat walk loops around the River Wear from the Boathouse to Maiden Castle and back along the other side of the river giving views of the castle and cathedral and plenty of places for a picnic. This walk is wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
Durham riverbank via Peninsula
1.74 mi
+69 ft
-72 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This loop will take you around the peninsula giving great views of Durham Castle, Cathedral and the River Wear. This relatively flat and therefore suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
The remains of Beau Repaire from the Broom Park car park.
5.13 mi
+249 ft
-246 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Brandon and Byshottles (County Durham)
A nice circular walk starting from the car park just before Broom Park. The walk uses two disused railway track walks and passes through farmland. The remains of Beau Repair are the highlight but you will pass beside the site of the Battle of Neville's Cross on the return leg.
Bearpark
4.74 mi
+157 ft
-157 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Brandon and Byshottles (County Durham)
On the western outskirts of Durham. Good pathways through a mixture of the farming and industrial landscape.
Durham to Chester Moor Along the Great North Road
4.74 mi
+210 ft
-177 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
The 6th section of the Great North Road walk begins in Durham, allowing plenty of time to explore the city, then follows one of the newer roads in Durham to the outskirts, passing through Framwellgate Moor before picking up the A167 again. The route continues through the countryside passing through the village of Plawsworth before ending at Chester Moor.
Low Coniscliffe to Croft-on-Tees - Durham Round Trail
5.21 mi
+33 ft
-69 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Darlington
The 25th section of the walk veers away from the River Tees today, crossing farmland and following bridle paths through the villages of Blackwell, Stapleton and ending at Croft-on-Tees.
West Darlington Circular
8.85 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Darlington
A diverse walk crossing open fields, following burbling brooks and a beautiful section of the river Tees incorporating part of the Teesdale way.
Views of Durham
3.06 mi
+164 ft
-161 ft
1h 35
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This walk starts in Durham City Centre, but takes a more unusual path around the city affording views of the castle and cathedral from several view points. The walk descends from the Market Place to the river bank and then passes the law courts and prison, Durham University, Durham School, then passes the listed buildings on South Street before returning to the start via the new Riverwalk Development.
Kepier and Gilesgate Circular
2.87 mi
+190 ft
-190 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This walk will take you through the history and development of the districts to the west of Durham City. Starting at the modern developments on the river bank, past the medieval Kepier Hospital, through post-war housing developments to one of the older streets in Durham and finally past the ruins of a 13th Century chapel.
Durham Riverbank
4.43 mi
+161 ft
-154 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This is a relaxing walk around the River Wear in Durham City. The footpaths are mostly paved making this suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Where there are steps, alternatives have been provided. There are some lovely visitas from which the castle and cathedral can be viewed.
Durham Parks and Paths
3.77 mi
+223 ft
-253 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from City of Durham (County Durham)
This circular walk around Durham takes in parks, old streets and a medieval hospital building. There are many viewpoints from which the River Wear, Durham Cathedral and Castle can be viewed. There are many steep climbs giving a really good feel for the hilly nature of Durham.
Middleton One Row to Sadberge - Durham Round Trail
4.45 mi
+148 ft
-16 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Middleton St George (Darlington)
The 28th section of the walk takes in several villages before crossing open farmland before arriving in Sadberge. An alternative, more accessible route has been given which is equally as charming.
Apollo Pavillion Circular from Peterlee Town Centre
3.95 mi
+131 ft
-131 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Peterlee (County Durham)
This fully accessible walk starts and ends at the town centre and winds its way through residentaial areas passing Shotton Hall, Victor Pasmore's Apollo Pavillion and several parks.
Piercebridge to Low Coniscliffe - Durham Round Trail
5.06 mi
+26 ft
-59 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Piercebridge (Darlington)
The 24th section of the route follows the Teesdale Way along the banks of the River Tees passing through villages along the way. The River Tees is very tranquil and picturesque here so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the area.
Way of Light Saints Trail Short Section - Ushaw College to Durham
4.95 mi
+177 ft
-545 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Esh (County Durham)
This walk begins at Ushaw College and ends at Durham Cathedral and follows The Way of Light for most of the way. Exploration of Ushaw College and Durham City itself will complement this walk through fields, along cycle paths and through the city itself.
Ushaw College to Durham Cathedral - Way of Light
5.89 mi
+164 ft
-538 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Esh (County Durham)
The final section of the Way of Light walk starts in the tranquil setting of Ushaw College, once a seminary, but now a visitor attraction. Before leaving, ensure you check out the chapels which include elements designed by Augustus Pugin. The walk will pass through some of the villages surrounding the city before ascending to Durham Cathedral.
More walks in Bradbury and the Isle
Discover also walks in surrounding cities:
- Aislaby
- Archdeacon Newton
- Barmpton
- Bearpark
- Belmont
- Bishop Middleham
- Bishopton
- Brafferton
- Brancepeth
- Brandon and Byshottles
- Carlton
- Cassop-cum-Quarrington
- Castle Eden
- Chilton
- City of Durham
- Cleasby
- Coatham Mundeville
- Cornforth
- Coxhoe
- Croxdale and Hett
- Dene Valley
- Denton
- Easington Colliery
- Easington Village
- East and West Newbiggin
- Egglescliffe
- Eldon
- Elton
- Ferryhill
- Fishburn
- Great Aycliffe
- Great Burdon
- Great Stainton
- Grindon and Thorpe Thewles
- Haswell
- Heighington
- High Coniscliffe
- Houghton Le Side
- Hutton Henry
- Kelloe
- Little Stainton
- Longnewton
- Low Coniscliffe and Merrybent
- Manfield
- Middleton St George
- Middridge
- Mordon
- Morton Palms
- Newsham
- Peterlee