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County Durham walks
Harter Fell and Grassholme from Middleton-in-Teesdale
Visorando Member
7.71 mi
+781 ft
-781 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Middleton in Teesdale (County Durham)
This North Pennine walk inlcudes Harter Fell and Grassholme Reservoir and a section of the Pennine Way. The start is Middleton-in-Teesdale and the walk includes a variety of scenery. Descending into the Lune Valley the walk continues alongside Grassholme Reservoir before using a section of old railway track back to the start.
Bowes Museum to Egglestone Abbey: Beside the River Tees
3.72 mi
+154 ft
-177 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Barnard Castle (County Durham)
A short and enjoyable walk from Bowes Museum to Egglestone Abbey, following the River Tees. At the time of writing (July 21) Bowes Museum is still operating a time ticket entry. If you time your visit correctly you can combine a visit to the museum followed by the walk or vice versa. Please note the gates to the museum close at 5:00. If you think you will arrive back later then park your car outside the museum grounds.
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.
High Force Hotel : High and Low Force Waterfalls
4.63 mi
+354 ft
-364 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Forest and Frith (County Durham)
Easy and circular walk around High and Low Force Waterfalls.
High Force and Upper Teesdale
8.87 mi
+919 ft
-932 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Forest and Frith (County Durham)
A lovely circular walk with a variety of interest. From the popular waterfall of High Force through upland pasture and then the more desolate upland landscape of Thistle Green before descending to the River Tees and following its course with a final leg through farmland.
Teesdale Way Circular from Eggleston
6.20 mi
+561 ft
-577 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Eggleston (County Durham)
A pleasant circular walk starting and finishing at Eggleston Hall Nursery and Cafe. It follows the Teesdale Way on the north side of the River Tees and crosses the river via a footbridge north of Cotherstone village. It then heads back on the opposite side of the river to pass through the delightful village of Romaldkirk before the final leg back to Eggleston Hall. (It can also be started from Romaldkirk or Cotherstone)
Hudeshope Beck
5.41 mi
+558 ft
-551 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Middleton in Teesdale (County Durham)
A walk with lovely views in this beautiful peaceful dale following Hudeshope Beck up past the old lime kilns, over the miners bridge, through the wood and fields to Coldberry mine, then back down the beck on the other side.
High Cup Nick from Cow Green Reservoir
12.96 mi
+948 ft
-961 ft
6h 45
Moderate
Departure from Forest and Frith (County Durham)
This is a fairly undemanding walk through a wild North Pennine landscape. The route visits two outstanding natural features - High Cup Nick and Cauldron Snout - using a section of the Pennine Way. There are no route finding issues even in poor visibility.
Teesdale Way Circular from Barnard Castle
8.49 mi
+472 ft
-482 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Barnard Castle (County Durham)
A pleasant circular walk starting and finishing at Barnard Castle. It follows the Teesdale Way on the south side of the River Tees and crosses the river via a footbridge north of Cotherstone village. It then heads back on the opposite side of the river. The walking is mostly flat and passes through farm land and riverside woodland.
River Greta Circular
7.13 mi
+512 ft
-515 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Brignall (County Durham)
A picturesque walk along the river Greta, abounds with history and nature.
Hudeshope Beck & Aukside
2.53 mi
+331 ft
-325 ft
1h 25
Moderate
Departure from Middleton in Teesdale (County Durham)
Nice and circular walk passing by Hudeshope Beck & Aukside.
Hannah's Meadow, Baldersdale and Brown Rigg Moss
7.95 mi
+689 ft
-663 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Hunderthwaite (County Durham)
This Durham walk explores the area made famous by Hannah Hauxwell. The landscape is wild and never boring and this walk uses the Pennine Way for exploration.
Frosterley and Stanhope via the Quarries, lead mines and Edges
11.22 mi
+1,260 ft
-1,247 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Stanhope (County Durham)
An interesting walk which allows you to explore and appreciate the industrial history of Weardale. You will pass beside old limestone quarries, the remains of a lead mine, lime kilns and climb up to the edges either side of the valley. An optional mid-way stop at the Durham Dales Visitor Centre is a good place of a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Mostly well signposted and following waymarked trails.
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.
Cronkley Scar via High Force
18.75 mi
+1,280 ft
-1,306 ft
9h 45
Moderate
Departure from Middleton in Teesdale (County Durham)
A lovely circular walk around Cronkley Scar via High Force.
The Strathmore Arms : Holwick, Low Force and Gibson's Cave
3.56 mi
+243 ft
-243 ft
1h 50
Easy
Departure from Holwick (County Durham)
Circular walk around Holwick, Low Force and Gibson's Cave.
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.
England Coast Path - Crimdon to Hartlepool Headland
4.74 mi
+16 ft
-98 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Monk Hesleden (County Durham)
This section of the England Coast Path begins at the popular holiday park at Crimdon and follows a more urban route to the historic Hartlepool Headland finishing at the old town walls.
Tees Circular
7.49 mi
+591 ft
-617 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Newbiggin (County Durham)
This Tees circular walk from Bowlees takes in the spectacular scenery of Teesdale, Low Force, the Iconic view of High Force, the geographically famous Holwick Scars and views of the Royal residency at Holwick Lodge.
Lambton Estate
6.18 mi
+371 ft
-371 ft
3h 10
Easy
Departure from Bournmoor (County Durham)
An easy circular walk around the historic Lambton Estate.
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.
God's Bridge to Bowes - Durham Round Trail
3.54 mi
+52 ft
-299 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Bowes (County Durham)
The 19th section of the walk starts from the naturally formed God's Bridge to the ancient ruins of Bowes Castle, this route follows the banks of the River Greta through open farmland.
Ashes Quarry, Crawley Incline, and around the rim of Fatherley Plain
7.88 mi
+1,050 ft
-1,047 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Stanhope (County Durham)
This is a nice circular walk which seems shorter than it is. The walk starts in Stanhope and explores Ashes Quarry before heading up to Crawleyside Incline, where the limestone from the quarry was taken on its journey to the Consett Iron Works. The walk then cuts away to pass beside Millstone Quarry and to the top of Collier Law, before descending around the rim of Fatherley Plain to Fatherley Hill Currick. The route then heads back to Stanhope via Shittlehope Edge and Burn.
Bowlees circular taking in he Pennine way via Kircarrion
10.11 mi
+1,024 ft
-1,024 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Newbiggin (County Durham)
A circular walk from Bowlees. Following the river Tees downstream to Middleton-in Teesdale before climbing out through open moorland via the mysterious corpse of ancient Kircarrion, with wonderful views over Lunedale before descending the dramatic Holwick scar back to base.
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.
Langdon Beck Hotel : High Hurth Edge and the Upper Tees Valley
5.56 mi
+463 ft
-479 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Forest and Frith (County Durham)
Circular walk passing by High Hurth Edge and the Upper Tees Valley.
Romaldkirk Moor from Mickleton
7.56 mi
+525 ft
-528 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Mickleton (County Durham)
A walk in the North Pennines using a section of disused railway, moorland paths and tracks. The route traverses scenery typical of the area with some views across Teesdale also to be enjoyed.
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.
Bowlees to Middleton Teesdale
10.69 mi
+1,158 ft
-1,178 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Newbiggin (County Durham)
A very mixed terrain walk, taking you over the military-built wire swing bridge over the Tees at Low Force, offering amazing views of the cascading water from both banks of the river.
You will see glimpses of Holwick Hall Royal residence, the fabulous rocky formation of Holwick Scar, before taking to the open fells to climb from Teesdale to Lunedale, though quickly returning to Teesdale for the descent towards Middleton in Teesdale.
The remainder of this interesting walk follows the river Tees upstream back to Low Force via the well-signposted Pennine Way.
Bowes Castle and Mill Force Waterfall
1.11 mi
+190 ft
-361 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Bowes (County Durham)
A little circular walk to discover the ruins of Bowes Castle (English Heritage site) and the little waterfall of Mill Force on the River Greta.
Perfect for families with young children and also for dog owners.
Killhope Circular
3.82 mi
+404 ft
-436 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Stanhope (County Durham)
This is the first of a series of circular routes following sections of the Weardale Way, which begins here at Killhope Lead Mining Museum and ends at the coast in Sunderland. This route first climbs, follows the Killhope Burn before ascending through trees, passing several dams before turning back along Killhope Burn to the museum. This is County Durham at its wildest.
Hamsterley Forest - Blue trail
1.77 mi
+194 ft
-243 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from South Bedburn (County Durham)
This is the riverside walk in the Hamsterley Forest. The path is well marked (follow the blue signs) and very easy. It is pushchair friendly and perfect for little legs. It is dog friendly.
There are several others well marked walking trails and bicycle trails available in the forest.
Middleton in Teesdale to Romaldkirk Circular
9.82 mi
+489 ft
-502 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from Middleton in Teesdale (County Durham)
A lovely circular walk from Middleton in Teesdale following the Teesdale Way on the northern side of the river and the Tees Railway Path on the southern side.
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.
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.
Seaham to South Hetton - Durham Round Trail (Alternative Route)
4.91 mi
+325 ft
-13 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Seaham (County Durham)
This alternative section leaves the seafront and passes through some of the more charming parts of Seaham with its parks and streams before passing through the village of Dalton-le-Dale. The route continues past Dalton Park providing an opportunity to explore its shops, restaurants and footpaths before rejoining the original route.
Tunstall Reservoir from Wolsingham
7.74 mi
+732 ft
-722 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Wolsingham (County Durham)
A lovely circular walk starting from Wolsingham village. It passes through farmland on good tracks and paths up to Tunstall Reservoir. After walking around the reservoir the route returns at a higher level through pastures before descending back to the village. Interesting scenery, great views and mostly well marked with yellow arrows.
Hawthorn Dene
3.31 mi
+292 ft
-279 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Hawthorn (County Durham)
This is a short but interesting walk around Hawthorn Dene. In early spring look out for the carpets of snowdrops in the woods, later there will be wild garlic and bluebells.
Chester Moor to Birtley Along the Great North Road
4.44 mi
+92 ft
-157 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from County Durham
The 7th section of the Along the Great North Road walk begins at the Chester Moor pub and then becomes an urban walk through small towns and past industrial developments. Throughout the walk you will see evidence of the route of the Great North Road through buildings and pubs, and also of the industrial history of the area. The route closely follows the East Coast Mainline so do look out for the Chester-le-Street viaduct which is an impressive structure.
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.
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.
Rushyford to Croxdale - Along the Great North Road
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.
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.
Pittington to Durham City - Durham Round Trail
5.50 mi
+262 ft
-305 ft
2h 45
Easy
Departure from Pittington (County Durham)
The 39th and final section of the walk continues through former mining villages of County Durham, leading to a final stretch along the River Wear with views of the castle and cathedral, the finishing point for this walk.
South Hetton to Pittington - Durham Round Trail
5.03 mi
+187 ft
-318 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from South Hetton (County Durham)
The 38th section of the walk takes in some of the farming land and woodland between the former mining villages of South Hetton, Littletown and Pittington.
Seaham to South Hetton - Durham Round Trail
4.66 mi
+335 ft
-16 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Seaham (County Durham)
The 37th section of the walk leaves Seaham seafront. The route follows the old South Hetton railway line up Stoney Cut Bank which gives a view back to the North Sea from the top. The route then passes through new developments still following the old railway line until it arrives in South Hetton.
An alternative, more scenic, route is available via Dalton-le-Dale.
Easington to Seaham - Durham Round Trail
4.62 mi
+72 ft
-217 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Easington Colliery (County Durham)
The 36th section of the walk continues along one of the most spectacular stretches of the Durham Coast Path giving a further opportunity to explore more of the denes along the coast, taking in Hawthorn Viaduct and finishing in the coastal town of Seaham providing further opportunity to explore the harbour and seafront.
Horden to Easington - Durham Round Trail
3.53 mi
+305 ft
-223 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Horden (County Durham)
Section 35 of the walk takes in more of the beautiful County Durham coast finishing in Easington Colliery where some evidence of the mining past of the area is still evident. The beach is worth visiting now, but was once the dumping site of waste from the pit. A pit cage is visible in the nature reserve and the old pay office is now a cafe.
Crimdon to Horden - Durham Round Trail
4.13 mi
+253 ft
-259 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Monk Hesleden (County Durham)
Section 34 of the walk follows the Durham Heritage Coast along a section of the Durham Coast Path. Look carefully and you may see traces of the mining industry which was prevalent along this stretch of the coast. Along the way you will need to navigate several of the coastal denes and gills.
Hesleden to Crimdon - Durham Round Trail
3.60 mi
+92 ft
-308 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Monk Hesleden (County Durham)
The 33rd section of the walk begins in the village of Hesleden and follows an easy downhill walk along the Hart to Haswll Walkway (cycle path) to the coast. The route then follows the Durham Coast Path, allowing plenty of time to explore the dunes at Crimdon or Crimdon Dene.
More walks in County Durham
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