Hetton walks

Great North Forest Path Hetton Lyons to Warden Law

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Departure from Hetton (England)

This section starts in a busy country park then follows old routes across the countryside giving views of the surrounding area. Marvel at the windfarm along the way.

Houghton-le-Spring to Bournmoor - Way of Learning

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

Leaving St Michael's and All Angels' Church behind, the route heads through a park, past housing developments into open countryside before returning to villages ending at the Floater's Mill pub.

Great North Forest Path

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Departure from Hetton (England)

The route circles the North East of England covering parts of County Durham and the former Tyne and Wear showcasing some of the best countryside the area has to offer from woodlands to the coast, passing through towns and former mining villages villages, the variety of landscapes passed on the way is constantly changing.

Great North Forest Rainton Meadows to Pittington

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Departure from Hetton (England)

This section walk starts at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve and climbs up to the village of East Rainton before crossing fields to pick up the Pittington Way Railway Path to Low Pittington. As this route involves a climb you will have views back down towards Rainton Meadows.

Rainton Meadows - Dragonfly Route and Joe's Pond

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Departure from Hetton (England)

A short, accessible walk taking in Joe's Pond, a deep pond fringed with reeds. There are plenty of viewing points along the way to look for wildlife. Look out for common teal, common pochard, and tufted duck in winter and, in summer, great crested grebes. This walk is along well-made paths and boardwalks suitable for all abilities.

Coalfield Way

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Departure from Hetton (England)

The Coalfield Way is no longer a designated Long Distance Footpath, but still affords some spectacular views across former mining villages. The circular route passes through 2 country parks, Rainton Meadows and Hetton Lyons which are worth spending some time in. The route includes a climb from Rainton Meadows to Moorsley after which the route becomes more level. To enjoy the country parks, this could be enjoyed as a full day excursion.

Houghton-Le-Spring Town (Accessible)

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

A short circular walk around Houghton-Le-Spring Town Centre passing some of the oldest buildings along the way. This walk has some gentle slopes but is on paved surfaces throughout.

Great North Forest Pittington to Hetton Lyons Country Park

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Departure from West Rainton (County Durham)

The inital climb from Low Pittington to Moorsley can be tough, particularly after the rain, however the views back across to the Raintons and Houghton-Le-Spring are tremendous. The second half of the walk follows footpaths and cycle paths through Moorsley and Hetton to finish at Hetton Lyons Country Park.

Pittington to Durham City - Durham Round Trail

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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.

Great North Forest Warden Law to Herrington Country Park

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Departure from Warden Law (England)

This largely rural section covers a lot of farm land with a number of hills enabling views of the surrounding area and finishes in Herrington Country Park, created when the spoil heap from the pit was cleared.

South Hetton to Pittington - Durham Round Trail

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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.

Cocken Wood Loop

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Cocken Wood Loop

Departure from Framwellgate Moor (County Durham)

This short walk gives some wonderful views of Finchale Priory (English Heritage). It is especially nice in summer when the slow walk through the woods is cooling under the trees. This is one of my favourite places, an idyllic stretch of the River Wear.

Weardale Way Short Section - Fencehouses to Cox Green

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Departure from Little Lumley (County Durham)

This short section of the Weardale Way winds through Biddick Woods and along both banks of the River Wear giving views of the Victoria Viaduct. It is gently downhill or level for most of the route and paved for most of the way making it a good walk after rain. There are a number of pubs along the river to while away a wet afternoon or enjoy a summer drink at the end of the walk.

Bournmoor to Chester-Le-Street - Way of Learning

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Departure from Little Lumley (County Durham)

This 8th section of the Way of Learning follows the meandering route of Lumley Park Burn from Bournmoor to the River Wear at Chester-le-Street. The majority of the walk is through woodland, Lumley Park Wood, circles Lumley Castle finishing at the church of St Mary and St Cuthbert in Chester-le-Street centre.

Weardale Way - Finchale Priory to Fencehouses

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Departure from Framwellgate Moor (County Durham)

This section begins at Finchale Priory with a climb up through Cocken Woods, it then passess through Great Lumley before crossing farmland down to the river. The path then circles Lumley Castle and then follows Lumley Park Beck to Fencehouses. This section includes steep climbs as well as farm tracks and stiles.

Finchale Priory to Chester-le-Street - Durham Round Trail

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Departure from Framwellgate Moor (County Durham)

This 2nd section of the Durham Round Trail walk heads away from Durham City, starting at the picturesque Finchale Priory, then meandering through woodland and crossing farmland to rejoin the banks of the River Wear at the magnificent Lumley Castle, before heading through Riverside Park to Chester-le-Street Market Place. The initial part of the walk involves a steep climb, then it is all downhill from Lumley.

Finchale Priory to Durham Cathedral - Way of Learning

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Departure from Framwellgate Moor (County Durham)

The final 10th section of the Way of Learning leaves the tranquil Finchale Priory the heads towards Durham City Centre passing HMP Frankland, Brasside Ponds and following the River Wear once more before ending at Durham Cathedral.

New Herrington to Houghton-Le-Spring - Way of Learning

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This 6th section of Way of Learning begins in the village of New Herrington and crosses farmland to reach the village of Newbottle. Continuing through the village, the route then crosses more fields before arriving at the top of Houghton Cut, from Houghton Hill there are views across Houghton-le-Spring and beyond. The route then drops down to Houghton-le-Spring where the walk ends in the town centre at St Michael's Church.

Lambton Estate

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Departure from Bournmoor (County Durham)

An easy circular walk around the historic Lambton Estate.

Great North Forest Herrington Country Park to Washington WWT

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This rural section of the walk takes in three of the North East's best known locations, Penshaw Monument, the River Wear and Washington Wetlands.

Great North Forest Lumley Castle to Rainton Meadows

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Departure from Little Lumley (County Durham)

Starting at the magnificent Lumley Castle, this walk winds its way through woodlands along the Lumley Park Burn before heading through Fenchouses and along bridlepaths through open fields before reaching Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve.

Sherburn House to Durham City - Way of Love

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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.

Hawthorn Dene

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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.

River Wear Trail

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This full day trail follows the northern bank of the River Wear from the tranquil section of the river at Fatfield, through the industrial outer reaches of Sunderland, finishing at Roker Pier at the mouth of the Wear. This is an alternative finish to the Weardale Way, which follows the southern bank of the Wear.

Chester-le-Street to Finchale Priory - Way of Learning

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Departure from County Durham

This is the 9th section of the Way of Learning. Beginning in Chester-le-Street, the walk begins in the urban town centre, then retraces the route back to Riverside Park with a walk along the banks of the Wear. Passing by Lumley Castle again, the walk continues on the opposite bank of the river before climbing up through farmland to the village of Great Lumley. Leaving the village the route continues along country lanes before descending through woodland to Finchael Priory.

England Coast Path - Ryhope to Seaham

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This section starts along the cliff tops at Ryhope and then drops down to Ryhope Dene eventually arriving at Seaham Hall Beach. The section then continues along Seaham Promenade to the National Trust managed land at Noses Point. This walk gives a good contrast between the rugged cliff tops and traditional seaside town.

Chester-le-Street to Beamish - Durham Round Trail

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Departure from County Durham

This 3rd section of the Durham Round Trail walk, begins with an urban walk through the outskirts of Chester-le-Street before picking up the C2C cycle route making the walking easy going, however the entire route is uphill alll the way from Chester-le-Street to Beamish. Look out for sculptures along the way which relate to the industrial past as well as legend.

Durham Riverbank

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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.

Kepier and Gilesgate Circular

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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.

Views of Durham

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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.

Durham riverbank via Peninsula

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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.

Houghall, The Botanic Gardens and Woodland/Riverside Circular

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Houghall, The Botanic Gardens and Woodland/Riverside Circular

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 riverbank via Maiden Castle

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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 to Chester Moor Along the Great North Road

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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.

Shincliffe Circular Walk

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Shincliffe Circular Walk

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.

Durham Round Trail

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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

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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.

Great North Forest Washington WWT to Hylton Castle

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This section of the walk follows the banks of the Wear then climbs up into the suburbs of Sunderland finishing at Hylton Castle. The Shipwrights is the only reminder here of shipbuilding in Hylton and Ferryboat Lane, the only reminder that there was once a ferry here.

St Oswald's and River Bank Loop, Durham

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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.

South Hylton to New Herrington - Way of Learning

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This is the 5th section of the Way of Learning. From the busy housing estates of South Hylton, the route passes under the A19 and into open countryside and small villages. The route climbs Penshaw Hill to Penshaw Monument for spectacular views of the surrounding area before descending to Herrington Country Park finishing in the village of New Herrington.

Durham University Loop

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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.

Great North Forest Vigo to Lumley Castle

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Departure from North Lodge (County Durham)

The path continues along the C2C cycle route then passes through the new village of Rickleton and the old village of Picktree before passing the Lambton estate with its ornate castle then winding its way through the grounds of Lumley Castle on the banks of the Wear.

Great North Forest Washington to Birtley to finish

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

Start this walk by exploring more of Washington Old Hall and the new town of Washington with its mining heritage at the 'F' Pit Museum and Bowes Railway before crossing fields to Birtley along the Bowes Railway Path.

Wingate Quarry Loop

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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.

Sunderland Beach and Park Circular

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This walk begins and ends on the Promenade taking in a stroll through Mowbray Park, a visit of Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens. After returning through the more industrial areas of Sunderland along a section of the England Coast Path, end with a walk on the beach.

Ashbrooke, Sunderland (Accessible)

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

A walk through the conservation area of Ashbrooke in Sunderland including many fine buildings, Mowbray Park, Backhouse Park and finishing at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.

Historic Buildings of Sunderland's East End

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Historic Buildings of Sunderland's East End

Departure from Sunderland (England)

The East End of Sunderland has undergone a lot of redevelopment, however there are a large number of historic buildings, many of them listed. This walk starts and ends at Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens in the town centre and first drops down to follow the south bank of the River Wear before circling Old Sunderland.

Weardale Way Alternative Last Section - Pallion to Roker

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This section of the English Coast Path starts by crossing the Northern Spire Bridge and then follows the northern bank of the River Wear passing the Queen Alexandra Bridge, Stadium of Light and Wearmouth Bridge where it rejoins the original Weardale Way path around the marina to the end of the walk at Roker. This walk passes remnants of the ship building industry along the Wear and new developments such as the Northern Spire Bridge and Sunderland university Campus.

England Coast Path - Sunderland City Centre to Ryhope

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This England Coast Path section starts in Sunderland City Centre and picks up the route in Hendon following a mostly urban route for the first half of the walk which then turns down to the cliff tops for the remainder of the walk to Ryhope. On this route you will see many new developments, including the A1018 which the route follows

Weardale Way - Pallion to Roker

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This urban section of the English Coast Path passes through Pallion and Deptford, the center of shipbuilding on the Wear. There is plenty of evidence left of this industry, The route slightly deviates from the original Weardale Way route to follow the new A1231 route passing the recently reinstated Doxford Shipyard Gate.

Kelloe to Sherburn House, Way of Love

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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.

Wearmouth Bridge to South Hylton - Way of Learning

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Departure from Sunderland (England)

This 4th stretch of the Way of Learning follows the north bank of the River Wear taking in the industrial and commercial areas of Sunderland. The highlight of the walk are the 3 impressive bridges across the River Wear. The walk starts at the Wearmouth Bridge, passes the Queen Alexandra Bridge and then crosses the new Northern Spire Bridge. Along the way, look out for remnants of Sunderland's mining and shipbuilding past.

Birtley to Gateshead Along the Great North Road

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Departure from Gateshead (England)

The 8th section of the Along the Great North Road walk continues through urban landscapes of many different architectural types, traditional Tyneside flats, modern developments, Victorian and interwar semi-detached houses, and many inns, both new and old, giving plenty of evidence of the Great North Roads route. The walk also passes the iconic Angel of the North and the beautiful Victorian Saltwell Park, allow plenty of time for diversions.

Wingate to Trimdon Grange, Way of Love

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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.

Miner's Heritage Trail from Station Town

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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.

Ryhope : An Out and Return ride along Nat. Cycle Route 1 from Castle Eden

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Ryhope : An Out and Return ride along Nat. Cycle Route 1 from Castle Eden

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.

Castle Eden from Castle Eden

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Castle Eden from Castle Eden

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.

Castle Eden Dene Full

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Castle Eden Dene Full

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.

Nesbitt Dene

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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.

The Lesser Known Durham Denes and the Coastal Path

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The Lesser Known Durham Denes and the Coastal Path

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 - Roker to Sunderland City Centre

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England Coast Path - Roker to Sunderland City Centre

Departure from Sunderland (England)

This riverside section of the England Coast Path follows the mouth of the Wear from Roker to Hendon finishing at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens in the city centre. The Wear was famous for its shipbuilding, all now long gone, but its religious past and glass making industry are still present. Alongside new developments the changing face of Sunderland is very evident in this walk.

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