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Kimblesworth and Plawsworth walks
Chester Moor to Birtley Along the Great North Road
Visorando Member
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.
Chester-le-Street to Finchale Priory - Way of Learning
4.20 mi
+197 ft
-167 ft
2h 05
Easy
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.
Finchale Priory to Durham Cathedral - Way of Learning
4.20 mi
+220 ft
-98 ft
2h 05
Easy
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.
Finchale Priory to Chester-le-Street - Durham Round Trail
4.55 mi
+184 ft
-226 ft
2h 15
Easy
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.
Weardale Way - Finchale Priory to Fencehouses
5.62 mi
+282 ft
-226 ft
2h 50
Easy
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.
Chester-le-Street to Beamish - Durham Round Trail
4.46 mi
+449 ft
-3 ft
2h 25
Easy
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.
Cocken Wood Loop
0.77 mi
+95 ft
-95 ft
0h 25
Easy
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.
Great North Forest Lumley Castle to Rainton Meadows
4.60 mi
+82 ft
-33 ft
2h 10
Easy
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.
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.
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.
Great North Forest Vigo to Lumley Castle
4.42 mi
+220 ft
-240 ft
2h 15
Easy
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.
Bournmoor to Chester-Le-Street - Way of Learning
3.66 mi
+75 ft
-138 ft
1h 45
Easy
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 Short Section - Fencehouses to Cox Green
5.25 mi
+105 ft
-210 ft
2h 30
Easy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Great North Forest Path
68.17 mi
+3,146 ft
-3,150 ft
7 days
Moderate
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
3.53 mi
+171 ft
-75 ft
1h 45
Easy
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.
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.
Coalfield Way
9.76 mi
+371 ft
-344 ft
4h 50
Moderate
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.
Rainton Meadows - Dragonfly Route and Joe's Pond
0.75 mi
+20 ft
-20 ft
0h 20
Easy
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.
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.
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 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.
Great North Forest Beamish to Vigo
4.11 mi
+3 ft
-367 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Urpeth (County Durham)
This part of the walk starts at Beamish and follows the C2C cycle route back towards Birtley and Washington through open fields and the outskirts of villages. The walk is downhill for most of the route along hard cycle paths and there is accessible to most.
Beamish to Annfield Plain - Durham Round Trail
4.66 mi
+341 ft
-3 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Urpeth (County Durham)
This 4th section of the Durham Round Trail walk continues to follow the C2C cyle route though open countryside and then through towns and villages ending at Annfield Plain. Interestingly, the coop buildings from Annfield Plain were moved to Beamish Museum which is well worth a visit.
Beamish to Chester-Le-Street - Angel's Way
4.28 mi
+36 ft
-449 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Urpeth (County Durham)
This final stretch of the walk starts at Beamish and follows cycle paths through countryside and villages into Chester-le-Street town centre alongside Chester Burn, finishing at St Mary and St Cuthbert;s Church one of the many churches on the pilgrim walking route.
Great North Forest Pittington to Hetton Lyons Country Park
4.25 mi
+253 ft
-197 ft
2h 10
Moderate
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Birtley to Gateshead Along the Great North Road
4.86 mi
+194 ft
-148 ft
2h 25
Easy
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.
River Wear Trail
10.46 mi
+262 ft
-269 ft
5h 00
Moderate
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.
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.
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.
Great North Forest Birtley to Causey Arch
5.06 mi
+538 ft
-289 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Lamesley (England)
This section of the walk follows the old railway route and forms the second part of the Bowes Railway Path, starting at Birtley near the Bowes Incline (named after the system of pulleys used to pull coal trucks uphill) and continuing through open farmland to the Tanfield Railway and Causey Arch, the oldest surviving single span railway bridge. This walk celebrates the history of the Pontop and Jarrow Railway.
Great North Forest Herrington Country Park to Washington WWT
2.91 mi
+177 ft
-374 ft
1h 30
Moderate
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.
Angel of the North to Beamish - Angel's Way
5.31 mi
+449 ft
-259 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Lamesley (England)
This rural stretch of the Angel's Way begins at the Angel of the North and after passing under the A1 follows a paths across farmland and through woodland passing a number of villages on the way to Beamish. On there way, there are views of the area where once coalmines could be seen including those of Kibblesworth and Bewicke Main.
Great North Forest Washington to Birtley to finish
4.60 mi
+299 ft
-292 ft
2h 25
Easy
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.
Great North Forest Causey Arch to Beamish
3.44 mi
+213 ft
-184 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Stanley (County Durham)
This walk begins at Causey Arch and ends at Beamish following woodland paths for the majority of the route with one small section across fields linking two historically important locations. Be sure to explore Causey Arch and Tanfield Railway before beginning the walk.
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.
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.
Great North Forest Washington WWT to Hylton Castle
3.67 mi
+108 ft
-66 ft
1h 45
Easy
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.
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