Lynesack and Softley walks

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. 

The final section of the Gainford to Escomb section of The Way of Life continues across farmland and through small villages finishing at the ancient church in Escomb. A section of this walk follows the Etherley Incline, the route of the first passenger railway in the world. The last part of the walk shares a route with the Weardale Way.

This short walk from Escomb to Bishop Auckland follows the River Wear. It affords a great view of the Newton Cap Viaduct and allows plenty of time to explore Bishop Auckland.

This section of the walk crosses farmland and follows country lanes starting in the village of Ingleton and finishing in West Auckland with its numerous interesting and historic buildings.

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)

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.

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.

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.

The 23rd section follows the banks of the River Tees from Winston through the pretty village of Gainford which is well worth a stop, then continues to the ancient settlement of Piercebridge with its Roman fort and bridge.

The Way of Life is one of the Northern Saints' Trails and takes in the religious centre of Bishop Auckland with its castle and art galleries. The trail passes through many County Durham villages from the banks of the River Tees to the banks of the River Wear. Evidence of County Durham's religious and industrial past can be seen throughout the walk including the Etherley Incline, an early railway, Medieval Durham, Escomb Saxon Church and Binchester Roman Fort.

The start of this walk begins at the historic St Mary's Church on the banks of the River Tees in Gainford and passes through farmland and pretty villages finishing in Ingleton.

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.

A picturesque walk along the river Greta, abounds with history and nature.

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.

This walk follows the River Greta and River Tees, taking in some beautiful countryside, ancient bridges and river view.

The 21st section of the route continues to follow the River Greta from Rutherford Bridge through picturesque countryside to the pretty village of Greta Bridge.

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.

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.

This is an interesting walk which starts in Stanhope and passes through the west end of the town to Stanhope Hall and then ascends the pleasant dene. After crossing the beck the path passes below old limestone quarries to the remans of the fluorspar plant before ascending to the Park Plantation and following the boundary wall of Stanhope Park, the return leg passes through pleasant farmland to the dene and back into Stanhope.

The 20th section of the trail continues from the village of Bowes through the Greta Valley, following the River Greta to Rutherford Bridge and the waterfalls.

The 9th section of the Durham Round Trail continues deep into the Pennines. This area was well known for lead mining and there is evidence of this along the trail. This part of the trail initially follows a ridge gradually uphill, giving amazing views across the Pennines. This showcases County Durham at its wildest. The final section of the walk drops steeply down to the pretty village of Rookhope.