South Hetton walks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This section of the England Coast Path/Durham Heritage Coast Path is another rural section which covers several denes creating an undulating walk along dirt footpaths.

This short circular walk passes the Horden Grasslands Local Nature Reserve and Passive Mine Water Treatment Plant then returns via the England Coast Path providing views out out to see.

This section follows the Durham Heritage Coast path along the cliff tops from Seaham to Easington Colliery. This is a rural section passing Hawthorn Dene and Beacon Hill providing stunning views out to sea and finishing with a visit to the Pit Cage Monument at Easington Colliery.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This section of the England Coast Path continues down the rural areas of County Durham ending at Crimdon passing through Castle Eden Dene and Crimdon Dene finishing at a popular holiday park. There are nature reserves and rock formations to explore along with long sandy beaches and sand dunes. This section has some steep inclines and steps and is therefore not accessible.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A short and relatively easy walk which explores the lesser known Durham Denes that lie to the south of Castle Eden Dene.

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.

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.

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.

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 section connects Hesleden with Wingate, one of the larger villages in East Durham connecting the church of St Mary's in Hesleden with All Saint's in Wingate.

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.

Easy walk around Wingate area. Look out for the Miner's Trail sculptures.

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.

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.

An easy circular walk around the historic Lambton Estate.

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.

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.

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.