Stanley walks

Great North Forest Causey Arch to Beamish

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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.

Annfield Plain to Leadgate - Durham Round Trail

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Departure from Stanley (County Durham)

This 5th and short section of the Durham Round Trail walk continues to follow the C2C cycle route through villages and countryside. It can easily be combined with other sections on the route.

Beamish to Chester-Le-Street - Angel's Way

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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 Beamish to Vigo

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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

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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.

Lanchester to Ushaw College - Way of Light

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Departure from Lanchester (County Durham)

This 7th section of the Way of Light begins in the village of Lanchester and crosses farmland, passes nature reserves, the villages of Quebec and Esh Winning and finishes at the entrance to the impressive Ushaw College. This walk is across rolling green fields and passes many farms. It could also be called the walk of the many stiles, gates and cattle grids.

Leadgate to Rowley - Durham Round Trail

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Departure from County Durham

This is the 6th section of the Durham Round Trail walk. Continuing to follow the C2C cycle path, the first half of the walk is through urban landscapes, passing through Consett and then into open countryside, following the Saints' Trail the Way of Light to Rowley Station Picnic Area. Rowley Station itself is now in Beamish Museum.

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.

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.

Angel of the North to Beamish - Angel's Way

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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.

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.

Chester Moor to Birtley Along the Great North Road

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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.

Great North Forest Birtley to Causey Arch

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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.

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.

Ushaw College to Durham Cathedral - Way of Light

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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.

Way of Light Saints Trail Short Section - Ushaw College to Durham

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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.

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.

Rowley to Waskerley Station - Durham Round Trail

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Departure from Healeyfield (County Durham)

This is the 7th section of the Durham Round Trail walk. County Durham is well-known for its towns including Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle as well as Durham City, however today's walk leaves behind the urban areas and heads out into the open countryside. This and the next few sections showcase the wilder side of County Durham. The section continues to follow the C2C cycle path/Waskerley Way and has a number of picnic spots along the way.

Castleside to Lanchester - Way of Light

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Departure from Healeyfield (County Durham)

This section of the Way of Light from rural Castleside to the pretty village of Lanchester passes through some of the rolling hilly landscapes of County Durham. The route first passes over the impressive Hownsgill Viaduct then follows the Lanchester Valley Path through farmland.

Gateshead to Gosforth Along the Great North Road

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Departure from Gateshead (England)

The 9th and final section of the Great North Road crosses the River Tyne, the original boundary between County Durham and Northumberland, over the iconic Tyne Bridge into Newcastle Upon Tyne and traces the route through the city, passing the Town Moor to Gosforth along the Great North Road - look out signs bearing this name as you walk.

Newcastle City Walls Circular

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Departure from Newcastle upon Tyne (England)

Newcastle was once a walled city with a castle (the clue is in the name). This city walk traces the route of the old city walls, some of which remains, through the modern city centre and along Newcastle Quayside passing many notable sites along the way.

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.

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.

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.

Baltic to the Angel - Angel's Way

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Departure from Gateshead (England)

This journey through Gateshead begins at the Baltic Centre for Contempoary Art on the Quayside and ends at the spectacular Angel of the North passing under the iconic Tyne Bridge, passing through the town centre, Victorian park and residential areas.

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.

Ouseburn Circular

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Departure from Newcastle upon Tyne (England)

This short circular walk will take you along the banks of Ouseburn through the former industrial area of Newcastle, now a centre for creativity with its galleries, farm and abundance of restaurants and bars. This walk is excellent for children as there is so much to do and see along the way.

Durham Parks and Paths

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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.

Bearpark

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Departure from Brandon and Byshottles (County Durham)

On the western outskirts of Durham. Good pathways through a mixture of the farming and industrial landscape.

The remains of Beau Repaire from the Broom Park car park.

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The remains of Beau Repaire from the Broom Park car park.

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.

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.

Jesmond to the Quayside - Angel's Way

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Departure from Newcastle upon Tyne (England)

This section of the Angel's Way explores Newcastle City Centre and Quayside. It starts in the suburb of Jesmond, takes in Exhibition Park, shopping areas, the magnificent Grainger Town and three key churches of St Thomas, St Mary and St Nicholas, Newcastle Castle and Keep before dropping down an ancient street, Side, to the Quayside finishing at the Millennium Bridge.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Colleges of Durham

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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

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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

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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.

Gosforth to Newcastle (Haymarket) - Angel's Way

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Departure from Newcastle upon Tyne (England)

This walk mixes the urban landscapes of Newcastle with the beautiful Jesmond Dene. Visit a ruined chapel, holy well and city centre museum to finish the walk.

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.

Sunderland Bridge to Durham Cathedral - The Way of Life

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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

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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.

Tunstall Reservoir from Wolsingham

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Tunstall Reservoir from Wolsingham

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.

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