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Thornley walks
Wingate Quarry Loop
Visorando Member
4.80 mi
+177 ft
-177 ft
2h 20
Easy
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.
Kelloe to Sherburn House, Way of Love
5.01 mi
+180 ft
-364 ft
2h 30
Easy
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.
Trimdon Grange to Kelloe - Way of Love
4.40 mi
+121 ft
-207 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Trimdon (County Durham)
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.
Wingate to Trimdon Grange, Way of Love
4.29 mi
+223 ft
-148 ft
2h 10
Easy
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
11.10 mi
+256 ft
-259 ft
5h 20
Moderate
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.
Wingate Loop
3.59 mi
+144 ft
-148 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Hutton Henry (County Durham)
Easy walk around Wingate area. Look out for the Miner's Trail sculptures.
Station Town to Hesleden - Durham Round Trail
3.14 mi
+20 ft
-125 ft
1h 30
Easy
Departure from Hutton Henry (County Durham)
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.
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.
Ryhope : An Out and Return ride along Nat. Cycle Route 1 from Castle Eden
23.45 mi
+489 ft
-476 ft
2 hrs
Moderate
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
20.35 mi
+328 ft
-338 ft
1.5 hrs
Moderate
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.
Nesbitt Dene
6.06 mi
+256 ft
-285 ft
3h 00
Easy
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
12.54 mi
+646 ft
-650 ft
6h 20
Moderate
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.
Castle Eden Dene Full
8.82 mi
+505 ft
-499 ft
4h 30
Easy
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.
South Hetton to Pittington - Durham Round Trail
5.03 mi
+187 ft
-318 ft
2h 30
Easy
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.
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.
Apollo Pavillion Circular from Peterlee Town Centre
3.95 mi
+131 ft
-131 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Peterlee (County Durham)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Great North Forest Path Hetton Lyons to Warden Law
3.63 mi
+190 ft
-20 ft
1h 50
Easy
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.
Easington to Seaham - Durham Round Trail
4.62 mi
+72 ft
-217 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Easington Colliery (County Durham)
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.
Hawthorn Dene
3.31 mi
+292 ft
-279 ft
1h 45
Easy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Houghton-le-Spring to Bournmoor - Way of Learning
3.28 mi
+49 ft
-138 ft
1h 35
Easy
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.
Wynyard to Station Town - Durham Round Trail
4.85 mi
+171 ft
-16 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Sedgefield (County Durham)
This is the 31st of the Durham Round Trail which follows the Castle Eden Walkway (Cycle Path 1) from Wynyard Village to Station Town passing through agricultural land and affording good views of Hurworth Burn Reservoir. This section of the walk is accessible.
England Coast Path - Seaham to Easington Colliery
3.32 mi
+138 ft
-66 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Seaham (County Durham)
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.
Seaham to South Hetton - Durham Round Trail (Alternative Route)
4.91 mi
+325 ft
-13 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Seaham (County Durham)
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.
Seaham to South Hetton - Durham Round Trail
4.66 mi
+335 ft
-16 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Seaham (County Durham)
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.
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