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West Auckland walks
West Auckland to Escomb, The Way of Life
Visorando Member
4.88 mi
+207 ft
-299 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from West Auckland (County Durham)
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.
Escomb to Bishop Auckland, The Way of Life
2.31 mi
+131 ft
-105 ft
1h 10
Easy
Departure from County Durham
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.
Bishop Auckland Castle and Deer House
2.31 mi
+174 ft
-171 ft
1h 15
Easy
Departure from Bishop Auckland (County Durham)
A gentle walk through Auckland Park taking in the River Wear, River Gaunless, Walled Garden and Deer House.
Bishop Auckland to Binchester, The Way of Life
4.09 mi
+361 ft
-226 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Bishop Auckland (County Durham)
This section of The Way of Life is relatively short to enable you to fully explore Bishop Auckland Castle Park and Binchester Roman Fort, a short diversion from the path.
Ingleton to West Auckland, The Way of Life
4.17 mi
+125 ft
-164 ft
2h 00
Easy
Departure from Ingleton (County Durham)
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.
Binchester to Whitworth, The Way of Life
2.82 mi
+39 ft
-121 ft
1h 20
Easy
Departure from County Durham
This shorter section allows follows the Auckland Way for a time before crossing farmland to Whitworth Hall and Deer Park.
Weardale Way - Willington to Sunderland Bridge
4.80 mi
+7 ft
-36 ft
2h 15
Easy
Departure from Greater Willington (County Durham)
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.
The Way of Life - Gainford to Durham
29.98 mi
+1,473 ft
-1,539 ft
3 days
Difficult
Departure from Gainford (County Durham)
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.
Gainford to Ingleton - The Way of Life
3.46 mi
+223 ft
-85 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Gainford (County Durham)
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.
Whitworth to Sunderland Bridge, The Way of Life
4.09 mi
+3 ft
-223 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Spennymoor (County Durham)
This section of the walk begins at Whitworth Hall Country Park with its deer, crosses farmland before passing through the pretty village of Tudhoe and then joins the Weardale Way for a short section before reaching the outskirts of Durham City.
Hamsterley Forest - Blue trail
1.77 mi
+194 ft
-243 ft
1h 00
Easy
Departure from South Bedburn (County Durham)
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.
Rushyford to Croxdale - Along the Great North Road
4.50 mi
+318 ft
-164 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Chilton (County Durham)
The 4th section of the Along the Great North Road walk joins two former coaching inns and roughly follows the modern day A167 through countryside, diverting into the former mining communities of Ferryhill and Chilton. Along the way is evidence of the old coaching route if you look out for it.
Winston to Piercebridge - Durham Round Trail
5.42 mi
+46 ft
-131 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Winston (County Durham)
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.
Piercebridge to Low Coniscliffe - Durham Round Trail
5.06 mi
+26 ft
-59 ft
2h 20
Easy
Departure from Piercebridge (Darlington)
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.
Coatham Mundeville to Rushyford - Along the Great North Road
5.43 mi
+82 ft
-69 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Coatham Mundeville (Darlington)
This 3rd section of the Along the Great North Road passes a number of inns both new and old along the route and takes in the pretty Aycliffe Village. The rest of the route follows the A167 but the path is surrounded by trees for most of the route and is therefore shaded in summer months.
Croxdale to Durham Along the Great North Road
4.93 mi
+246 ft
-486 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Spennymoor (County Durham)
This 5th section of the Along the Great North Road, from Croxdale, starts in open countryside, then crosses the old Sunderland Bridge which once carried the Great North Road across the River Wear. The route then passes the landmark Cock o' the North roundabout, then follows South Road past the modern university buildings down New Elvet into the heart of Durham City finishing in the historic Market Place.
Around the Western area of Darlington
7.88 mi
+118 ft
-125 ft
3h 45
Easy
Departure from Darlington
A walk suitable for all ages, good well preserved footpaths, nature reserve, museum on the route, watching trout jump the weir on the river Tess, good opportunities for pub food and cafe snacks.
Low Coniscliffe to Croft-on-Tees - Durham Round Trail
5.21 mi
+33 ft
-69 ft
2h 25
Easy
Departure from Darlington
The 25th section of the walk veers away from the River Tees today, crossing farmland and following bridle paths through the villages of Blackwell, Stapleton and ending at Croft-on-Tees.
West Darlington Circular
8.85 mi
+49 ft
-49 ft
4h 05
Easy
Departure from Darlington
A diverse walk crossing open fields, following burbling brooks and a beautiful section of the river Tees incorporating part of the Teesdale way.
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.
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.
Tunstall Reservoir from Wolsingham
7.74 mi
+732 ft
-722 ft
4h 10
Moderate
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.
Darlington to Coatham Mundeville Along the Great North Road
4.02 mi
+115 ft
-33 ft
1h 55
Easy
Departure from Darlington
This 2nd section starts in Darlington town centre and follows the route out of town up North Road past the historic Skerne Bridge and Stockton and Darlington Railway development at Hopetown to the village of Coatham Mundeville. Look out for evidence of the history of this railway town during the walk.
Greta Bridge to Winston - Durham Round Trail
5.81 mi
+157 ft
-194 ft
2h 50
Easy
Departure from Rokeby (County Durham)
This walk follows the River Greta and River Tees, taking in some beautiful countryside, ancient bridges and river view.
River Greta Circular
7.13 mi
+512 ft
-515 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Brignall (County Durham)
A picturesque walk along the river Greta, abounds with history and nature.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Croft-on-Tees to Girsby - Durham Round Trail
5.08 mi
+203 ft
-154 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Croft-on-Tees (North Yorkshire)
The 26th section of the walk continues through beautiful countryside and the pretty villages of Croft-on-Tees, Hurworth, Neasham and Girsby giving occasional glimpses of the River Tees.
Along the Great North Road (County Durham)
40.69 mi
+1,532 ft
-1,407 ft
4 days
Difficult
Departure from Hurworth (Darlington)
The Great North Road ran from London in the south to Edinburgh in the north. This was once a coaching route, but in later years this has been replaced by the A1 which sadly bypasses many of the pretty villages and towns along the route. This trail traces the route from Croft-on-Tees in the south on the border of North Yorkshire and County Durham to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. There are still remnants of that bygone age to be seen on this historical journey.
Croft-on Tees to Darlington Along the Great North Road
3.49 mi
+72 ft
-3 ft
1h 40
Easy
Departure from Hurworth (Darlington)
Starting in the pretty village of Croft-on-Tees, the first section of the walk follows the route of the Great North Road through countryside and into the heart of Darlington, once a busy market town with many street names indicating the history of the town ending at the impressive clock tower above the market hall.
More walks in West Auckland
Discover also walks in surrounding cities:
- Evenwood and Barony
- Ferryhill
- Forcett
- Gainford
- Great Aycliffe
- Greater Willington
- Hamsterley
- Headlam
- Hedleyhope
- Heighington
- High Coniscliffe
- Hilton
- Houghton Le Side
- Hurworth
- Hutton Magna
- Ingleton
- Killerby
- Langleydale and Shotton
- Langton
- LCPs of Brancepeth and Brandon and Byshottles
- LCPs of Hamsterley, Lynesack and Softley, and South Bedburn
- Low Coniscliffe and Merrybent
- Lynesack and Softley
- Manfield
- Middridge
- Morton Tinmouth
- Newton Morrell
- Ovington
- Piercebridge
- Raby with Keverstone
- Rokeby
- Satley
- Shildon
- South Bedburn
- Spennymoor
- Staindrop
- Stanwick St. John
- Stapleton
- Streatlam and Stainton
- Summerhouse
- Tow Law
- Wackerfield
- Walworth
- West Layton
- Westwick
- Whessoe
- Whorlton
- Windlestone
- Winston
- Witton-le-Wear
- Wolsingham
- Wycliffe with Thorpe