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West Rainton walks
Cocken Wood Loop
Visorando Member
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weardale Way Short Section - Fencehouses to Cox Green
5.25 mi
+105 ft
-210 ft
2h 30
Easy
Departure from Little Lumley (County Durham)
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.
Bournmoor to Chester-Le-Street - Way of Learning
3.66 mi
+75 ft
-138 ft
1h 45
Easy
Departure from Little Lumley (County Durham)
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.
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.
Houghton-Le-Spring Town (Accessible)
1.38 mi
+66 ft
-66 ft
0h 40
Easy
Departure from Sunderland (England)
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.
Great North Forest Lumley Castle to Rainton Meadows
4.60 mi
+82 ft
-33 ft
2h 10
Easy
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.
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