Dene Valley walks

Bishop Auckland to Binchester, The Way of Life

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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.

Bishop Auckland Castle and Deer House

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Departure from Bishop Auckland (County Durham)

A gentle walk through Auckland Park taking in the River Wear, River Gaunless, Walled Garden and Deer House.

Binchester to Whitworth, The Way of Life

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Departure from County Durham

This shorter section allows follows the Auckland Way for a time before crossing farmland to Whitworth Hall and Deer Park.

Escomb to Bishop Auckland, The Way of Life

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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.

West Auckland to Escomb, The Way of Life

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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.

Rushyford to Croxdale - Along the Great North Road

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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.

Whitworth to Sunderland Bridge, The Way of Life

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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.

Weardale Way - Willington to Sunderland Bridge

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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.

Croxdale to Durham Along the Great North Road

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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.

Ingleton to West Auckland, The Way of Life

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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.

Coatham Mundeville to Rushyford - Along the Great North Road

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Piercebridge to Low Coniscliffe - Durham Round Trail

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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.

The Way of Life - Gainford to Durham

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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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Around the Western area of Darlington

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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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Winston to Piercebridge - Durham Round Trail

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Low Coniscliffe to Croft-on-Tees - Durham Round Trail

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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.

Sherburn House to Durham City - Way of Love

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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.

West Darlington Circular

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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.

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.

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.

Darlington to Coatham Mundeville Along the Great North Road

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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.

Sadberge to Stillington - Durham Round Trail

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Departure from Sadberge (Darlington)

The 29th section is another walk through open countryside and farms finishing in the village of Stillington where evidence of the industrial past is evident through the rows of terraced houses and the railway which runs through the centre of the village.

Pittington to Durham City - Durham Round Trail

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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.

Great North Forest Pittington to Hetton Lyons Country Park

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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.

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