Chester Moor to Birtley Along the Great North Road
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.
Ushaw College to Durham Cathedral - Way of Light
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
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.
Chester-le-Street to Finchale Priory - Way of Learning
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.
Chester-le-Street to Beamish - Durham Round Trail
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.
Durham Parks and Paths
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.
Durham Riverbank
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.
Finchale Priory to Durham Cathedral - Way of Learning
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.
Kepier and Gilesgate Circular
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.
Finchale Priory to Chester-le-Street - Durham Round Trail
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
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.
Great North Forest Beamish to Vigo
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 Chester-Le-Street - Angel's Way
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.
Beamish to Annfield Plain - Durham Round Trail
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.
Bearpark
Departure from Brandon and Byshottles (County Durham)
On the western outskirts of Durham. Good pathways through a mixture of the farming and industrial landscape.
Views of Durham
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.
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.
Durham to Chester Moor Along the Great North Road
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.
Great North Forest Lumley Castle to Rainton Meadows
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.
Durham riverbank via Peninsula
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
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.
Lanchester to Ushaw College - Way of Light
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.
Durham City Centre to Finchale Priory - Durham Round Trail
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.
Great North Forest Vigo to Lumley Castle
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.
St Oswald's and River Bank Loop, Durham
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
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
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
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.
Annfield Plain to Leadgate - Durham Round Trail
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.
Bournmoor to Chester-Le-Street - Way of Learning
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.
Weardale Way Short Section - Fencehouses to Cox Green
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.
Lambton Estate
Departure from Bournmoor (County Durham)
An easy circular walk around the historic Lambton Estate.
Great North Forest Causey Arch to Beamish
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.
Birtley to Gateshead Along the Great North Road
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.
Sherburn House to Durham City - Way of Love
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.
Sunderland Bridge to Durham Cathedral - The Way of Life
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
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.
Great North Forest Birtley to Causey Arch
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.
Angel of the North to Beamish - Angel's Way
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.
More walks in Sacriston
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