Hikes & Walks in Durham

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which includes much of the Durham Dales, is a breathtaking landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities,  and glorious waterfalls. The Pennine Way National Trail includes several circular walks, and extensive tracts of open access land make the North Pennines an excellent spot to go for a hike. If you enjoy walking, the North Pennines has plenty to offer, from the difficulties of the vast moorland environment of the fells to the more intimate feel of the dales. From tough long-distance walking routes like the Pennine Way to pleasant riverside rambles, there's something for everyone. 

A circular walk in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Middleton-in-Teesdale in County Durham. The walking trail starts at the Bowless Visitor Center and takes you to spectacular waterfalls. Summerhill Force on Bow Lee Beck is the first, while Low Force and High Force, both on the River Tees, are the second and third. As if these magnificent waterfalls weren't enough, the Pennine Way also has a lovely riverbank portion with views across flower-rich moorlands, plant-rich forested valley slopes, and highland meadows. 

Barnard Castle, County Durham, offers a circular stroll. The walk appears to be a straightforward stroll down the river and back at first appearance, but there is much more to see and do. Along the trip, you may see various historic mills, churches, a massive historic house and Barnard Castle itself.  With spectacular views of the Tees Gorge, this stronghold is located on the outskirts of a beautiful working market town, providing lots of activities for families on a day out.

 

County Durham’s largest forest, Hamsterley has a mixture of deciduous woodland, meadows and coniferous woods. Hamsterley Woodland Forest is a 2,000-acre paradise that sprawls along the sheltering valley's sides. The walking routes will lead you straight into the heart of the forest, where you can see some amazing animals. Roe deer eating, adders sunbathing on rocks, and even salmon jumping upstream on the beck may be seen by early morning hikers. 

 

Trail the Weardale Way! This walk, in either direction, provides some insight into Durham's industrial heritage, takes you past the World Heritage Site of Durham's Cathedral and Castle, visits Roman and Norman settlement sites, and enjoys the unspoiled countryside of the river and dale, which is part of the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Durham Coastal Footpath runs from Seaham in the north to Crimdon in the south, passing through spectacular clifftop scenery. This shoreline has been shaped by ongoing natural and man-made change, yet it has always been a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts. The underlying geology is Magnesian Limestone with boulder clay above it, which supports a great grassland with wonderful flora and various fauna, including the very rare Durham Argus butterfly, which feeds on rockrose and may be observed during the summer months.

From the isolated high moorlands of Cumbria and Durham to the industrial landscapes of Teeside and the coast, the Teesdale Way long distance footpath mostly follows the banks of the River Tees from near its source to the sea. The Teesdale Way is a 92-mile path in its entirety and is rated as moderately difficult.

Discover the fauna and history of Derwent Reservoir while taking in the spectacular vistas of the reservoir on the multi-user route. The stroll is straightforward and comfortable for bikes, pedestrians, wheelchairs, and pushchairs alike. Shorter stretches of the walk may be found from the visitor centre along the dam to Pow Hill Country Park, or from the north bank of the dam wall to Millshield picnic spot. A variety of wildlife treasures may also be found throughout the walk.