Collaborative Post
It’s the time of year when lots of people make New Years Resolutions to get fit. A great way to do this is go for walk and explore your local area. All you need is a waterproof jacket, a decent pair of walk boots with an arch support insert and a scenic route to walk.
County Durham is filled with amazing walks, from coastal routes with dramatic scenery to tranquil woodland paths and riverside trails. Whether you like a gentle stroll or a mamouth ramble, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of my favourite walks in the Durham area –
1. Durham Heritage Coast & Hawthorn Dene
The Durham Heritage Coast is one of the county’s most spectacular walking areas. There are shorter circular routes like the Hawthorn Dene walk, which takes you through ancient woodland towards the cliffs, with meadows rich in wildflowers and birdsong in spring and summer. For a longer coastal adventure, the Durham Coastal Footpath runs for 11 miles, taking you from Seaham to Crimdon, following dramatic clifftops and sweeping views over the North Sea. Along the way you’ll pass wooded denes, beaches, coastal grassland and wildlife-rich habitats, making it ideal for a full-day hike or a series of linked shorter walks.
2. Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley Forest is the largest forest in County Durham and a favourite for walkers of all ages. With hundreds of hectares of woodland criss-crossed by waymarked trails, it’s perfect for quieter rambles among tall trees and along forest tracks. Owned by Forestry England it is also home to a large wooden play area, walking trails and lots of great paddling spots, perfect for the summer months.
The forest has paths of varying lengths and difficulties, including easy loops around tranquil lakes or more adventurous routes that explore deeper into the woods. There’s also a visitors’ centre, café and facilities, making it a great choice for a family day out.
3. Deerness Valley Way
Following the course of a former railway line, the Deerness Valley Way is an attractive 8.5-mile path from Broompark (near Durham City) to Crook in the South of the County.
As an old railway track converted to a walking and cycling route, it’s generally flat and accessible underfoot — ideal if you want a longer, steady walk through countryside interspersed with woodlands, grasslands and riverside sections. It’s also brilliant for bike riding with kids, no whinging about hills. On the way you’ll pass old mining villages and open fields, with plenty of wildlife
4. Lanchester Valley Walk
County Durham has a fantastic network of former railway lines turned into walking routes. The Lanchester Valley Walk is a fairly flat, 12-mile trail, ideal for walking with family or friends, running from Broompark near Durham to Consett through meadows, fields and woodland. The walk passes through the villages of Lanchester, Langley Park and Bearpark, all of which have some nice little shops and cafes.
5. Weardale Way
The Weardale Way follows the River Wear across much of the county. With a distance of 77 miles, it’s an epic one! It follows the River Wear from sea to source. at Martine Walk in Roker, Sunderland the walk passes by Sunderland, Chester Le Street, Durham, Bishop Auckland and Stanhope before reaching it’s source at Wearhead. Completing the full 77 miles is a bit of a task so walks often explore different sections of the walk, enjoying the paths along the river which are often scenic and peaceful, passing places like Durham Cathedral and Finchale Priory.
Durham has some absolutely stunning walks to enjoy and explore.
