Explore the varied landscapes of County Durham, where sweeping upland moors, peaceful river valleys and a rugged stretch of North Sea coastline create a diverse and rewarding walking destination. From the high fells of the North Pennines to scenic coastal paths along the Durham Heritage Coast, the county combines dramatic scenery with rich industrial and medieval heritage.

Walking in County Durham is a comprehensive Cicerone guidebook featuring 40 carefully selected day walks that showcase the best of the region. Written by experienced outdoor author Paddy Dillon, the guide includes routes ranging from 5 to 24km (3–15 miles), suitable for anything from relaxed countryside outings to longer hill walks.

• 40 varied day walks across County Durham are included, ranging from 5–24km (3–15 miles), covering landscapes from upland moorland and river valleys of the Tees to farmland and coastal cliffs of the Durham Heritage Coast
• Explore spectacular natural landmarks, including High Force, one of England’s most impressive waterfalls, along with scenic routes through Upper Teesdale and Weardale
• Walk through the historic city of Durham, home to the magnificent Durham Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking the River Wear
• Practical information for each walk includes distance, ascent, terrain, parking and public transport, making it easy to plan memorable days from Durham, Darlington and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
• Navigate confidently with clear step-by-step directions and detailed Ordnance Survey mapping, helping you follow routes across the moorland paths, woodland trails and quiet country lanes of the North Pennines and Tees Valley

From dramatic waterfalls and remote Pennine moorland to historic cathedral cities and rugged coastal paths, County Durham offers a remarkable variety for walkers. With clear mapping, engaging background notes and carefully chosen routes, Walking in County Durham is the ideal guidebook for discovering the landscapes, history and hidden corners of this fascinating northern county.

Walking in County Durham – Quick Facts

Guidebook name: Walking in County Durham 
Location: County Durham, northern England 
Number of walks: 40 day walks 
Distance: 5–24 km (3–15 miles) per walk 
Typical duration: 1–7 hours per walk 
Terrain: Moorland, river valleys, woodland trails, farmland, coastal paths, historic towns and quiet country lanes 
Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for most walkers, including families and casual hikers 
Highlights: High Force waterfall, Durham and Durham Cathedral, Upper Teesdale, Durham Heritage Coast 
Navigation: Step-by-step route descriptions with 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey mapping; downloadable GPX files available 
Facilities: Parking, cafés, pubs and public transport information included for towns and villages including Barnard Castle and Middleton 
Access: easy access from Durham, Darlington and Newcastle-upon-Tyne 
Best season: Year-round walking; spring to early autumn usually offers the best weather and wildlife viewing

Author Highlight

“The western half of County Durham consists of elevated moorlands cleft by broad green dales. Teesdale is, without doubt, the most scenic, followed closely by Weardale. Walks beside the River Tees and River Wear feature plenty of fine waterfalls, as do their many tributaries, providing powerful displays after prolonged periods of rain. The Pennine Way has introduced many walkers to some of the most outstanding scenery in County Durham, while the Teesdale Way and Weardale Way offer long-distance walks along the two major rivers running through the region.”

- Paddy Dillon, author of Walking in County Durham 

Overview map
Map key
Introduction
Getting to County Durham
Getting around County Durham
Geology
Flowers and animals
Scenery
Mining
Railways
Access to the countryside
Maps
What’s the walking like?
Walking and the weather
Tourist information and visitor centres
Emergencies
How to use this guidebook

Routes
1 Durham City and the River Wear
2 Bearpark, Broompark and Brandon
3 Dipton and Hamsterley Mill
4 Beamish and Causey
5 Ouston and Urpeth
6 Lumley Castle and Great Lumley
7 Durham Coast Path
8 Castle Eden Dene
9 Wingate and Station Town
10 Cassop and Quarrington
11 Sedgefield and Hardwick Hall
12 Middleton One Row and Girsby
13 Low and High Coniscliffe
14 Gainford and Piercebridge
15 Cockfield Fell and Butterknowle
16 Woodland and Copley
17 Staindrop and Cleatlam
18 Greta Bridge and Brignall Banks
19 Tan Hill and Sleightholme Moor
20 Bowes and Bowes Moor
21 Barnard Castle and the Tees
22 Cotherstone and Romaldkirk
23 Tees Railway Walk
24 Middleton and Monk’s Moor
25 Middleton and Grassholme
26 Low Force and High Force
27 Holwick and Hagworm Hill
28 Mickle Fell via the Boundary Route
29 Cronkley Fell
30 Cow Green and Widdybank Fell
31 Cow Green and Herdship Fell
32 Bishop Auckland and Binchester
33 Circuit of Crook
34 Wolsingham and Frosterley
35 Wolsingham and Tunstall Reservoir
36 Stanhope and Stanhope Dene
37 Westgate, Middlehope and Rookhope
38 Chapelfell Top and Noon Hill
39 Cowshill, Killhope and Allenheads
40 Edmundbyers and Edmundbyers Common

Appendix A Route summary table
Appendix B Useful contacts

Seasons

all year round

Centres

Durham, Carlington, Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, Stanhope, Consett, Seaham

Difficulty

half- to full-day mostly circular routes; some on high moorland but not difficult

Must See

city of Durham, Bowes Museum, remote high Pennine moors and valleys, High Force on the upper Tees, coastline walks

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