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    Walking in Durham

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Welcome to the Itinerary Planner. Use this tool to build your own journey or choose from an exciting range of specially selected tours.

To build your own Itinerary, click Add to Excursion to add an item to your Itinerary basket.

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    This is Durham Blog

  1. Walking Friendly Accommodation
    Walking Friendly Accommodation
    The perfect place to stay during your break.
  2. Northern Saints Trails
    Northern Saints Trails
    Discover stunning landscapes, and fascinating history when exploring the Northern Saints Trails.
  3. Accessible Walks
    Accessible Walks
    There are many accessible walks across the county, all of which are pushchair and wheelchair friendly.
  4. Walking Routes
    Walking Routes
    Search our walking routes and be inspired.
  5. Durham's Unmissable Walking Routes
    Durham's Unmissable Walking Routes
    Discover Durham's top walking routes.
  6. Walking Friendly Places to Eat
    Walking Friendly Places to Eat
    Perfect places to take a break and refuel.
  7. Dog at High Force
    Dog Friendly Walks
    Dogs love walkies, and Durham is the ideal place to explore on two feet (or four paws).
  8. Camino Inglés – the English Way
    Camino Inglés – the English Way
    The walk from Finchale Abbey to Durham Cathedral, and beyond to Escomb Church, south of Bishop Auckland, is now officially recognised as part of the Camino Inglés – the English Way.
  • Walker friendly accommodation

    Walking Friendly Accommodation

    The perfect place to stay during your break.

  • Newton Cap Viaduct, Bishop Auckland

    Northern Saints Trails

    Discover stunning landscapes, and fascinating history when exploring the Northern Saints Trails.

  • Walking challenges in Durham

    Follow Your Own Path

    From challenging hikes to family-friendly walks and nature trails, find the perfect path for you in Durham.

  • Walking Routes in Durham

    Walking Routes

    Search our walking routes and be inspired.

  • Walking in Durham couple on cliff tops at the coast

    Durham's Unmissable Walking Routes

    Discover Durham's top walking routes.

  • Cycling places to eat in Durham

    Walking Friendly Places to Eat

    Perfect places to take a break and refuel.

You are here > Home > Discover Durham's Great Outdoors > Walking in Durham

Walking in Durham

One of the best ways to experience Durham’s landscapes is on foot. From riverside strolls in Durham City to challenging hikes in the Durham Dales, there’s a route for every walker.

Discover the North Pennines National Landscape and UNESCO Global Geopark, the Durham Dales and Durham Heritage Coast, where hundreds of trails offer stunning views and historic sites. Along the way, enjoy walking-friendly accommodation, country pubs, and top attractions.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2025, the Pennine Way is a must-do walk this year. The trail passes through the Durham Dales, featuring highlights like High and Low Force Waterfalls, Blackton and Balderhead Reservoirs, and Cauldron Snout.

With routes for all abilities, from family-friendly paths to coastal and countryside trails, Durham is a walkers’ paradise, including Wolsingham - an official ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, which is a great base for exploring the Durham Dales.

Find your perfect trail and start your Durham walking adventure today.

Respect Protect Enjoy 

When exploring Durham's great outdoors please follow the Countryside Code and leave no trace of your visit.

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    Challenging walks

    Put your legs to the test with long distance and challenging walking routes in Durham.

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    Walk on the wild side

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couple walking on the Durham Heritage Coast

Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast

The Durham Coastal Footpath is an 11 mile walking route following the King Charles III England…

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Walking at Hamsterley Forest

When you walk around Hamsterley Forest you are walking through a former agricultural and shooting…

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Walking in the North Pennines

Walking in the North Pennines

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  • 1Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast
  • 2Walking at Hamsterley Forest
  • 3Walking in the North Pennines
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  • Five Fab Short Circular Walks

    family walking hand in hand through lush green trees at Auckland Castle Deer Park

    Get outside and explore Durham's great outdoors with our guide to five fab short circular walks you can enjoy, all 5 miles or under.

  • Seven views with a bench you need to see

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    Seven wonderful walks in Durham, where you can also sit back, relax and enjoy the view!

  • Walk 6 miles for 60 years of the Pennine Way

    Walk 6 miles for 60 years of the Pennine Way

    Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Pennine Way,and take on the challenge of walking 6 miles for 60 years of the Pennine Way. 

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  • How to explore Durham more sustainably

    a family cycling through Hamsterley Forest with their dog

    Going green has never been more important and with so many beautiful areas to explore in Durham, you'll find that it’s also extremely enjoyable. 

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