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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. Follow Your Own Path
    Follow Your Own Path
    From challenging hikes to family-friendly walks and nature trails, find the perfect path for you in Durham.
  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.
  • Walker friendly accommodation

    Walking Friendly Accommodation

    The perfect place to stay during your break.

  • Bowless Visitor Centre Durham

    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.

  • Durhams top 10s

    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 explore everything that Durham has to offer is on foot. Whether it's a leisurely city stroll along the banks of the River Wear, or a more challenging hike in Durham’s great outdoors – our routes were made for walking.

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and UNESCO Global Geopark, Durham Dales and the Durham Heritage Coast are truly special places with breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes, and across the county you’ll find hundreds of routes just waiting to be explored - with incredible accommodation, eateries, and attractions along the way. 

Refresh and refuel with a pit stop at a welcoming country inn for some well-earned pub grub, make lasting memories at an amazing attraction, and lay your head at a walking-friendly hotel, B&B or cosy cottage. 

Durham has walking opportunities for all ages and abilities - from quiet country roads and railway paths, to more challenging routes, coastal hikes and family-friendly accessible trails. The county is also home to two official ‘Walkers are Welcome’ towns – Middleton-in-Teesdale and Wolsingham - both great bases for exploring the Durham Dales. 

From history and heritage to nature, wildlife, and tasty trails - search our walking routes and be inspired.

Respect Protect Enjoy 

Now we're all spending more time outdoors enjoying Durham’s coast, countryside and parks, it's more important than ever to #lovedurham safely and follow the Countryside Code.

Please be responsible when exploring the great outdoors, leave no trace of your visit, continue to follow national guidance and social distancing measures.

Certain walks may be busier than others, so why not consider choosing a lesser known trail, visiting a different part of the county or on another day? Durham has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

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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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    Take your pick from walks and trails which take you through the county's most spectacular landscapes.

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Walking at Hamsterley Forest

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

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Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast

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  • 2Walking in the North Pennines
  • 3Walking on the Durham Heritage Coast
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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. 

  • Crowd-free Beauty Spots

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    Go off the beaten path this summer and discover Durham’s crowd-free beauty spots.

  • Explore the Northern Saints Trails with Intrepid Escape

    View of Scott Tisson from behind as he walks the Northern Saints Trails with Newton Cap Viaduct in background.

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  • Follow your own path

    couple walking on a beach on the Durham Heritage Coast

    Follow your own path this National Walking Month and take your pick of our top walking trails to try out on your next visit to Durham. 

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