Guided Countryside Walks

About

County Durham's beautiful countryside is home to a wide variety of plants and animals and the area has a fascinating historical and geological heritage.

All are welcome to come and explore with us as we have walks to suit everyone including short, easy walks and long, hard hikes. Unless stated, simply turn up as there is no need to book.

Useful information about our walks
​​​​​Estimated timings: The duration of the walk is a guide only. The pace depends on numbers and fitness of the group and weather conditions. The leader will adapt the walk to suit the pace of the slowest participant. All walks are circular unless otherwise stated.
Severe weather: In severe weather conditions, Contact Countryside Service by phone to see if the walk is going ahead.
Cost: The guided walks are £4 per person.
Clothing and smoking: Boots and waterproofs are advisable on all walks. Jeans are not appropriate. Walks are non-smoking.
Lunch: A packed lunch is required where stated. Please bring this with you. Please also make sure you have enough drinks for the duration of the walk.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs kept on a lead are allowed on walks, unless otherwise stated. Routes may be long and over steep ground with stiles to cross. Dogs remain the responsibility of the owner. We reserve the right to refuse your dog onto the walk.

Getting there
Postcodes: The nearest postcodes are included, but they may not be the exact start location. Some locations are remote and the postcode given may be some distance away, so please consult a map. 
​​​​Map references: Six figure references indicate the starting point of the walk. They can be used to find a place on a 1:50 000 or 1:25 000 Ordnance Survey map. For instructions on reading grid references (GR) see map or go to Ordnance Survey. Lr = Landranger, OL = Outdoor Leisure, Ex = Explorer.
Public transport: Some walk start locations can be accessed by public transport. Please check available services at Traveline North East.
Car parking: Ensure parking does not create a hazard and does not obstruct entrances or other traffic. Please car share or use public transport wherever possible.

Walk gradings
Level one: The walk is suitable for most levels of fitness. There are good paths, relatively flat, possibly a few stiles. Stout shoes are needed.
Level two: The walk is  suitable for people with reasonable levels of fitness. It covers uneven ground, streams, inclines and stiles. Boots are essential.
Level three: The walk requires a good level of fitness. Walks are through some rough moorland with steep or strenuous climbs. Boots are essential.
Level four: The walk requires a very good level of fitness and previous walking experience. Stiles, steep and strenuous climbs on rough and variable track surfaces. Strong boots are essential.

Guided walks feedback
When you attend any of our guided walks, you can give us your feedback. Your comments are really important and help us to see what you have enjoyed, what we could have done better and what you'd like to see in the future. 

Guided walks feedback

Walks
September
Wednesday 10 September: The Hermit and The Railway. 10.00am (5 hours) 8.5 miles, level 2. Jo Davies.
Start: Allensford picnic area, west car park, off A68 north of Castleside, DH8 9BA. Grid NZ 077502. OS map Ex307.
Local history, packed lunch required, price of walk £4.

Friday 12 September: North and South of Hamsetrley. 10.00am (4.5 hours) 8.5 miles, level 2. Dianne Hannaby.
Start: East end of Hamsterley Village (park with consideration) DL13 3PR. GR NZ 120310. OS map Ex305.
Packed lunch required, price of walk £4.

Monday 15 September: ​​A New Town, A Colliery, Church and a Castle. 10.00am (5 hours) 9 miles, level 2. Yvonne Andrews.
Start: Apollo Pavilion Car park, Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, SR8 1JS. Grid reference: NZ 432251 39770. OS maps Ex306 and Ex308.
Local history, packed lunch required, Free as part of Heritage Open Days.

Wednesday 17 September: Lintz, Medomsley and Collierley. 10.00am (6 hours) 10.5 miles, level 3. Jo Davies.
Start: Lay-by next to Lintz Garden Centre, Linzford, southwest of Rowlands Gill on A694, NE39 1DG. Grid NZ 146569. OS map Ex307.
Local history, packed lunch required, price of walk £4.

Friday 26 September: Quaking near the bog. 10.30am (5 hours) 9.5 miles, level 3. Jo Davies.
Start: East Castle (Private Car Park beside house) off A693, DH9 8PH. GR NZ 149520. OS map Ex307.
Packed lunch required, price of walk £4.

October
Friday 3 October: Three Churches. 10.00am (5.5 hours) 10 miles, level 2. Yvonne Andrews.
Start: Station Road, Hesleden, TS27 4PJ. (please park with consideration.) GR NZ 441379. OS map Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Local history, packed lunch required.

Wednesday 8 October: A Trip to Nanny's house. Allensford, Hawkburn Head and Waskerley. 10.00am (6.5 hours) 12 miles, level 4. Jo Davies.
Start: Allensford Picnic Areas (West car park), off A68, north of Castleside. DH8 9BA. GR NZ 077502. OS map Ex307.
Price of walk £4. Local history, packed lunch required.

Friday 10 October: Pikeston Fell and Sharnberry Gill. 10.00am (5 hours) 10 miles, level 3. Dianne Hannaby. 
Start: Car park, Stanhope to Egglestone Road, B6278, DL12 0SA GR NY 997306. OS map OL31
Pice of walk £4. Packed lunch required.

Wednesday 15 October: Round the Haswells. 10.00am (5 hours) 9 miles, level 2. Brian Lander.
Start: Littletown Village Green, at Crossroads on Coalfield Lane, DH6 1PZ. (please park with consideration). GR NZ 339433. OS map Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Local history, nature. Packed lunch required.

Saturday 19 October: The Battle of Neville's Cross, 1346. 1.30pm (2.5 hours) 2.5 miles, level 1. David Butler.
Start: Outside entrance to Durham Johnston School, Redhills Lane, Durham City off A167. DH1 4SU. GR NZ 260426. OS maps Lr88, Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Local history.

Wednesday 22 October: A tale of two railways and a college. 10.00am (5 hours) 8.5 miles, level 2. Jo Davies.
Start: Broompark Picnic Area, half a mile from Stonebridge roundabout on B6302 towards Ushaw Moor. DH7 7RJ. GR NZ 230415. OS maps Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Local history, packed lunch required.

Saturday 25 October: St John's Hall and the Weardale Way. 10.30am (4 hours) 7 miles, level 2. David Butler.
Start: Roadside at top of Wear Bank, Wolsingham, DL13 3NX. GR NZ 273356. OS maps Lr92, ExOL31.
Price of walk £4. Local history, packed lunch needed. 

November
Saturday 2 November. Low Newton and Frankland Wood. 1.00pm (3 hours) 5 miles, level 1. David Butler. 
Start: Allensford Picnic Area, East Car Park, off A68 north of Castleside, DH8 9BA . GR NZ 082503.  OS maps Ex307
Price of walk £4. Local History. Packed lunch required. 

Wednesday 5 November: The Two Ducts. 10.00am (5.5 hours) 9.5 miles, level 2. Jo Davies.
Start: East end of Hamsterley Village (park with consideration) DL13 3PR. GR NZ 120310. OS map Ex305.
Packed lunch required, price of walk £4.

Friday 7 November: Industry, Leisure and Art. 10.00am (5.5 hours) 10 miles, level 2. Yvonne Andrews.
Start: Dalton Park, Murton SR7 9HU. GR NZ 402467. OS Maps Ex308.
Price of Walk £4. local history, packed lunch requited. 

Sunday 9 November: Crime and Punishment in Durham. 1.00pm (2.5 hours) 3 miles, level 1. David Butler.
Start: Londonderry Statue, Market Place, Durham City, DH1 3NJ. GR  NZ 274426. OS maps Lr88,  Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Local history.

Wednesday 12 November: Brandon and Beyond. 10.00am (6.5 hours) 13 miles, level 3. Dianne Hannaby.
Start: Broompark Picnic Area, half a mile from Stonebridge roundabout on B6302 towards Ushaw Moor, DH7 7RJ. GR NZ 251415. OS map Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Packed lunch required.

Friday 14 November: Pont Viaduct. 10.00am (4 hours) 7 miles, level 2. Peter Weighill.
Start: Layby next to Lintzford Garden Centre, Rowlands Gill, Tyne and Wear, off A694. NE39 1DG. GR NZ 143567. OS map Ex307.
Price of walk £4. Packed lunch required.  

Wednesday 19 November: ​​A Riverside Ramble. 10.00.am (5 hours) 9 miles, level 2. Brian Lander.
Start: Car Park in Great Lumley, (behind Front Street, opposite Methodist Church, access via Hazel Leigh sign) DH3 3JD. GR NZ 2393491. OS maps Ex 308.
Price of walk £4, local history, packed lunch required.

Friday 21 November: Muggleswick and the Three Curricks. 10.00am (4.5 hours) 7 miles, level 2. Jo Davies. 
Start: Roadside verge in Muggleswick village, near Dyke House., DH8 9DH. GR NZ 046489. OS map Ex307.
Price of walk £4. Local history, packed lunch required.

Friday 28 November: Circulus de Concangis: 10.00am (4 hours) 7.5 miles, level 2. Peter Weighhill.
Start: Waldridge Lane, off A167, Chester Moor, DH2 3RR. GR NZ265492. OS Map Ex308. 
Price of walk £4. packed lunch required. 

December: Wednesday 3 December: Thistlewood or Bust.10.00am (5 hours) 9.5 miles, level 2. Jo Davies.
Start: Northwest end of Saltersgate Lane, west of A68, between Tow Law and Castleside, DL13 4JU. GR NZ 073431.  OS maps Ex307
Price of walk £4. Packed lunch required. 

Sunday 7 December: Ice and Coal. 10.00am (5 hours) 9.5 miles, level 2. David Butler.
Start: Millennium Bridge (west end), Frankland Lane, Durham City, DH1 5TA. GR NZ 273429. OS maps Lr88 Ex308.
Price of walk £4, packed lunch required, local history. .

Wednesday 10 December ​​​​​​Two Hills: 10.00am (6 hours) 12 miles, level 2. Dianne Hannaby.
Start: Park on road leading to St Michael and All Angels Church, Witton Gilbert. DH7 6SU. GR NZ 235453. OS Maps Ex308.
Price of Walk £4. Packed lunch requited. 

Friday 12 December: Foxholes and Rowley. 10.00am (4.5 hours) 7.5 miles. Jo Davies.
Start: Watergate Picnic Area on Stanhope Road, a quarter mile from Castleside crossroads, DH8 9AP. GR  NZ 078484. OS map, Ex307.
Price of walk £4. Local history. Packed lunch required.

Sunday 14 December: A winter walk around Durham City and the riverbanks with poems.​​​​1.30pm (2 hours) 2.5 miles, level 1. David Butler.
Start: Londonderry statue, market place, Durham City, DH1 3NJ. GR NZ 274426. OS maps Lr88,  Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Local history.

Wednesday 17 December: Bicycle made for two. 10.00am (4 hours) 8 miles, level 2. Peter Weighill. 
Start: Waldridge Lane, off A167, Chester Moor, DH2 3RR. GR NZ 265492. OS map Ex308.
Price of walk £4. Packed lunch required.  

Friday 19 December​​: Filling a gap. 10.00.am (5 hours) 10.5 miles, level 2. Jo Davies.
Start: Rainton Meadows Visitor Centre staff car park (refreshments available in cafe after). Signposted from roundabout on B1284 fro A690, southwest of Houghton-Le-Spring, DH4 6PU. GR NZ 325486. OS mapS Ex 308.
Price of walk £4, local history, packed lunch required.