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Best family friendly hikes in County Durham
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Best family friendly hikes in County Durham

Perfect for the whole family! These hikes offer fun for all ages and skill levels.

Here are some great hikes to explore in County Durham.

Most popular hikes

1

Easy

Grassholme circular

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 5.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 8 min

2

Easy

Houghall Discovery Trail and Weardale Way

County Durham, England · star 4.5 (2) · 4.9 km · Est. 1 hrs 9 min

3

Easy

Whorlton Village and Whorlton Waterfall Circular Walk

County Durham, England · star 4.0 (1) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 16 min

4

Easy

Slitt Wood and Westgate Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.8 (8) · 5.0 km · Est. 1 hrs 14 min

5

Easy

Low Force

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 673 m · Est. 8 min

6

Easy

Low Burnhall Loop

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (3) · 3.5 km · Est. 48 min

7

Medium

Bowes Waterfall Walk – Mill Force, Sleightholme Beck and Huggill Force

County Durham, England · star 3.5 (2) · 10.1 km · Est. 2 hrs 11 min

8

Medium

Cotherstone Moor Walk – Butter Stone, Freewill House and The Loups

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 10.5 km · Est. 2 hrs 18 min

9

Easy

City of Durham and the River Wear

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 7.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 39 min

10

Medium

Coldberry Lead Mine Circular Walk

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (1) · 7.5 km · Est. 1 hrs 46 min

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Reviews for family friendly hikes in County Durham

No reviews available for Grassholme circular.

Wilfred Beer avatar

Houghall Discovery Trail and Weardale Way

CragWoodlander69 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

avatar

Whorlton Village and Whorlton Waterfall Circular Walk

RangerBirchwanderer51 · reviewed 6 months ago

star star star star star

Easy walk and lovely route but this time of year there wasn't much of a path at points just growing crops which were waist height and very soggy! We did the route fields first and took a little detour down towards the river and through the church to see the water up close.

Kate avatar

Slitt Wood and Westgate Loop

Kate · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Low Force.

Frequently asked questions for hikes in County Durham

What is the climate like for hiking in England?

In England, hiking in the spring (March to May) sees milder temperatures and flourishing wildlife, however trails may be muddy due to showers. Summer (June to August) offers the most stable weather with longer daylight hours but trails can be crowded, especially in national parks. Autumn (September to November) can be wetter but displays vibrant fall colours.

Winter hiking (December to February) is more challenging due to short days and colder, often unpredictable weather. Snowfall can make some trails inaccessible. Always check the weather forecast and equip accordingly. Experienced hikers may enjoy the tranquility and stark beauty of the winter landscape. 

Ultimately, the best time to hike in England depends on personal preferences and preparedness. England's official tourist site (https://www.visitengland.com/) provides in-depth information about various hiking trails and their seasonal characteristics. Be sure to research specific areas as climate can vary across the country.

Do I need a permit to hike in England?

In England, the "Right to Roam" allows hikers access to certain public lands without a permit. Some areas like national parks or Sites of Special Scientific Interest may have specific rules. Before hiking, check with the landowner, National Trust, or local council. Information on access rights can be found on the Natural England website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/open-access-land-management-rights-and-responsibilities).

Is wild camping allowed in England?

Wild camping in England is generally not allowed without landowner permission, except in some parts of Dartmoor National Park. Breaching this can result in fines. It's advised to use official campsites or seek landowner consent for a more immersive experience. For more, visit the Dartmoor National Park's website (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/planning-your-visit/camping).

Are there mountain rescue services in England?

In emergencies while hiking in England, dial 999 and ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue. The Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW) is a volunteer-run organization that provides assistance in upland and lowland areas. More information can be found on their website (https://www.mountain.rescue.org.uk/).

Are there dangerous plants in England?

England's diverse hiking trails present a range of flora. Expect bluebells in ancient woodlands, gorse on coastal paths, and heather on moorlands. In protected areas, refrain from picking or damaging plants. The Woodland Trust provides more details on the UK's native species (https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/).

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in England?

While hiking in England, you may encounter a variety of wildlife including deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. Beware of ticks in tall grass and midges in damp, shaded areas. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (https://www.rspb.org.uk/) offers useful information on encountering wildlife responsibly.

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