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Best forest hikes in County Durham
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Best forest hikes in County Durham

Need a nature reset? These forest hikes will immerse you in a sea of greenery.

Here are some great hikes to explore in County Durham.

Most popular hikes

1

Medium

Mayland Bank, Potato Hill and Low Retford Wood Loop

County Durham, England · star 3.0 (2) · 11.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 48 min

2

Easy

Cong Burn Woods Nature Reserve Loop

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (3) · 3.6 km · Est. 51 min

3

Easy

Slitt Wood and Westgate Loop

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

4

Easy

Fairy cupboards Romaldkirk

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 4.0 km · Est. 54 min

5

Easy

Beamish North Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.8 (8) · 11.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 36 min

6

Easy

Cow Green Reservoir and Cauldron Snout Waterfall Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.2 (6) · 12.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 50 min

7

Easy

Castle Eden Dene NNR Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.7 (6) · 7.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 40 min

8

Easy

Hardwick Hall Country Park to Bishop Middleham Loop

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 13.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 57 min

9

Easy

Auckland Park and High Park Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.3 (4) · 4.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 4 min

10

Easy

Mineral Valleys Walk

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (1) · 5.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 17 min

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Reviews for forest hikes in County Durham

Chris Mecrow avatar

Mayland Bank, Potato Hill and Low Retford Wood Loop

Kaltik · reviewed 8 days ago

star star star star star

A lot of the route was mountain bike trails so couldn't be used

Louise Pantani avatar

Cong Burn Woods Nature Reserve Loop

LPant92 · reviewed 7 months ago

star star star star star

Lovely walk with the dogs!

Kate avatar

Slitt Wood and Westgate Loop

Kate · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Fairy cupboards Romaldkirk.

Andy McDowell avatar

Beamish North Loop

AndyMcD79 · reviewed about 8 hours ago

star star star star star

Nice views but good chunks of the hike is walking along 60mph roads so worth keeping in mind if taking children or dogs.

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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