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Best lake hikes in County Durham
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Best lake hikes in County Durham

Want a hike where the views are as smooth as the water's surface? These lake-side paths will have you reflecting on nature's beauty.

Here are some great hikes to explore in County Durham.

Most popular hikes

1

Easy

Stephenson Trail

County Durham, England · star 4.7 (3) · 17.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 45 min

2

Easy

Grassholme circular

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

3

Easy

Cow Green Reservoir and Cauldron Snout Waterfall Loop

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

4

Easy

E2 UK - Middleton in Teesdale to Dover Walk

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 917.4 km · Est. 35 days

5

Easy

E2 UK - Middleton in Teesdale to Harwich Walk

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (2) · 865.9 km · Est. 32 days

6

Easy

Hardwick Hall Country Park to Bishop Middleham Loop

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

7

Easy

High Force, River Tees and Summerhill Force

County Durham, England · star 4.6 (7) · 8.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 55 min

8

Easy

Wolsingham and Tunstall Reservoir Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.8 (5) · 12.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 56 min

9

Easy

Durham Loop

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (1) · 276.7 km · Est. 11 days

10

Easy

Cauldron Snout and Cow Green Reservoir Walk

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (2) · 5.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 19 min

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Reviews for lake hikes in County Durham

Alicia Willis avatar

Stephenson Trail

SummitExplorerWillis · reviewed 4 months ago

star star star star star

Had to divert some routes due to it not being an area you can get through, however was easy enough to do so

No reviews available for Grassholme circular.

Adam Robson avatar

Cow Green Reservoir and Cauldron Snout Waterfall Loop

WelliesOrBoots · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for E2 UK - Middleton in Teesdale to Dover Walk.

Ocie Ritchie avatar

E2 UK - Middleton in Teesdale to Harwich Walk

BackpackerSummitview95 · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

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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