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Best mountain biking hikes in County Durham
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Best mountain biking hikes in County Durham

Ready for some outdoor fun? These hikes offer everything you could want for an unforgettable adventure!

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

Hardwick Hall Country Park to Bishop Middleham Loop

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

3

Easy

River Deerness, Rag Path Wood, Hill House Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.3 (4) · 11.6 km · Est. 2 hrs 38 min

4

Easy

Riverside Walk and Spurlswood Walk

County Durham, England · star 4.7 (10) · 15.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 32 min

5

Easy

Blackling Hole, Old Bank and Strawberry Bank Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.4 (7) · 9.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 18 min

6

Easy

Potato Hill, Crossfield Plantation, Tinker Hills Plantation and Hamsterley Forest Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.7 (3) · 23.8 km · Est. 5 hrs 48 min

7

Easy

Grassholme, Blackton and Hury Reservoir Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.3 (4) · 14.8 km · Est. 3 hrs 27 min

8

Easy

Sunderland Bridge and Brancepeth Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.3 (4) · 15.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 22 min

9

Easy

Causey to Beamish Loop via Ousbrough Wood Nature Reserve

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (4) · 13.7 km · Est. 3 hrs 8 min

10

Easy

Raintonpark Wood Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.0 (1) · 6.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 28 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for mountain biking 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

No reviews available for Hardwick Hall Country Park to Bishop Middleham Loop.

Stuart Wilcock avatar

River Deerness, Rag Path Wood, Hill House Loop

Stu W · reviewed about 2 months ago

star star star star star

Great walk with great views. The trail is easy to follow and is on good paths apart from a few fields

Rubye Schumm Esq. avatar

Riverside Walk and Spurlswood Walk

StreamTrailguardian61 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

avatar

Blackling Hole, Old Bank and Strawberry Bank Loop

RangerWanderer54 · reviewed about 1 year 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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