Search a hike or location

search
GET PRO+
Best road biking hikes in County Durham
Share:

Best road 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

Easy

Beamish North Loop

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

2

Easy

Tunstall Reservoir, Waskerley Park and Smiddy Shaw Reservoir Loop

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 56.8 km · Est. 3 days

3

Easy

Kelloe Way and Crowtrees Local Nature Reserve

County Durham, England · star 4.8 (4) · 8.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 53 min

4

Easy

Raisby Hill Grassland Nature Reserve, East Hetton Woods and Quarrington Hill Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.5 (2) · 13.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 54 min

5

Easy

Quarrington Hill and Parkhill Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.5 (2) · 7.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 35 min

6

Easy

Quarrington Hill Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.3 (3) · 6.1 km · Est. 1 hrs 20 min

7

Easy

Bewdley Plain, Green Head and Weather Head Walk

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 11.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 50 min

SHOW MORE HIKES

Reviews for road biking hikes in County Durham

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.

No reviews available for Tunstall Reservoir, Waskerley Park and Smiddy Shaw Reservoir Loop.

Duncan Runte Sr. avatar

Kelloe Way and Crowtrees Local Nature Reserve

ShadedTrailmaster73 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Sammie Russel avatar

Raisby Hill Grassland Nature Reserve, East Hetton Woods and Quarrington Hill Loop

CliffWayfarer69 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Tressie Reinger avatar

Quarrington Hill and Parkhill Loop

VistaTrekker49 · 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.

More hikes in County Durham

by difficulty

by type

by activity

Choose which optional cookies and similar technologies HiiKER can use on this device. Privacy & cookie policy