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Best scenic routes hikes in County Durham
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Best scenic routes 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

Grassholme circular

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

2

Easy

Whorlton Village and Whorlton Waterfall Circular Walk

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

3

Medium

Coldberry Lead Mine Circular Walk

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

4

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

5

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

6

Easy

Thorsgill wood

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 3.7 km · Est. 48 min

7

Medium

Cow Green Mine History Walk

County Durham, England · star N/A (0) · 8.7 km · Est. 1 hrs 51 min

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Reviews for scenic routes hikes in County Durham

No reviews available for Grassholme circular.

avatar

Whorlton Village and Whorlton Waterfall Circular Walk

RangerBirchwanderer51 · reviewed 24 days 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.

Nicola Kent avatar

Coldberry Lead Mine Circular Walk

NicolasTrailTrekker · reviewed 2 months ago

star star star star star

Mark Robinson avatar

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

MR Nodoubtlost · reviewed 12 days ago

star star star star star

barely any river walk. awful on a hot day.

No reviews available for Cotherstone Moor Walk – Butter Stone, Freewill House and The Loups.

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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