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Best paved hiking trails in County Durham
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Best paved hiking trails in County Durham

Keep it smooth and simple with these fully paved trails. Perfect for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about uneven terrain or muddy paths.

Here are some great trails to explore in County Durham.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

Chester-le-Street Heritage Trail

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (1) · 3.8 km · Est. 51 min

2

Easy

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

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (2) · 13.3 km · Est. 2 hrs 54 min

3

Easy

Durham Castle and Cathedral Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.0 (2) · 2.4 km · Est. 34 min

4

Easy

Garry's Wood, Pinnock Hill, Buck Hill and Coll Loop

County Durham, England · star 0.0 (0) · 13.0 km · Est. 2 hrs 52 min

5

Easy

Dalton Le Dale Country Park and Hawthorn Country Park Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.0 (2) · 12.7 km · Est. 2 hrs 47 min

6

Easy

Byerleyhouse Wood Loop

County Durham, England · star 4.0 (1) · 5.6 km · Est. 1 hrs 21 min

7

Easy

Bewdley Plain, Green Head and Weather Head Walk

County Durham, England · star 0.0 (0) · 11.4 km · Est. 2 hrs 50 min

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Reviews for paved hiking trails in County Durham

Brenna Metz avatar

Chester-le-Street Heritage Trail

PassCrestclimber18 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Sammie Russel avatar

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

CliffWayfarer69 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Joey Feeney avatar

Durham Castle and Cathedral Loop

BaseCrestclimber38 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Garry's Wood, Pinnock Hill, Buck Hill and Coll Loop.

Stuart Miller avatar

Dalton Le Dale Country Park and Hawthorn Country Park Loop

HillAlpinist44 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hiking trails 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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