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Best wheelchair accessible hiking trails in County Durham
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Best wheelchair accessible hiking trails in County Durham

Outdoors should be for everyone, and these wheelchair-friendly trails make it possible to experience nature’s beauty without barriers—accessible and scenic!

Here are some great trails to explore in County Durham.

Most popular trails

1

Easy

City of Durham and the River Wear

County Durham, England · star 0.0 (0) · 7.2 km · Est. 1 hrs 39 min

2

Easy

Stephenson Trail

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (2) · 17.6 km · Est. 3 hrs 45 min

3

Easy

Auckland Way Railway Path

County Durham, England · star 4.0 (1) · 7.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 33 min

4

Easy

Brandon - Bishop Auckland Walk

County Durham, England · star 0.0 (0) · 15.3 km · Est. 3 hrs 18 min

5

Medium

Kirkcarrion from Middleton-in-Teesdale

County Durham, England · star 0.0 (0) · 5.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 23 min

6

Easy

Harter Fell and Grassholme from Middleton-in-Teesdale

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (1) · 13.0 km · Est. 3 hrs 4 min

7

Easy

Eggleston to Romaldkirk from Middleton-in-Teesdale

County Durham, England · star 0.0 (0) · 15.1 km · Est. 3 hrs 17 min

8

Easy

Railway Walk from Middleton-in-Teesdale

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (2) · 3.8 km · Est. 52 min

9

Easy

Crossthwaite Common from Middleton-in-Teesdale

County Durham, England · star 4.0 (1) · 15.9 km · Est. 3 hrs 49 min

10

Medium

Race Head and Sedling Rake from Wearhead

County Durham, England · star 5.0 (2) · 9.2 km · Est. 2 hrs 25 min

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Reviews for wheelchair accessible hiking trails in County Durham

No reviews available for City of Durham and the River Wear.

Sunderland Boy avatar

Stephenson Trail

Sunderland Boy · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

I remember being naughty back in the early 1970s. The section from Silksworth Colliery to the Sunderland docks was officially closed (1971 I've read) and the rails were still in place. We would take our bikes from Silksworth and follow the rail lines. Not an easy task! In many places there were puddles + rough terrain. The one long tunnel always frightened us. What if a train came along? Once I went all the way to the end of the line (Wear docks). Many great adventures. The railway was surrounded by green on both sides most of the way along. I would love to hear other stories.

Cody Cole avatar

Auckland Way Railway Path

StriderMeadowwalker21 · reviewed about 1 year ago

star star star star star

No reviews available for Brandon - Bishop Auckland Walk.

No reviews available for Kirkcarrion from Middleton-in-Teesdale.

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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