Durham Dales

Outdoor Pursuits

The magnificence of the area’s environment is nationally recognised with much of the area lying within the North Pennines, Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty/European Geopark. Once the hunting grounds of Durham’s Prince Bishops, the area is considered by many to be the most attractive within the Durham Dales (North Pennines) and provides a spectacular setting and backdrop for a range of outdoor activities enjoyed by many visitors.

The upland scenery is quite breathtaking offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Lower down the valley the scenery softens but is equally as spectacular. Along the valley bottom runs the River Wear, fed by becks, burns and streams as it winds its way almost entirely along the length of Wear Valley area as it meanders towards Sunderland and the sea.

In summer, the peaceful waters of the River Wear provide an idyllic backdrop for many visitors who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors. On the banks of the river sit many of the attractive bustling market towns, villages and hamlets of the area. Built in the main using local materials, the stone-built settlements are endowed with unique treasures for visitors to enjoy. Tea rooms, traditional public houses and shops selling local produce and locally crafted products are the perfect way to spend a couple of hours.

For those who prefer a quieter place to relax, you’ll find scattered throughout the area wonderful and easily accessible picnic areas and country parks which provide the ideal opportunity to stop, take a break, enjoy some refreshments and sample the superb scenery.

Set amongst the busy town of Bishop Auckland is the largest park in the area, the magnificent 800 acre (324 Ha) Bishop’s Park. The centrepiece is the lavish Auckland Castle, although equally impressive is the imposing gateway to the park and the unusual, yet splendid, deer shelter built in 1760 for the fallow deer which used to roam. The River Gaunless winds its way through the park and there are ample places to have a picnic and enjoy the scenery whilst wandering through the beautifully wooded and undulating parkland.

Passing through the Dales countryside, you’ll discover the area is a haven for nature lovers. The forever changing flora and fauna you’ll observe is simply splendid. Visit in late Summer and you’ll witness the breathtaking scenery with miles of unfolding landscapes that blend browns and greens with patches of purple heather. Whilst enjoying the countryside you’ll also encounter a spectacular variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. One of the best places in the area to observe various species of wildlife is the Low Barns Nature Reserve. The reserve features woodland, lakes, ponds, riverside and meadow environments and is rich with wildlife. Observations are easy using the hides, observatory and the trail through the reserve.

Pow Hill Country Park is a mixed coniferous woodland and heather moorland park on the south bank of Derwent Reservoir. The picnic tables scattered throughout the park make it an excellent location to spend time by the tranquil waters. Alternatively, the picnic area’s west of Wolsingham near the River Wear, also offers some fine views. the North Pennines is England’s most important place for breeding wading birds and birds of prey and in Spring and Summer the air is filled with the calls of lapwing, curlew and golden plover, whilst merlin and peregrine falcon race through the air. The rare and spectacular Black Grouse also have traditional ‘lekking’ sites high on the moors above Weardale.

For the sporting visitor, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy a spot of fishing on the reservoirs, rivers and ponds of the surrounding area. The reservoirs also offer visitors the opportunity to participate in watersports, whilst those who prefer a round of golf can find excellent courses, in spectacular settings within easy reach. For the winter sports fan, there is even the opportunity for ski-ing in the right weather conditions.

All in all the Durham Dales is a haven for those who enjoy the outdoors and discovering the magnificence of the area is easy. There are hundreds of miles of public footpaths, former railway lines and quiet country lanes, providing ideal routes for walking, cycling and horse-riding. Indeed there are few places that can rival Wear Valley for the variety of outdoor pursuits available.