Durham Dales

Walking & Cycling Routes

The magnificence of the Wear Valley environment is nationally recognised, with much of the area lying within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Once the hunting grounds for the Prince Bishops of Durham, the district is considered by many to be the most attractive of the Durham Dales and it provides a spectacular setting and backdrop for a range of outdoor pursuits.

The countryside is stunning and easily accessible and of all the ways to explore the area, walking and cycling remain the most popular. Criss-crossing the landscape, hundreds of miles of public footpaths, former railway lines and quiet country lanes provide an extensive range and variety of walking and cycling routes. From gentle routes suitable for families through to gruelling long-distance circuits for the serious enthusiast, the routes cater for everyone and will help you to discover all that the area has to offer.

Should you wish to stop along the way, you’ll find plenty to do and see. As well as the breathtaking views the area has numerous picturesque villages, all with the facilities you’d expect including public conveniences, tea-rooms, cafes, quaint public houses and specialist shops selling local crafts and produce.

Few places can rival Wear Valley in the Durham Dales for all that it can offer walkers, cyclists and visitors alike – be it for a day, a weekend or an even longer holiday. Visit Wear Valley once and we know you’ll want to return again and again.

Download all Walks & Cycling Routes

Walk 1 - Bishop Auckland
Walk 2 - Bishop Auckland
Walk 3 - Cowshill
Walk 4 - Escomb
Walk 5 - Frosterley
Walk 6 - St Johns Chapel
Walk 7 - St Johns Chapel
Walk 8 - Stanhope
Walk 9 - Stanhope
Walk 10 - Stanhope
Walk 11 - Stanhope
Walk 12 - Tow Law
Walk 13 - Westgate
Walk 14 - Westgate
Walk 15 - Wolsingham

Cycle Route 1 - Bishop Auckland
Cycle Route 2 - Bishop Auckland
Cycle Route 3 - Bishop Auckland - Weardale
Cycle Route 4 - Bishop Auckland - Willington
Cycle Route 5 - Crook -  Wolsingham
Cycle Route 6 - St. John's Chapel -  Edmundbyers
Cycle Route 7 - Stanhope -  Killhope
Cycle Route 8 - Tow Law - Willington
Cycle Route 9 - Willington - Bishop Auckland
Cycle Route 10 - Wolsingham - Bishop Auckland