Walks around Durham
Discover the beauty of Durham City with these scenic walks.
As Durham is such a compact city there are some pleasant walks within easy reach of the city centre. Some of them are listed here. For more advice just ask at the Pointers Trike or contact us. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these walks are the perfect way to explore Durham and appreciate its unique character. If you’re feeling more adventurous, why not try one of the suggestions in the Walks Further Afield section; these are local walks suggested by individual Pointers.
Whilst we do our best to keep this page up to date, do check with individual websites for the latest information
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Around the river
For beautiful views of the city, take some time to stroll around the peaceful riverbanks. Walks can be as short as 20 minutes or last an hour or two. The river bank is easily accessed from the city centre - there are steps down from both Elvet and Framwellgate bridges and from the Riverwalk complex.
You don’t need a map, you can explore without getting lost as the river makes a loop around the city centre.
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![Durham Miners’ Hall, Redhills, a large red brick building.]()
Seven Hills
The trail over the seven hills of Durham is seven miles (11km) long and takes about four hours taking in ten of Durham ‘treasures’, including Wharton Park, Miners Hall, Neville’s Cross battle site, Oriental Museum, Botanic Gardens and Maiden Castle Iron Age Fort.
You can join the trail at any point but you’ll need a map leaflet which can be obtained from Durham Town Hall.
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![Flowers and trees in the foreground with Durham Cathedral in the distance]()
North Walk
The North Walk starts in the city centre and takes you past Crook Hall and slightly uphill to Frankland Farm, from where you can enjoy a different view of the city. You’ll also pass by Low Newton Nature Reserve. The leaflet includes a lot of detail about the places you pass.
The walk leaflet can be downloaded from the This Is Durham website.
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![View of the River Wear with autumnal colours in the trees and the spire of St Nicholas’ Church in the background, Durham City, UK]()
Riverside Walk
Created by This is Durham, this three mile circular walk takes you around the spectacular riverbanks staying close to the city centre. The full walk can take about 1.5 hrs but can easily be shortened as you’re never far from a bridge which means you can quickly return to the city centre.
The walk leaflet can be downloaded from the This Is Durham website.
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![View looking over Elvet Bridge towards the centre of town, showing the cobbles and stone walls of the bridge, Durham City, UK]()
Durham Peninsula
Starting in the Market Place of Durham City, this walk takes you around the Riverbanks and winding streets of the City Centre. You’ll learn about some of the historic events which have happened in this ancient city. Allow 1-2 hours to complete this Walk.
The walk leaflet can be downloaded from the This Is Durham website.
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![Bluebells in the shade under trees in Blaids Wood, Durham City, UK]()
South Walk
Starting in the city centre, this walk will take you along the riverbanks and through Great High Wood towards the university colleges on South Road, heading back to the centre across Prebends Bridge where you find a spectacular view of the cathedral. It’s about 4.5 miles and will take about 3 hours.
The walk leaflet can be downloaded from the This Is Durham website. (with North walk leaflet)
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![Artwork which says Only you can write the next page, mounted on the wall by Millenium Place, Durham City, UK]()
A Literary Pilgrimage
As part of the 2020 virtual Durham Book Festival a Guided Walk entitled “a Literary Pilgrimage of Durham” was produced.
You can download the podcasts for the walk from this site and follow the route around the city. A map of the walk is available on Google Earth and the transcript can also be downloaded here.
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Heritage Trail
The trail around the World Heritage Site is about 8km long and takes less than three hours at a gentle walking pace. There is an extension along the River Wear to the Old Durham Gardens taking a further half an hour.
Maps are available from the Pointers’ trike and the Town Hall or download here.
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Hidden Heritage
This delightful 5.5 mile walk takes you from Durham Cathedral to St Laurence Church in Pittington. Parts of the church date from the 12th century and it's possible that Christian the mason, who was involved in building works there, was also involved ninth building of the Galilee Chapel in the cathedral. You can pick up copies of the walk booklet in St Laurence Church or call 07586344143 for more info
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The Battle of Nevilles Cross
In October 1346 The Scots, commanded by King David II, encamped at Beaurepaire outside Durham City. They were defeated bu the English army at Nevilles Cross. You can pick up a fascinating leaflet from Durham Town Hall which guides you round a 5km walk, describing the battle site.
More walks
Need more information about walks around Durham City? You may also be interested in:
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Durham Pointers have produced 3 detailed walks leaflets which give lots of interesting facts about the places you pass.
The walks all begin at the Market Place and stay close to the city centre. You can choose a 1, 3 or 5 mile walk.
The leaflets are available from our Trike in the Market Place during the season. If you don’t like steps, our Walking without Steps leaflet is also available from the Trike or to download here.
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Durham Cathedral have a series of themed riverside walk leaflets available on their website. Choose from photography, nature, geology, children’s, history, pilgrimage, orienteering. All walks start from the cathedral and are about 1-2 hrs long.
During the summer the Cathedral often run a series of guided History walks.
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Many well qualified Blue Badge guides offer guided walking tours of Durham and it’s a great way to find out more about the city from a knowledgeable local. You can find a list of guides on the This is Durham website.
The Characterful Durham Tour focuses on Durham people from history. It leaves from the Journey statue in Millennium Square. Mon & Wed 11.00,1 3.00, !6.00, (Book ahead.)
Walkbout Durham offers a choice of walking tours (History, Pub and history, Dark, Full Durham) that explore the places, people and folklore that have shaped our city's history. Mon-Fri 16,00, 18.00 Sat/Sun 10.00,14.00 Booking essential.
Walking with the Ghosts of Durham offer an entertaining 2.5-3 hr tour focusing on the paranormal and supernatural
Crook Hall NT: Join local history buff David Butler on Tuesdays to explore Durham's captivating history, from its Anglo-Saxon origins onwards. The walk will take you around the city centre, before returning to Crook Hall Gardens. Approximately 2 miles/3.2km.
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The ExplorAR Durham walking tour guides you around Durham’s key locations. With 360 degree panoramas, 3D models, interactive images and GPS, the tour provides a new insight into historic locations such as Palace Green, Old Shire Hall and Durham Marketplace.
The walking tour also engages users with a series of quizzes and treasure hunts – turning a stroll around Durham into an adventure.
Most of the tour’s content can be accessed remotely, making it suitable for people thinking of visiting Durham, or people who are unable to get to the city centre.
Walks further afield
During the pandemic in 2020 Ruth, who is a Pointer and also a local walks leader, shared some of her favourite local walks on our Facebook feed. They are a very personal collection of ramblings and we think they’re worth sharing more widely. Some are within easy reach of Durham, others a day trip away. (Note: As these are personal reflections should you choose to undertake any of these walks this will be at your own risk).
You can read about the walks below, or download a more detailed version.
Tired from all the walking and need a cuppa?
Our Things to Do page tells you which attractions have their own cafes - you’re never far from a decent brew in Durham!