A walk through our beautiful countryside is a great way to enjoy a summer's day - and it's even better when it's a guided walk. Here's what's on in August 2019.

From photography walks and nature rambles through to all-day fitness hikes, there's a programme of regular County Durham guided walks taking place throughout the year.

Have a look below to see what guided Durham walks you fancy in August 2019. You can also check out more local events in our what's on Durham section.

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Information for each walk

The County Durham walks are run by Durham County Council. The cost for each walk is £4 per person aged 16 or over and free for under 16s. Carers accompanying a disabled person can take part for free. Booking isn't required so just turn up; however, if the weather seems bad it might be worth contacting Durham County Council's Countryside Service on 03000 264 589 to check that the walk is going ahead.

Each of the guided County Durham walks below gives an indication of the general theme of the guided walk such as local history, photography or exercise, as well as how far it is, how long it's expected to take and what the terrain will be like. The postcode is for rough reference as in remote areas it probably won't give the exact spot.

All the County Durham guided walks are circular unless otherwise stated.

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#1: Two for One: One Hill at Wolsingham and The Fawnlees, Friday August 9

This walk starts at 10am and has two options: six and a half miles in three and a half hours or 11 miles in five and a half hours. It's led by Dianne Hannaby and focuses on fitness and views. Take a packed lunch. It's suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness, and boots are needed.

Meet at the Demesne Mill Picnic area, Uppertown, Wolsingham, on the B6296 (postcode DL13 3DB). The grid reference is NZ 076375 and the relevant OS map is ExOL31.

#2: Juniper Wood, High Force, Sunday August 11

This afternoon walk starts at 2pm and covers four miles in two and a half hours. It's suitable for reasonable level of fitness and requires boots. Led by Ian Findlay, it focuses on nature and geology. Meet at the High Force car park next to the hotel (parking charges apply). The postcode is DL12 0XH, grid reference NY 885286 and the OS map is ExOL31.

High Force waterfall, Teesdale

#3: Tow Law and Thornley, Tuesday August 13

This local history walk is led by David and Fiona Eltringham, covering eight miles in four and a half hours, starting at 11am. It's suitable for reasonable levels of fitness and requires boots, and a packed lunch. Meet at the lay-by on the B6297, west of the junction with the A68 Tow Law. The postcode is DL13 4PH, grid reference NZ 116386 and the OS map is Lr92.

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#4: A Loop of the River, Wednesday August 14

This 10am walk covers 10 miles in five hours. It's suitable for reasonable levels of fitness and requires boots, and a packed lunch. Led by Dave Drinkwater, it focuses on local history. Meet at the Durham City Retail Park (on the left of the main route in), off Sunderland Road in Gilesgate Moor, reached from the A690. Park on the left of the main entrance road. The postcode is DH1 2HJ, grid reference NZ 299432 and the OS map is Ex308.

#5: On the Edge – Chop Hardy and Pedlam's Oak, Friday August 16

This 10.30am walk covers 10 miles in five hours. Led by Jo Davies, it's suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness and requires boots, and a packed lunch. The walk's focus is heritage, views and fitness.

Meet on the roadside outside Edmundbyers Church, Church Lane, Edmundbyers, between the B6306 and B6278. The postcode is DH8 9NQ, grid reference NZ 014499 and the OS map is Ex307.

#6: Ouston, the River Team and the Angel of the North, Saturday August 17

This new walk starts at 10am walk covers 10 and a half miles in five and a half hours. It needs a good level of fitness, boots and a packed lunch. It's led by Eric Borley and focuses on heritage and nature.

Meet at the car park next to St. Benet's RC Primary School, Ouston Lane, Chester le Street, postcode DH2 1QT. The grid reference is NZ 256540 and the relevant OS maps are Ex308 and Lr88.

#7: To Cotherstone, Wednesday August 21

This walk is about fitness and views. Starting at 10am, it covers 12 and a half miles in six and a half hours, and is led by Dianne Hannaby. It needs a good level of fitness, boots and a packed lunch.

Meet at the Mickleton Station car park on the Tees Railway Path off the B6277, postcode DL12 0JN. The grid reference is NY 968234 and the relevant OS map is ExOL31.

#8: Westwood Ho!, Friday August 23

This walks starts at 10.30am and covers 10 miles in five hours. It's led by Jo Davies and is about heritage, fitness and views. It's suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness and requires boots, and a packed lunch.

Meet at the Ebchester picnic area, in the car park at Ebchester, off the B6309. The postcode is DH8 0SU, grid reference NZ 107548. The relevant OS maps are Lr88 and Ex307.

#9: The Tale of Two Railways, Saturday August 24

This walk led by David Mitchell is suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness and requires boots, and a packed lunch. It starts at 10am and covers nine miles in five hours, focusing on fitness and views. Meet at the Causey Arch picnic area on the west side of the A6076, near Stanley, postcode NE16 5EJ. The grid reference is NZ 205562 and the OS maps are Lr88 and Ex308.

#10: Views of Barnard Castle and the River Tees, Monday August 26

This new walk starts at 10am and covers 10 miles in five and a half hours. It's led by Ian Gray and needs a good level of fitness, boots and a packed lunch. It focuses on heritage, fitness and nature.

Meet at the Post Office on Galgate, Barnard Castle, postcode DL12 8BE. The grid reference is NZ 049166 and the OS maps are Lr92 and ExOL31.

#11: Two Railways and a Roman Road, Wednesday August 28

This walk led by Brian Lander is about fitness, nature and heritage. It starts at 10am and covers 10 and a half miles in five and a half hours. It's suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness and requires boots, and a packed lunch. Meet at the Broompark picnic area, half a mile from Stonebridge roundabout on the B6302 towards Ushaw Moor, postcode DH7 7RJ. The grid reference is NZ 251415 and the OS map is Ex308.

#12: Roaming round the Common, Saturday August 31

This walk is about heritage, fitness and views, and is led by Jo Davies. It needs a very good level of fitness, boots and a packed lunch, covering 11 miles in six hours. Meet at Park Head Station car park, Waskerley Way, Crawleyside Bank, on the B6278 Stanhope to Edmundbyers Road, postcode DL13 2ES. The grid reference is NZ 002431 and the OS map is Ex307.

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