Walks to enjoy in County Durham throughout July 2019
Guided walks are a great way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in the lovely summer sun (hopefully). Here's the full walks schedule for July 2019.
These Durham routes are all guided and provide a nice way to explore our fantastic County Durham, and you don't need to worry about sorting out the route. A lot of the walks have a theme or two and they'll point out geology, history and nature, while other walks focus on photography skills or art. The walks also vary in length and terrain, meaning there's something for every level of fitness.
Have a look below to see which walks you fancy in June 2019. You can also check out more local events in our what's on in Durham section.
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Information for each route
The 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 routes 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 of them are circular unless otherwise stated.
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Another Way to Tunstall, Friday July 5
This new route starts at 10am, covering 10 miles in five hours. It's led by Dianne Hannaby and needs a good level of fitness, as well as boots and a packed lunch. The walk focuses on fitness and the good views.
Meet at Demesne Mill Picnic Area, Uppertown, Wolsingham on the B6296. The postcode is DL13 3DB, grid reference NZ 076375 and the relevant OS map is ExOL31.
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St John Circular, Saturday July 6
This walk starts at the car park by the cattle market, St John's Chapel, off the A689 (postcode DL13 1QF). It starts at 10am and covers 10 miles in five and a half hours. It's led by Steve Shippen and needs a good level of fitness, as well as boots and a packed lunch. The walk focuses on fitness and the good views.
The grid reference is NY 886379 and the relevant OS maps are Lr92 and ExOL31.
Durham coastal footpath walk – Seaham to Crimdon, Sunday July 7
This is a free Durham walk, part of the SeaScapes series. No dogs allowed. It's led by Deborah Hannaby and needs a very good level of fitness and stout boots, covering nine miles in six hours. It starts at 10am and will focus on local heritage and nature. Take a packed lunch.
Booking is essential, on 03000 266 678, and full details of starting place will be given on booking.
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Tees Riverside Hay Meadows, Sunday July 7
This history and geology walk starts at 2pm, covering five miles in three hours. It's led by Ian Findlay and is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Bring boots. Meet at the Bowlees picnic area, Newbiggin-in-Teesdale, just off the B6277, postcode DL12 0XE. The grid reference is NY 908283 and the relevant OS maps are Lr92 and ExOL31.
"Half church of God, half castle 'gainst the Scot": Durham City's defences, Tuesday July 9
An evening walk, this David Butler-led Durham guided walk covers two miles in two hours and is suitable for most levels of fitness, starting at 6.30pm. Meet outside Durham Castle Gateway on Palace Green. The relevant OS maps are Lr88 and Ex308.
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In the Gutter, Wednesday July 10
This Durham walk focuses on fitness, covering 10 miles in five and a half hours, starting at 10am. It needs a good level of fitness and boots, plus a packed lunch. It's led by Sheila Pinkney and Maria Todd.
Meet at Middleton-in-Teesdale, at the fountain on the B6282, postcode DL12 0SH. The grid reference is NY 947253 and the OS map is ExOL31.
To Great Eggleshope, Saturday July 13
This walk is led by Dianne Hannaby and requires a good level of fitness, covering 11 miles in five and a half hours. It starts at 10am and is all about fitness and the great views. Take boots and a packed lunch.
Meet at Bollihope parking area, on the minor road between Frosterley to Bollihope, postcode DL13 2SZ. The grid reference is NZ 006349 and the OS map ExOL31.
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Wolsingham and Tunstall Reservoir, Tuesday July 16
This Durham local heritage walk covers eight miles in four and a half hours, starting at 11am. It's suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness, but you'll need to take boots and a packed lunch. It's led by David and Fiona Eltringham.
Meet at the Demesne Mill picnic area, Uppertown, Wolsingham, on the B6296. The postcode is DL13 3DB, grid reference NZ 076375 and OS maps Lr92 and ExOL31.
Two Retreats, Wednesday July 17
This new walk is suitable for a reasonable level of fitness, covering 11 miles in six hours, starting at 10am. It's led by Brian Lander and the theme is fitness, nature and local history. Take boots and a packed lunch.
Meet at Broompark picnic area, half a mile from Stonebridge roundabout on the B6302 towards Ushaw Moor. The postcode is DH7 7RJ, grid reference NZ 251415, and the OS map is Ex308.
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Cuckoo Bridge, Raven's Crag and other delights, Friday July 19
Starting at 10am, this walk covers eight miles in four and a half hours, led by Jo Davies. It's suitable for a reasonable level of fitness, and you'll need boots and a packed lunch. It's about views, fitness and local history.
Meet at Allensford picnic area, west car park, off A68 north of Castleside, postcode DH8 9BA. The grid reference is NZ 078502 and the OS maps are Lr88 and Ex307.
Holiday to Scripton Gill (stepping stones), Saturday July 20
This new walk is led by Dianne Hannaby. Covering 11 and a half miles in five and a half hours, it starts at 10am. It's suitable for a reasonable level of fitness, and you'll need boots and a packed lunch. It's about views and fitness.
Meet at Broompark picnic area, half a mile from Stonebridge roundabout on the B6302 towards Ushaw Moor. The postcode is DH7 7RJ, grid reference NZ 251415, and the OS map is Ex308.
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Loop of Lintzes, Saturday July 27
This walk is about heritage, fitness and views, and requires a good level of fitness, boots and a packed lunch. It's led by Jo Davies and covers eight and a half hours in five hours.
Meet at the lay-by next to the Lintz Garden Centre, Linzford, southwest of Rowlands Gill on the A694. The postcode is NE39 1DG and the grid reference is NZ 146569. The relevant OS map is Ex307.
Sedling Rake and the Weardale Way, Sunday July 28
This walk is all about geology, nature and local history. Covering seven miles in five and a half hours, it's led by John Burgess and requires a good level of fitness, a packed lunch and boots. It starts at 11am.
Meet at the car park by the Cattle Market, St Johns Chapel, off the A689. The postcode is DL13 1QF, the grid reference NY 886379 and the relevant OS map is Ex0L31.
Seven Villages, Wednesday July 31
This is a local history walk led by Dave Drinkwater, and is suitable for people with a reasonable level of fitness, covering 11 and a half hours in six hours. Take a packed lunch and boots.
Meet at St Laurence Church Pittington. Refreshments will be provided in the church afterwards. Follow the signs off Lady Piece Lane between Low Pittington and Sherburn, postcode DH6 1AB. The grid reference is NZ 327435 and the OS map is Ex308.
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