TOURISM is an increasingly important part of County Durham’s economy.
The visitor economy in Durham grew by £17m in the past year to £777.5m, an increase of 2.25 per cent. A total of 18.6m people visited the county last year and 10,961 people are employed locally in visitor-focused businesses. That’s up 1.5 per cent on a year ago.
And an important part of the county’s appeal is its stunning countryside, with some of the best walking routes to be found anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Be prepared because places like Upper Teesdale can be rugged and exposed to the elements so wrap up warm and wear a stout pair of walking boots.
So what are considered to be the pick of the bunch? Well, these are Durham’s top ten, according to the county’s official tourism website:
Derwent Reservoir Multi-User Path
This is considered an easy walk yet it offers spectacular views of Derwent Reservoir, pictured below. It starts at Derwent Reservoir Visitor Centre, where public toilets are available and covers a distance of two miles to Pow Hill Country Park, or 3.5 miles to Millshield picnic site. It’s also an area rich in wildlife.
Durham Heritage Coast Walk
This walk starts in Seaham’s North Dock and follows an 11-mile route south to Crimdon. If you are looking for breath-taking clifftop views, this is the walk for you. Superb grassland is supported by Magnesian Limestone topped by boulder clay – the perfect habitat for plants and wildlife including the very special Durham Argus butterfly.
Low and High Force
A gorgeous five-mile circular walk around some of the most awe-inspiring countryside in the UK. Upper Teesdale falls within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and you’ll soon understand why when England’s biggest waterfall comes into view. Guaranteed to lift the spirits and get the adrenalin pumping.
Pennine Way – Baldersdale to Langdon Beck
If you want to include High Force and Low Force in a longer walk, try this one. The Durham stretch of the Pennine Way covers approximately 15 miles and, as well as High Force and Low Force, the highlights include Cow Green Reservoir, Cauldron Snout (pictured below) and High Cup Nick, a superb u-shaped glaciated valley. This walks encompasses some of the natural wonders of the UK.
Weardale Way
For the more adventurous, how about this 77-mile route that takes in some of the rich heritage County Durham is famous for. You can either start from Roker, Sunderland, at the mouth of the River Wear and finish at Killhope Lead Mining Museum, or tackle it the opposite way round. Either way, you’ll go through some wonderful countryside and pass the World Heritage site of Durham’s famous castle and cathedral.
Teesdale Way
The complete route will take you even further – a 100-mile trek from the source of the River Tees at Dufton in Cumbria to the sea at South Care on the Teesside coast. The County Durham section is 20 miles or so from Langdon Beck to Piercebridge. High Force and Low Force are once again featured, as are the lovely villages of Egglestone, Romaldkirk and Cotherstone.
Cow Green Geological Trail
Approximately four kilometres each way from Harwood, Barnard Castle, although a longer 12km circular route can be made by continuing past Widdy Bank Farm to the Cow Green Road. Walkers can be exposed to the Upper Teesdale elements so be prepared but it’s worth it for the views and the closeness to nature.
Durham Camra Beer Trail
That’s got your attention hasn’t it – a pub crawl with a difference. OK, it might not be out in the countryside like the other walks, but it’s in what best-selling author Bill Bryson described as “a perfect little city”. Starting at the Bridge Hotel in North Road, Durham, it is not only a smashing walk but takes in ten of the best real ale pubs in Durham City.
Blue Plaque Trail – Barnard Castle
An easy family-friendly walk around the lovely market town, below, that’s the gateway to Teesdale. Follow the blue plaques to find out more about the people and places that made an impact on what’s known locally as “Barney”.
Chester-le-Street Heritage Trail
Chester-le-Street in north Durham has a fascinating 2,000-year history. Starting at Chester-le-Street Civic Centre, this easy walk will take in sites of Roman occupation, Christian heritage and Victorian industry.
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