City of Durham and the River Wear

Beginning by the old toll gate in the market place, the walk initially heads east on city streets but soon heads down to the River Wear via the crossing of Baths Bridge (an elegant single-span footbridge). Now the walk follows Elvet Waterside past St Cuthbert's Society Boat Club and Durham Amateur Rowing Club, making the sweep from eastward to southward. It is gorgeous on this stretch of the River Wear — look out for where Old Durham Beck feeds into the river on the far east bank.

Soon the climb from the river is made to the heady heights of Maiden Castle, an old Iron Age hill fort and one of the earliest sites in the city. From the ancient site the walk continues through the deep and lush greenery of Great High Wood, a beautiful woodland filled with semi-ancient oak and beech trees. A special sight in the woods is reserved for those doing this walk when bluebells are out in bloom, as they are especially stunning here (the woodland is also famed for its wide variety of birdlife).

The woodland stage ends at the southern extremity of the route near the north side of Pinnock Hill. A sweeping turn from heading south to heading north is made following Hollingside Lane to Buck's Hill where Durham University's Botanic Gardens are sited. You may take a break from the walk here to explore the beautiful displays within the 10-hectare site (refreshments are available in the gardens, making it a good place to stop before the thrilling finish).

From the gardens and adjoining university campus the walk leads to Little High Wood and soon after an urban section back down to the river at Prebends Bridge. From here to Framwellgate Bridge the walk is truly stunning: there is much to admire including the Old Fulling Mill beside a river weir. Here, looking up from the deep river gorge to the high towers of Durham Cathedral is an awesome sight, as are the walls of Durham Castle, which are the last sight of note on the east bank before climbing back to street level at Framwellgate Bridge. Soon after, your walk ends back at Market Place — but surely your day is not over, with cathedral, castle, and the quirky Durham Museum waiting to be visited!

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.