Things to Do in County Durham

County Durham offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, road cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and gravel biking. The region features diverse landscapes such as the North Pennines AONB, Durham Heritage Coast, and Hamsterley Forest. More than 5,000 routes are available across these sports.

County Durham has over 5,000 routes available on komoot, with more than 257,000 visitors sharing their experiences. These routes have an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars. This indicates a highly engaged community and well-regarded trails.

Key hiking highlights include the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring High Force Waterfall and Low Force. Hamsterley Forest offers extensive woodland trails, while the Durham Heritage Coast provides cliff-top walks. The region also has numerous railway paths suitable for walking.

County Durham offers many family-friendly options, including easy lowland strolls and trails in country parks. Specific guides for family-friendly hikes are available, providing suitable routes for all ages. These trails often feature picnic areas and facilities.

Many trails in County Durham are dog-friendly, allowing visitors to explore with their pets. It is advisable to check specific route details for any restrictions or requirements. A dedicated komoot guide for dog-friendly hikes in County Durham is available.

County Durham provides varied cycling experiences, from traffic-free railway paths to quiet country roads through dales and moorlands. Both touring cycling and road cycling are popular, with routes catering to different skill levels. The C2C (Coast to Coast) route also passes through the region.

Easy walking routes in County Durham can be found along former railway paths, in country parks, and through ancient woodlands like Castle Eden Dene. These routes typically have minimal elevation gain and are suitable for casual strolls. A komoot guide for easy hikes in County Durham is available.

County Durham is home to notable waterfalls, including High Force, where the River Tees plunges 69 feet (21 meters), and the series of smaller waterfalls at Low Force. These natural features are popular destinations for hikers. A komoot guide for waterfall hikes in County Durham highlights suitable routes.

A significant portion of western County Durham lies within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), also a UNESCO Global Geopark. This area is recognized for its world-class geology, diverse flora and fauna, and vast expanses of open moorland. It offers remote and wild outdoor experiences.

Yes, County Durham features an extensive network of former railway paths, providing approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) of traffic-free routes. These paths are ideal for cyclists, walkers, and horse-riders seeking safe and scenic journeys. A komoot guide for traffic-free bike rides in County Durham is available.

County Durham offers a variety of landscapes, including the remote moorlands and dales of the North Pennines AONB, the dramatic cliffs of the Durham Heritage Coast, and extensive woodlands like Hamsterley Forest. Rivers such as the Wear carve through broad valleys, and ancient denes provide unique ecosystems.

Komoot offers several guides for County Durham, covering various activities and interests. These include guides for Hiking, Cycling, Running Trails, and specific categories like family-friendly or dog-friendly routes. These guides provide curated information and route suggestions.

The official tourism website for County Durham is This is Durham, accessible at www.thisisdurham.com. This resource provides comprehensive information for visitors planning outdoor activities and exploring the region.