The best family-friendly hikes and walks around City Of Durham
4.7
(247)
2,189
hikers
101
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around City Of Durham often follow the winding River Wear, offering scenic riverside paths and views of historic landmarks. The region features a mix of gentle hills, urban green spaces, and tranquil woodlands, providing accessible outdoor experiences. Terrain typically includes well-maintained footpaths and some paved sections, suitable for various ages and abilities.
Best family friendly hiking trails around City Of Durham
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Durham Cathedral & Castle loop, a 1.9 miles (3.1 km) trail that takes 51 minutes to complete. This easy path explores historic landmarks and offers views along the River Wear.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is River Wear & Durham City loop, a moderate 10.1 miles (16.3 km) path. This route showcases the city's riverside scenery and historic architecture.
- Local hikers also love the Durham Castle – Durham Riverside Walk loop from Durham, a 7.3 miles (11.7 km) trail leading through riverside landscapes and past historic sites, often completed in about 3 hours 7 minutes.
- Hiking around City Of Durham is defined by riverside paths, historic cityscapes, and gentle woodland trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from short, easy walks to longer, moderate excursions.
- The routes in City Of Durham are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 200 reviews. More than 2000 hikers have used komoot to explore City Of Durham's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.8
(24)
99
hikers
16.3km
04:24
220m
220m
The River Wear & Durham City loop offers a captivating hiking experience, blending natural riverside beauty with the rich history of Durham. This moderate 10.1-mile (16.3 km) route takes about 4 hours and 23 minutes to complete, featuring a varied terrain of unpaved paths, gravel, and city streets. You will enjoy attractive riverside and woodland views, with sections featuring ancient trees and open fields, all while gaining around 709 feet (216 metres) in elevation.
As you hike, you will encounter a mix of surfaces, including some sections that can become quite muddy, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The trail is easily accessible from the city center, and the presence of numerous cafes and pubs in Durham City provides opportunities for refreshments along the way. This makes it a convenient option for a day out, combining outdoor activity with urban amenities.
A major highlight of the River Wear & Durham City loop is the constant, dramatic views of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rising majestically above the wooded cliffs. The trail also passes other historic sites like Maiden Castle, an ancient Iron Age hill fort, and various historic bridges. This unique combination of serene riverbanks, tranquil woodlands, and a bustling historic city center truly allows you to step through different worlds in just a few miles.
4
hikers
3.11km
00:51
50m
50m
Easy 1.9-mile loop hike around Durham Cathedral and Castle, offering historic views and riverside paths in just 51 minutes.
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4.6
(21)
84
hikers
11.5km
03:05
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(39)
333
hikers
9.95km
02:37
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(19)
58
hikers
24.7km
06:32
230m
230m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From the 18th-century stone bridge, you can see Durham Cathedral and Castle on top of a rocky peninsula, wrapped by the River Wear.
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The cathedral was originally constructed to house the relics of St Cuthbert, a beloved Northumbrian saint. His shrine is a significant pilgrimage destination.
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The footbridge is a cable-stayed bridge over the River Wear in Durham. It is a popular crossing for walkers and for Durham University, as it connects the main sports complex with additional playing fields on the opposite bank.
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nice easy parking, walk accross the bridge over the river and you can either walk left or right giving you two options to walk up or down the river. quite pleasant but can get a bit boggy when it rains so wear the correct footwear. does get busy in the warmer months
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'Reveal' by Richard Cole is a conical column of irregularly textured stone with six shallow niches and a long narrow aperture at its centre. Constructed using centuries-old stone from the Cathedral's former turret, the sculpture was unveiled in 1997, standing under trees opposite the cathedral.
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A television series that I can recommend without reservation presents the culture-loving viewer (in German) with remarkable examples of human creativity from many countries around the world. What they all have in common is that they have been given "world heritage" status by UNESCO. One of the contributions documents: "Like a grey rock, Durham Cathedral, located in the north-east of England near the Scottish border, towers over the roofs of the city. Half church and half bastion, this building is an impressive example of early Romanesque church architecture in England. The three-storey Anglo-Norman cathedral with a 2 m thick arcade wall and Norman castle complex, the later seat of the bishops of Durham, was declared a cultural monument." This film can be found in the ARD media library under the following link: https://www.ardmediathek.de/video/schaetze-der-welt/die-kathedrale-von-durham-grossbritannien-folge-138/3sat/Y3JpZDovL3N3ci5kZS83MTY4ODA2
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We recommend a short walk along the river loop around the rock. Here you can see several bridges, including two bridges from the Middle Ages.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around the City of Durham?
There are over 100 family-friendly hiking and walking routes around the City of Durham. Our guide features 101 routes, with 65 of them rated as easy, making them perfect for families with children.
What kind of landscapes can we expect on family hikes in the City of Durham?
The City of Durham offers a diverse range of landscapes for family hikes. You'll find scenic riverside paths along the River Wear, historic city walks showcasing landmarks, and tranquil routes through woodlands and green spaces. Many trails provide beautiful views of the city's iconic architecture and natural surroundings.
Are there any short, easy walks suitable for families with young children or toddlers?
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for younger children. For a relatively short and engaging walk, consider the Durham Cathedral & Castle loop, which is just over 3 kilometers and takes less than an hour. It offers gentle paths and iconic sights.
What historical landmarks or points of interest can we see on family hikes?
Many family-friendly routes in Durham pass by significant historical landmarks. You can explore the magnificent Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Other notable sights include The Count's House Folly and the ruins of Finchale Priory, offering a glimpse into the region's rich past.
Are there any circular routes that are good for families?
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly trails around Durham are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same convenient location. The Durham Cathedral & Castle loop is a great example of an easy circular walk, perfect for a family outing.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in the City of Durham?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in the City of Durham, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 248 ratings. Hikers often praise the beautiful riverside scenery, the historical significance of the routes, and the well-maintained paths that make them enjoyable for all ages.
Are there any longer, moderate family hikes for older children or more active families?
For families looking for a bit more of a challenge, there are moderate routes available. The River Wear & Durham City loop is a moderate 16-kilometer hike that offers extensive riverside views and takes you through various parts of the city's natural and urban landscapes.
Can we find trails that offer great viewpoints?
Yes, several trails provide excellent opportunities for scenic views. The area around Durham Cathedral and Castle offers elevated perspectives of the city and the River Wear. Specifically, the View of Durham Cathedral from Prebends Bridge is a highly recommended spot for a classic vista.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in the City of Durham?
The City of Durham is beautiful year-round for family hikes. Spring brings blooming flowers and mild temperatures, while autumn offers stunning foliage along the riverbanks and in the woodlands. Summer is ideal for longer days and picnics, and even winter walks can be magical, especially with crisp air and fewer crowds, provided you dress appropriately.
Are there any trails that combine nature with historical sites?
Many trails in Durham seamlessly blend natural beauty with historical significance. The Durham Castle – Durham Riverside Walk loop from Durham is a fantastic option, allowing your family to enjoy the tranquility of the riverside paths while also passing by the historic Durham Castle and other points of interest along the River Wear.
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