Nature Reserves in County Durham

Nature reserves are areas protected for the conservation of their wildlife, habitats, or geological features. County Durham contains National Nature Reserves, Local Nature Reserves, and sites managed by the Durham Wildlife Trust. This page details 5 National Nature Reserves, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and running.

The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports. This includes hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking, with more than 600 routes available across the reserves. Specific guides are available for Hiking in County Durham and Cycling in County Durham.

The main reserves featured are National Nature Reserves. These include Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve, known for its ancient oak woodlands, and Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, which contains a deep, wooded gorge. Other key sites are the Durham Coast National Nature Reserve and Cassop Vale National Nature Reserve.

Castle Eden Dene contains a network of footpaths for hiking and running through its deep gorge and ancient woodland. The terrain includes steep sections and steps. While cycling is not permitted within the Dene itself, cycling routes are available on roads and paths in the surrounding area.

Derwent Gorge And Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve offers a variety of trails through its dramatic gorge and woodlands. There are over 40 designated hiking trails and more than 20 road cycling routes in the vicinity. The area also provides options for mountain biking and running.

Yes, the Durham Coast National Nature Reserve has numerous walking trails. These routes explore the unique coastal grasslands and wooded denes along the Magnesian Limestone cliffs. There are over 35 hiking routes available, offering varied scenery and difficulty.

Yes, many reserves offer trails suitable for families. For example, Low Barns Nature Reserve, managed by the Durham Wildlife Trust, has accessible paths around its lakes. For a wider selection of routes, see the guide to Family-friendly hikes in County Durham.

Policies regarding dogs vary by reserve and are in place to protect wildlife and habitats. In many reserves, dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead, especially during bird nesting season (typically March to July). It is important to check the specific rules for each reserve before visiting.

The reserves host diverse wildlife depending on the habitat. Low Barns Nature Reserve is a key site for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded. The magnesian limestone grasslands of Cassop Vale and Bishop Middleham Quarry support rare butterflies and orchids. The Durham Coast is important for its unique coastal plant communities.

The landscape is varied. It ranges from the deep, ancient woodlands of Castle Eden Dene to the upland hay meadows of the North Pennines. The Durham Coast features Magnesian Limestone cliffs and coastal grasslands, while reserves like Cassop Vale are defined by rolling limestone grasslands and woodland.

Yes, circular walking routes are available in many of the nature reserves. These trails allow for exploration without needing to retrace your steps. The trail collections for each reserve, such as those for Derwent Gorge and Castle Eden Dene, feature multiple circular options of varying lengths and difficulties.