County Durham walks you can do in an hour or less

It’s one of the only times we are allowed to leave the house and get some fresh air.

However, there are rules surrounding these daily walks.

The current Government lockdown rules state that you can only leave the house to exercise (alone, with your household or with your support bubble) once a day and you must not leave your local area to do so.

This means that you can only travel to a beauty spot if it is close to your home.

Luckily for us, there are plenty of gorgeous walking routes right on your doorstep in County Durham

If you want to change up your daily walking route, here are five short walks you can complete in under an hour:

Cocker Beck Park, Darlington

Cocker Beck

(Photo: Geograph/ Peter Robinson)

This 1.1 mile route may be short, but it’s still a beautiful one.

Other walkers who have taken on the trail have praised the short walk, saying it’s a great little route for dog walkers.

The route begins near Staindrop Road and sees you walk past St Mary’s Cockerton primary and over the Cocker Beck river.

Wheelchair uses and those with pushchairs can enjoy the ease of a smooth and flat pathway, while also being surrounded by grassland, meadows and nature.

The nature reserve is described as a “haven” to wildlife, especially butterflies.

Chester-le-Street heritage trail, Chester-le-Street

Want to head out for a walk in a historic part of County Durham?

This heritage trail is 2.6 miles long- but some people might find it challenging thanks to the undulations and steps.

However, the route can be adapted to accommodate wheelchair users.

On the walk, you will take a trip through the market town and see it with completely new eyes.

It was once a place of Roman occupation and walkers can soak in the historic buildings and sites as they explore.

Bethel Chapel, the site of an old workhouse and The Lambton Arms are just some landmarks that you will pass on your journey.

Cow Green Geological Trail, Barnard Castle

The trail

(Photo: Geograph/Andrew Curtis)

The beauty of this trail is that it can be as long or as short as you want it to be- but every step of the way is a scenic dream.

A single stretch of the route is approximately two miles long but a longer 7 mile route can be also be made if you wanted more of challenge.

However, for the quick hour walk start at Cow Green car park until you end up at the conglomerate footpath.

On the route, you will encounter many natural elements including limestone areas and mineral veins which were formed more than 290 million years ago.

There is a steep footpath on the walk, so take care on the rocks which can become slippery.

Malton Picnic area walking route, Lanchester

Picnics may be off the cards during lockdown- but we can still experience this little gem of a walking route.

The area is UK Woodland Assurance Scheme certified and is home to plenty of habitats, flowers and wildlife.

It’s only 0.5 miles long, but there is plenty to see in the area.

You can walk along the River Browney, which is a great place to spot a Kingfisher, dipper or spotted woodpecker.

Walkers are also surrounded by woodland in this area, which is filled with sleeping noctule bats.

Low Barnes Nature Reserve, Bishop Auckland

Low Barnes Nature Reserve

(Photo: Geograph/Oliver Dixon)

This 1.6 mile route is easy to navigate and is appropriate for people of all skill levels.

The walk features a lake and there are plenty of trails to discover once you finish this one.

Interested in wildlife? The reserve is now a Site of Special Scientific interest and is home to a range of habitats and animals.

The terrain of the reserve is also relatively flat, meaning it is suitable for buggies and wheelchair users.

One walker described it as a “lovely little walk” even while “lockdown is in full swing”.

Where is your favourite walking route in County Durham? Let us know in the comment section.