County Durham is considered to be a very picturesque county and you can easily take in its sights through walking trails.
If you fancy going on these walks you might prefer for the route to not be too difficult to follow and to end up exactly back where you started.
Luckily there are plenty of circular walks you can take in the county, most of which are a couple of miles long and take between one and three hours.
Five stunning circular walks to do around County Durham:
Barnard Castle to Cotherstone Circular
Starting at the grounds of Barnard Castle, the trail heads out along the road next to the River Tees and the path through the woodlands and beside Scur Beck before winding through the farmlands to Cotherstone. From here the trail returns through the town streets, Shipely Wood, and farm fields.
This walk is considered a moderate route - given that it's a 13.2km circular trail.
It takes an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes to complete.
This is a popular trail for hiking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times.
The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
Hardwick Park and Knotty Hill Circular
Spanning just over 4 miles, this route is perfect for the whole family and the dog(s)! Treelined paths, tranquil ponds, birdlife and all of the great amenities of Hardwick Park await you here. Enjoy the café, picnic areas and a children's playground. Dogs are very welcome but expect farm animals.
Try this 7.2-km circular trail near Trimdon, County Durham. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete.
The best times to visit this trail are April through July.
Romaldkirk Circular
An easy walk, and very worthwhile as the scenery of the area of the Tees from the viewing point is impressive. The 'Fairy Cupboards', close by, are a series of small caves divided from each other by columns caused by water action. It might not be possible to get down to see them if the river is too high, but the walk is really enjoyable all the same.
Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete.
Hamsterley Forest Blue Trail Circular
This trail winds along Bedburn Beck through Windy Bank Wood, Front Plantation, past Blackling Hole Waterfall, and returns through Oak Bank, Strawberry Bank, and along Forest Drive.
Explore this 15.0-km circular trail near Bishop Auckland, County Durham. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 hours and 58 minutes to complete.
Most read
- Protestors say council errors mean Durham bridge earmarked for demolition is safe
- How former coalfield areas of the North East are being returned to nature
-
Organised North East crime ring dismantled as last member jailed after complex case
This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.
The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
The Coniscliffe Circular
This trail is a fantastic option in the Coniscliffe area. The pathways are different, and the field next to the river may be muddy after heavy rain; please wear adequate footwear.
Check out this 11.1-km circular trail near Piercebridge, County Durham. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes 2 hours and 24 minutes to complete.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here