The Northern Echo staff have recommended some of the best walks you can try around County Durham this summer.

County Durham is home to some beautiful vistas and if you try these walks you might be surprised at some of the sights just beyond your doorstep.

You'll be able to enjoy rivers, woods, and stunning waterfalls within just a few minutes drive from your house.

Here are the Northern Echo staff picks for walks around County Durham:

1. Gibson's Cave and High Force waterfall

This walk has been described as a must-see for visitors and locals in County Durham by Northern Echo staff.

The walk starts at Bowlees and visitors will walk along the River Tees to get to the spectacular waterfall.

In total, it is a five-mile long circular walk. 

2. Castle Eden Dene

(Image: Northern Echo)

The Northern Echo staff highly recommend Castle Eden Dene woods. Driving to it through Peterlee you might not expect to come across wildlife for a while.

In the woodland you can make your walk as long as you would like, there are miles of criss-crossing paths.

There are bridges for families to play poohsticks and small waterfalls to discover.

You never know what you might find!

3. Cockfield Fell

This beautiful walk includes the spectacular ruins of Lands Viaduct.

Described by one local historian as “like a giant’s plaything”, what’s left of the viaduct are the most spectacular of all the remains that lie on Cockfield Fell – the largest ancient monument in the North.

The history of Cockfield provides another level of enjoyment to the three-and-a-half-mile circular walk.

A knight from Suffolk, Robert de Cockfield, a judge and sheriff representing the king in various parts of the north, decided to reclaim and settle in an ancient manor house and its estate.

He decided to call it Beaurepayr – beautiful spot – but it soon became known by his own name, Cockfield.

4. 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.

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5. Darlington Denes

(Image: Peter Giroux)

Finally, The Northern Echo staff recommends walks in Darlington Denes.

The series of green spaces and park land provide the perfect back drop for a more casual stroll through Darlington along the Cocker Beck.

It is host to a wide range of wildlife, including kingfishers, otters and bats.