Going for a walk in woodland is a brilliant thing - but, in County Durham, it can be difficult to decide where to go.
With so many woodlands across the region, narrowing it down can be tough, so we have pieced together five of our favourite woodland walks from the Woodland Trust.
Five of the best woodland walks to try in County Durham:
Aykley Wood
13.05 ha (32.25 acres)
Aykley Woods, part of the council's Aykley Heads estate, was planted in 2005.
The landscape has paths, ponds, and mature woods at Hoppers and Crookhall, boasting vistas of the cathedral and Wear woodlands.
This place boasts great walking spots and plenty of space to walk in. On summer days, it's beautiful and for spring, autumn and winter walks, good walking shoes are advised.
Waskerley Way Railway Path
41.80 ha (103.29 acres)
Waskerley Way, a popular route for walkers and cyclists, traces a disused railway line, boasting plentiful wildlife and plants.
This place is perfect for a long stroll or a small jaunt - it's whatever you want it to be.
Like Aykley Woods, it's good terrain in the summer, but at other times of the year, care should be taken in choosing footwear.
Marwood
44.49 ha (109.94 acres)
With this one, it's two woodlands in one.
Flatts Wood and Teesbank Wood, accessible from Barnard Castle, are teeming with rare county flora and centuries-old trees, accompanied by scenic River Tees views.
Both woods boast footpaths favoured by walkers.
Southfield (near Shildon)
53.90 ha (133.19 acres)
Southfield Wood, home to one of the oldest oaks in the North East, links to the 2000-year-old Brusselton Wood.
Predominantly oak, these woods saw many trees felled for royal navy shipbuilding around 400 years ago.
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The nearby hill, Royal Oak, suggests medieval crown ownership of the trees.
Despite its manmade origins, Southfield Wood now seamlessly connects to the historical and possibly wildwood of Brusselton, showcasing ancient beech and birch alongside its famed oak population.
Cassop Vale NNR
2.11 ha (5.21 acres)
Cassop Vale in County Durham, home to diverse wildlife, is unique due to lime rich soils from an ancient tropical sea.
Notably, the western section is permit holders only.
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