Guided countryside walks

County Durham's beautiful countryside is home to a wide variety of plants and animals and the area has a fascinating historical and geological heritage.

All are welcome to come and explore with us as we have walks to suit everyone including short, easy walks and long, hard hikes. Unless stated, simply turn up as there is no need to book.

Useful information about our walks

Estimated timings: The duration of the walk is a guide only. The pace depends on numbers and fitness of the group and weather conditions. The leader will adapt the walk to suit the pace of the slowest participant. All walks are circular unless otherwise stated.
Severe weather: In severe weather conditions, Contact Countryside Service by phone to see if the walk is going ahead.
Cost: The guided walks are £4 per person.
Clothing and smoking: Boots and waterproofs are advisable on all walks. Jeans are not appropriate. Walks are non-smoking.
Lunch: A packed lunch is required where stated. Please bring this with you. Please also make sure you have enough drinks for the duration of the walk.
Dogs: Well behaved dogs kept on a lead are allowed on walks, unless otherwise stated. Routes may be long and over steep ground with stiles to cross. Dogs remain the responsibility of the owner. We reserve the right to refuse your dog onto the walk.

Getting there

Postcodes: The nearest postcodes are included, but they may not be the exact start location. Some locations are remote and the postcode given may be some distance away, so please consult a map.
Map references: Six figure references indicate the starting point of the walk. They can be used to find a place on a 1:50 000 or 1:25 000 Ordnance Survey map. For instructions on reading grid references (GR) see map or go to Ordnance Survey. Lr = Landranger, OL = Outdoor Leisure, Ex = Explorer.
Public transport: Some walk start locations can be accessed by public transport. Please check available services at Traveline North East.
Car parking: Ensure parking does not create a hazard and does not obstruct entrances or other traffic. Please car share or use public transport wherever possible.

Walk gradings

Level one: The walk is suitable for most levels of fitness. There are good paths, relatively flat, possibly a few stiles. Stout shoes are needed.
Level two: The walk is suitable for people with reasonable levels of fitness. It covers uneven ground, streams, inclines and stiles. Boots are essential.
Level three: The walk requires a good level of fitness. Walks are through some rough moorland with steep or strenuous climbs. Boots are essential.
Level four: The walk requires a very good level of fitness and previous walking experience. Stiles, steep and strenuous climbs on rough and variable track surfaces. Strong boots are essential.

Walks

November

Date	Name of walk	Details
Friday 8 November	Foxholes and Horsleyhopes	10:30am (4 hours) 7 miles, level 2, Jo Davies Start: Watergate Picnic Area, Stanhope Road, quarter of a mile from Castleside crossroads, DH8 9AP. GR NZ 078484. OS maps Ex307 Local history, packed lunch required, price of walk £4.
Wednesday 13 November	Shotley and Sites Seldom seen	10:30am (4 hours) 7.5 miles, level 2, Jo Davies. Start: Shotley Bridge Station Car Park, off B6310, DH8 0NG. GR NZ 103534. OS map ex 307. Packed lunch required, local history, price of walk £4.
Saturday 16 November	Apollo to Poseidon	10.00am (5 hours) 10 miles, level 2, Yvonne Andrews. Start: Apollo Pavillion Car Park, Oakerside Drive, Peterlee, SR8 1JS. GR NZ 422397 OS Map Ex306. Local history, packed lunch required, price of walk £4.
Wednesday 20 November	Green around the Gill - Knitsley and Hown's Gill	10.30am (5 hours) 9 miles, level 2, Jo Davies. Start: Rowley Station Picnic Area, Waskerley Way, off A68, south of Castleside, DH8 9AQ. GR NZ 086478 OS Map Ex307. Local history, packed lunch, price of walk £4.
Friday 22 November	Whitwell and West Sherburn	10:00am (5 hours) 8.5 miles, level 2, Brian Lander. Start: High Shincliffe, Lay-by off A177, DH1 2PF. GR NZ 294401. OS Map Ex308. Local history, packed lunch required, price of walk £4.
Friday 29 November	Bicycle Made For Two	10:00am (4 hours) 8 miles, level 2, Peter Weighill. Start: Waldridge Lane, Chester Moor, DH2 3RR. GR NZ 266492 OS Map Ex 308. Packed lunch required, Price of walk £4.

December

Date	Name of walk	Details
Wednesday 4 December	Two Hills	10.00am (6 hours) 12 miles, level 2, Dianne Hannaby. Start: park on road leading to St Michael's and All Angels Church, Witton Gilbert, DH7 6SU. GR NZ 235453. Os map Ex308. Price of walk £4, packed lunch required.
Friday 6 November	Off to a Winning Start	10:30am (4.5 hours) 7.5 miles, level 2, Jo Davies. Start: Car park behind Co-op, Newhouse Road, Esh Winning on B6302, DH7 9HA. GR NZ 190416. OS maps Ex 307, 308, Price of walk £4. Packed lunch required, local history.
Friday 13 December	Coal Barrons and Wagonways	10:00am (4 hours) 7.5 miles, level 2, Jo Davies Start: East Castle (private car park at the side of the house) off A693, DH9 8PH. GR NZ 149520. OS map Ex307 Local history, packed lunch required, price of walk £4.
Wednesday 18 December	Simdy Shaw Reservoir and Whitehall Moss	10:00am (4.5 hours) 8.5 miles, level 2, Jo Davies. Start: Waskerley Station Picnic Area, Waskerley village, off Castleside to Stanhope Road, DH8 9DZ. GR NZ 050453. OS map ex 307. Packed lunch required, local history, price of walk £4.