The best walks and hikes around Kelloe

Yes, the area around Kelloe is well-suited for circular hikes. Many routes are loops that start and end near the village, taking you through a mix of open farmland, nature reserves, and along former railway lines. A great example is the View of Quarrington Hill – View of Durham Cathedral loop from Raisby Hill Grassland, which offers a varied experience of the local landscape.

The old railway lines, such as the Kelloe Way Railway Path, have been converted into accessible, multi-user paths. They are generally flat and well-surfaced, making for easy walking. These routes often serve as wildlife corridors and feature information panels about the region's mining heritage, offering a gentle hike combined with local history.

Definitely. The majority of trails around Kelloe are rated as easy, with gentle gradients. The former railway paths are particularly good for families. For a short and rewarding walk, consider the Sunset View Over the Hills – View of the Drainage Channel loop from Kelloe, which is under 3 miles and offers lovely views across the fields.

Most of the public footpaths and former railway lines in the Kelloe area are suitable for walking with a dog. However, many routes pass through farmland with livestock or ecologically sensitive nature reserves like Cassop Vale. It is essential to keep your dog on a lead in these areas to protect wildlife and farm animals.

The nature reserves near Kelloe, such as Crowtrees, Cassop Vale, and Raisby Hill Grassland, are characterized by their unique Magnesian Limestone grasslands. This geology supports a rich diversity of wildflowers, including several orchid species. The reserves are a mix of rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and developing woodland, often on land reclaimed from former quarries.

The Kelloe Way Railway Path is your best option for walking with a pushchair. It's a 1.3-mile linear track that is largely flat and surfaced, following the route of a former colliery waggonway. Other countryside footpaths may have stiles, uneven ground, or muddy sections that would be difficult to navigate.

The trails around Kelloe are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the unique blend of industrial heritage and natural regeneration, particularly the walks through the limestone grasslands and reclaimed quarries. The well-marked former railway paths and the panoramic views towards Durham are also frequently mentioned as highlights.

While most routes are easy, you can find some moderately challenging hikes. For a longer day out, the Crowtrees Local Nature Reserve loop from Raisby Hill Grassland is an 8-mile (12.9 km) circuit that connects several key local landscapes. You can also combine sections of different trails, like the Kelloe Way and paths through Crowtrees, to create a more extensive walk.

Late spring and summer are fantastic times to visit, as the Magnesian Limestone grasslands in the nature reserves burst into bloom with wildflowers and orchids. Autumn offers beautiful colours in the woodlands. The railway paths provide solid footing for winter walks, though other trails can become muddy after rain.

Yes, you can plan a route that incorporates a pub stop. For example, some trails pass through or near villages with local pubs. The area around Cassop Vale Nature Reserve is noted by visitors for having a highly-regarded country pub nearby, making it a good destination for a walk followed by refreshments.

There are nearly 20 curated hiking routes around Kelloe available on komoot. These range from short, easy strolls to more moderate circular walks, covering the network of railway paths, nature reserves, and public footpaths across the surrounding farmland.

Many trails offer expansive views across the rolling Durham countryside. From higher points, such as on the Crowtrees Local Nature Reserve – View of Durham loop from Quarrington Hill, you can see all the way to Durham Cathedral on a clear day. Other routes provide lovely pastoral scenes of open farmland and the distinctive grassy hills of the limestone plateau.