The best family-friendly hikes and walks in County Durham

County Durham offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 1300 trails listed on komoot. More than 600 of these are rated as easy or moderate, making them suitable for families looking for enjoyable outdoor adventures.

You'll find incredibly diverse landscapes! From the expansive heather moorlands and dramatic waterfalls of the North Pennines AONB to the lush valleys of the Durham Dales and the rugged clifftop scenery of the Durham Heritage Coast. There are also beautiful mixed woodlands like Hamsterley Forest, offering varied terrain for all ages.

Yes, many trails in County Durham are designed to be easily accessible. While specific pram-friendly routes can vary, look for trails described as 'easy' or those that follow old railway paths or forest tracks, which often have smoother surfaces. For example, the Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop offers a relatively flat path along the River Tees.

Most outdoor areas in County Durham are dog-friendly, but it's always best to keep your dog on a lead, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife. Please remember to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Absolutely! County Durham is home to some spectacular waterfalls. The High Force Waterfall and Low Force Waterfall are particularly impressive and can be explored via routes like the High Force and Low Force Circular. Further upstream, you can find Cauldron Snout Waterfall, known as England's longest.

County Durham is rich in history. You can hike past the ruins of Egglestone Abbey and Barnard Castle on the Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop. The historic city of Durham itself offers riverside walks with views of its magnificent cathedral. The region also features unique denes and restored industrial landscapes along the Durham Heritage Coast.

Yes, many family-friendly trails in County Durham are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. The Three Becks Walk loop in Hamsterley Forest is a popular option, as is the Causey Arch & Beamish Parkland loop.

Spring and summer are ideal for family hikes, with wildflowers blooming along the coast and in the dales, and generally milder weather. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, especially in woodlands like Hamsterley Forest. While winter can be picturesque, some higher moorland paths may be more challenging due to weather conditions.

Many popular trailheads, especially in areas like Hamsterley Forest, Pow Hill Country Park (for the Derwent Reservoir loop), and near major attractions like High Force, offer dedicated parking facilities. It's always a good idea to check specific route details for parking information before you go.

The komoot community highly rates the trails in County Durham, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning natural beauty, the variety of landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make hiking enjoyable for families.

Yes, County Durham has numerous shorter, easy trails perfect for families with young children or for a quick stroll. Many forest and country parks offer marked routes that are just a few kilometers long, providing a taste of the outdoors without a full-day commitment.

Many towns and villages throughout County Durham, especially those near popular hiking areas, offer welcoming pubs and cafes. Places like Barnard Castle, Middleton-in-Teesdale, and villages within the Durham Dales often have establishments that cater to families, perfect for a post-hike meal or snack.