River Deerness – Deerness path loop from Durham

Bike touring routes & trails

River Deerness – Deerness path loop from Durham

Moderate

4.8

(8)

riders

River Deerness – Deerness path loop from Durham

02:06

31.6km

330m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

350 m

View of Durham from Durham Station

Highlight • Viewpoint

3.75 km

Parking Area

Highlight • Parking

A safe place to park the car and follow the cicleway

Tip by

7.77 km

The River Deerness runs 11.6 miles (18.7 km) through the picturesque valley of the same name. On its way, it passes Waterhouses, Ushaw Moor and Esh Winning villages before joining the River Browney near Langley Moor.

It is thought that the river's name is the oldest place name in County Durham. Deerness is pre-Celtic and means 'rushing or roaring river.'

Tip by

8.10 km

Deerness path

Highlight • Structure

Old railway path

Tip by

12.7 km

Waterhouses

Highlight • Other

Deerness Valley crosses here

Tip by

16.0 km

Deerness Valley Railway Path Sculpture Bench

Highlight • Viewpoint

The sculpture is close to a parking place

Tip by

25.4 km

The Ponderosa

Nature Reserve

28.5 km

River Browney

Highlight • Forest

The River Browney flows through County Durham through moorland, forests, disused coal mines, and remnants of a bygone industrial era. Decades of lead and coal mining badly affected the river's biodiversity. However, since the closure of the mines, the river has bounced back and you may even spot otters here today.

Tip by

31.6 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types