Shincliffe - Old Durham - Sherburn - Durham City

Shincliffe - Old Durham - Sherburn - Low Pittington - Finchale Priory - Durham City

The walk starts from the outskirts of Shincliffe Village, passes through the Durham University playing-fields, then goes on to the ancient hamlet of Old Durham. Field- and woods-walking follows before arriving on the outskirts of Sherburn Village.

From Sherburn the walk follows an old railway line to the village of Low Pittington before passing through Ramside Golf Course. The route borders the grounds of Moor House, a large scout camp, then continues on to the village of Leamside. A little road walking follows before the walk eventually intersects the Weardale Way as it turns south over the river to enter the ruins of the ancient Finchale Priory.

A section of quiet road-walking follows as the route arrives at the High Security Frankland Prison, a Category 'A' prison, housing male-only prisoners over 21 years of age serving sentences of four years or more.

The walk then picks up the long, pleasant, bridleway that delivers you to the outskirts of Durham City near Crook Hall, a 13th Century, Grade 1-listed medieval manor-house with six acres of beautifully laid out gardens including a maze.

The route continues along the riverside path as it approaches the old city, with impressive views of the imposing Norman castle and cathedral. The route then leaves the riverside and crosses the ancient pedestrianised Framwellgate Bridge to enter the historic peninsula and pass through the cathedral complex, before exiting the peninsula across the historic Prebends Bridge.

A short, steep climb follows to reach the Durham University Observatory. After the observatory the route enters the large university campus, passing the colleges of St Aiden's, Trevelyan, Van Mildert and Greys before arriving at the University's Botanical Gardens.

The final lap of the walk passes through the glorious deciduous Great High Wood to emerge at the hamlet of Houghall, with a flat and easy lane walk back to the car.

England - North England - Durham - Countryside

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Walk id: 5475

Walk grade

Moderate Walk

Length

15.2 Miles

Height gain

334 Metres

Duration

6 Hours 40 Mins

Average rating

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