Walking tails around County Durham
14 October 2018
At Headlam, we’re lucky to be surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful countryside and scenic spots. There are many nearby walking trails that our guests can enjoy during their stay with us; whether that’s embarking on a Sunday family stroll or a relaxing walk with your dog, there are plenty of options available to suit.
High Force and Low Force, two popular sights in Northern England, are home to two of the country’s most spectacular waterfalls. Surrounded by picturesque woodland walks, these waterfalls are great for an active family day out. The High Force waterfall boasts a 70ft drop into a pool of water, making it the highest uninterrupted flow of water in England. A sensory experience, the surrounding walks are filled with sounds of the running waterfalls, smells of fresh woodland and beautiful views of the countryside. Low force, a slightly lower level but nevertheless breath-taking sight, features a second waterfall that runs over the Whin Sill – a layer of hard rock (whinstone), which formed 295 million years ago. Visitors can find several spots for picnics surrounding the waterfalls, as well as a gift shop for those who wish to purchase souvenirs.
The Pennine Way is the ideal walk for those who like to take a long stroll. You’ll begin at Baldersdale before embarking on a 15-mile long stroll, ending up at Langdon Beck. Not only will you see the beauty of High Force and Low Force, but you’ll also have sights of the picturesque Grassholme Reservoir, Cow Green Reservoir, Cauldron Snout and High Cup Nick. This off-road walk means that you’ll take in plenty of the surrounding countryside, exploring the natural beauty of Northern England. It should be noted that this walk is graded moderate to hard intensity, so is most suitable for those who prefer longer, more challenging expeditions.
Durham’s heritage coast walk is not to be missed – the cliffs have their own historical story to tell, with the surrounding scenery being a treat for the senses. At 11 miles, this is the perfect walk for you and your dog – with clifftop scenery and coastal villages to entertain you both. Starting in Seaham at the marina, you’ll follow a path along to Nose’s Point which, on a clear day, boasts stunning views. You’ll pass many other iconic spots with the opportunity to take a detour into villages and beaches before finishing at Crimdon.
For those who are fascinated by history, the Chester-le-street heritage trail might be the walk for you. The market town of Chester-le-street has a history dating back 2,000 years, with rich examples of both Roman occupation and Victorian industry. This circular route means that you can join at any point. Hosted by a local historian and dotted with information plaques, this trail is perfect for those who are interested in the history of Durham.
There are plenty of entertaining sights and trails for our guests to enjoy. Why not stay overnight with us so that you can make the most of County Durham’s stunning countryside? To find out more about what Headlam Hall and the city of Durham have to offer, you can contact us here.