County Durham – Upland Moorland, River Valleys & Open Pennine Landscapes
High moorland plateaux, wooded river gorges, and broad agricultural valleys in north-east England
County Durham is shaped by Pennine uplands, river-cut valleys, and a coastline defined by cliffs and former industrial heritage. Walking routes follow the Pennine Way across open moorland, trace the River Wear through wooded gorges, and cross farmland and historic parkland between settlements such as Durham, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, and Seaham.
Much of the western county rises into the North Pennines, where heather moorland, peat bog, and exposed gritstone define the terrain. Long-distance routes cross wide plateaux and follow escarpment edges with expansive views into Teesdale and Weardale. Further east, the land softens into rolling countryside and river valleys shaped by centuries of agriculture and settlement.
The River Wear forms a defining thread through the county. Around Durham City, wooded slopes and looping riverbanks create contained walking landscapes beneath the cathedral and castle. Upstream, in Weardale, the valley narrows and rises toward higher moorland, linking farmland with upland ground.
Along the coast, former colliery landscapes have been reclaimed into open grassland and cliff-top paths overlooking the North Sea. Seaham and the Durham Heritage Coast provide shorter coastal routes contrasting with the interior moorland terrain.
County Durham’s landscapes reflect layers of medieval ecclesiastical power, agricultural change, and industrial history. Routes pass abbey ruins, mining heritage sites, market towns, and rural villages embedded within wider upland and valley settings.
Walking here is defined by contrast: exposed Pennine ridges, sheltered river paths, reclaimed coastal ground, and historic urban cores. The county rewards steady progression across varied terrain rather than a single dominant landscape.
Trails and Routes Through County Durham
Pennine Way
A major north–south long-distance route crossing western County Durham through Teesdale and Weardale.
Weardale Way
A valley-based route following the River Wear from upland moorland toward Durham City.
Teesdale & High Force Routes
Upland and riverside paths around Upper Teesdale, including waterfalls and open moorland.
Durham Heritage Coast Path
Cliff-top walking along reclaimed coastal landscapes between Seaham and Crimdon.
Landscape Character
• Pennine upland moorland and escarpments
• River valleys including the Wear and Tees
• Gritstone and limestone upland terrain
• Reclaimed industrial coastline
• Historic cathedral city and market towns
• Open agricultural countryside