The Grey Panthers

Explorer Map 308, - Durham and Sunderland

A delightful walk which takes in the river banks of the River Wear in Durham City, followed by walks through woodland first to the East of the city and then to the South.
There are many views of the Cathedral and Castle to be had, - and at least a couple of these views are ones that you won't find on the picture postcards!
The route described is easy to follow, but there are a few fairly steep ascents (as, rather surprisingly, Durham is surrounded by hills). In wet weather footpaths might be slippery as well.

For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory Map)

Some new mapping software is now availabe which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers website, - just use QUO!!

The described walk starts from the Market Place in Durham City.
However, to get there by car, there are several parking options in "regular" car parks, - http://www.durham.gov.uk/pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=6975
as well as in "Park and Ride" car parks,-
http://www.durham.gov.uk/pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=1112
The "Park and Ride" car parks are particulary convenient as parking is free and the bus fare is £2 for unlimited travel, or free for concessions.

From the Market Place make your way down to Elvet Bridge. This is a pedestrianised bridge, though the occasional vehicle may use it. On your right, as you are about to cross the bridge, are some stone steps which lead down to the riverside. Once by the riverside, turn right for the riverside path to Prebends Bridge and Framwellgate Bridge.
At Framwellgate Bridge, ascend to the street by the steps, and turn left. Descend again to the riverside footpath by steps at the other end of the bridge (these steps are totally unhygienic, being used by late night revellers to relieve themselves).
Continue to Prebends Bridge.
The view from the centre of Prebends Bridge is worth savouring.
From Prebends Bridge continue on the Eastern bank of the riverside footpath. This footpath eventually ascends to St. Oswald's Church, from where you head downhill along the street to return to Elvet Bridge.
Cross Elvet Bridge, and return to the steps on the other side of the bridge which take you down to the riverside footpath.
This time turn left to head along the riverside path past the anchorage for river cruises ("The Prince Bishop" pleasure craft).
Continue along the riverside path.
Opposite the Sports Ground on the opposite bank, a footpath leaves the riverside to ascend into Pelaw Woods.
Follow this footpath until it descends again. Do not descend to the riverside, but continue on a footpath that takes you to Old Durham Farm.
From the farm, take the metalled (minor) road until you reach a lane. Here turn right to reach the B1198 road.
Turn right and walk along the pavement beside the B1198 until you come to the cross-road at Shincliffe. Turn right until you come to Shincliffe Bridge. Do not cross the bridge, but turn right to follow the river bank to the pedestrian footbridge over the River Wear at the University Sports Ground.
Cross this footbridge and turn right to the kissing gate that provides entry to the woodland under Maiden Castle.
Turn left to follow the footpath to the Western end of this hill. Here, a footpath takes you to the top, and then round, Maiden Castle.
From the lower level footpath, continue to the A177 road. Cross the road and take the footpath immediately opposite through the woodland above Houghall.
Continue on the broad woodland path until you reach Hollingside Lane and BUck's Hill (this final section involves a fairly steep climb).
Do not enter the lane, but instead turn sharp right and continue along the woodland path to eventually reach Mountjoy Farm.
Here take the farm lane down to the A177. Cross this road (great CARE needed) and continue on the footpath straight ahead that takes you to St. Oswald's.
Here retrace your steps to Elvet Bridge.