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 and then the city itself, - especially the Cathedral precincts.
The walk is very straightforward and you hardly need a map to follow it, - though having a map always helps.
In Houghall Woods there is a modest gradient to ascend, but that is about the only difficulty.

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 where the Park-and-Ride bus drops you off near the Milburngate bridge.
There are car parks in Durham city if you are arriving by car,
http://www.durham.gov.uk/article/3486/Durham-City-car-parks
as well as in "Park and Ride" car parks,-
http://www.durham.gov.uk/parkandride
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.

The walk is decsribed from where the Park-and-Ride bus drops one off near Milburngate.
Walk Southwards beside the River Wear along Framwellgate Waterside (a pedestrianised frontage to a shopping precinct).
When you reach Framwell bridge, cross the bridge to the other side then descend steps to the River bank.
Once by the riverside, follow the riverside path to Prebends Bridge and Elvet Bridge.
The view from the centre of Prebends Bridge is worth savouring.
On Elvet Bridge cross to the steps on the other side of the bridge which take you down to the riverside footpath.
Follow the riverside path past the anchorage for river cruises ("The Prince Bishop" pleasure craft).
Continue along the riverside path. following it all the way to Shincliffe Bridge (on the A177 road).
Cross the bridge and now take the riverside footpath until it meets the pedestrian bridge that crosses the River Wear and connects the playing fields of the Houghall Sports complex.
Walk ahead 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.
Continue along the street to Elvet Bridge.
Cross Elvet Bridge then turn left and walk up the street to the Durham Cathedral precinct.
Retrace your steps but continue to the Market Place.
Here turn left down Silver Street to Framwell bridge and walk ahead to return to the Park-and-Ride bus stop near Milburngate.