4.6
(218)
2,075
hikers
36
hikes
Hiking around Wolsingham offers diverse landscapes, from tranquil riverside paths along the River Wear to expansive open moorland and picturesque reservoir trails. The region, known as the "Gateway to Weardale," features rolling hills, wooded banks, and a mix of farmland and heather-clad fells. It borders the North Pennines National Landscape, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. This area is recognized for its extensive network of footpaths, making it an excellent destination for bus station hiking trails.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
3.7
(3)
45
hikers
13.4km
03:42
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
29
hikers
15.6km
04:24
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.3
(3)
27
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
25
hikers
13.3km
03:32
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
hikers
11.8km
03:19
240m
240m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Wolsingham
lovely walk around the reservoir great places for bird watching saw a kingfisher last time i was there.
0
0
The Wear catchment stretches from the eastern North Pennines to the North Sea coast, encompassing the majority of County Durham. The river is formed at Wearhead, from the confluence of Burnhope and Killhope Burns, and flows east through Weardale to Bishop Auckland before turning north and flowing through Durham and Chester-le-Street before reaching the sea at Sunderland.
0
0
A quiet picnic area alongside the Waskerley Beck with lots of parking. A number of walks are possible from here including the Family Walk, an easy circular route on footpaths accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, 1.5 miles long.
0
0
The Weardale Railway is an 18 mile heritage line running from a connection with the main rail network at Bishop Auckland to Eastgate in Weardale, County Durham, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Currently a 16 mile section of line between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope has been restored for passenger and freight use.
0
0
TP4268 - Knitsley Fell S4251 County Durham Trig Pillar
0
0
Knitsley Fell 283.9m P18.2 (931ft) County Durham Definitive List summit
0
0
There are over 35 hiking trails around Wolsingham that are easily accessible from bus stations, offering a variety of experiences for all skill levels.
Yes, Wolsingham offers several easy routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the area around Tunstall Reservoir provides a shorter, gentle circular walk. Many of the 13 easy trails available are suitable for a relaxed outing.
Absolutely. Many of the routes are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and finish at the same bus station. An example is the Wolsingham Railway Station – Market Place, Wolsingham loop, which offers a moderate 9.1 km experience.
Hikes from Wolsingham's bus stations traverse diverse landscapes, from tranquil riverside paths along the River Wear to expansive open moorland and picturesque reservoir trails. You'll encounter rolling hills, wooded banks, and a mix of farmland, wetlands, and heather-clad fells, characteristic of the 'Gateway to Weardale' and the North Pennines National Landscape.
Yes, several trails lead to interesting landmarks and offer stunning views. You can hike to The Elephant Trees, a unique natural feature, or reach elevated points like Crow Coal Hill Trig Point or Monks Moor Summit Trig Point for expansive vistas. The Bollihope Limestone Quarry is another point of interest.
Yes, Wolsingham is situated on the River Wear, offering numerous riverside walks. The Wolsingham Railway Station – Riverside Walk loop is a great option. Additionally, trails like the Path Along Waskerley Beck – Tunstall Reservoir loop provide scenic views around Tunstall Reservoir.
Most trails in the Wolsingham area are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially when passing through farmland with livestock or nature reserves. Always carry water for your dog and be mindful of local signage.
The duration varies depending on the route and your pace. Many moderate trails, like the Tunstall Reservoir – Wolsingham Railway Station loop, can take around 3.5 to 4.5 hours to complete. Shorter, easier walks might be 1-2 hours, while longer, more challenging routes could extend to 5-6 hours.
Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant colours. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while winter can provide crisp, clear days, though some higher or more exposed routes might be challenging due to weather conditions. Wolsingham is a 'Walkers are Welcome' town, making it enjoyable year-round with appropriate gear.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences around Wolsingham, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, the tranquility of the riverside and moorland paths, and the convenience of accessing trails directly from public transport. The well-maintained paths and variety of routes for all abilities are also frequently highlighted.
While popular spots like Tunstall Reservoir can see more visitors, many of the trails leading into the wider North Pennines National Landscape offer a sense of solitude. Exploring routes that venture further into the moorland, such as the Sand Edge Common Trig Point loop, can provide a quieter experience away from the main thoroughfares.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.