The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in County Durham

The Three Becks Walk loop in Hamsterley Forest offers a moderate hiking experience, covering 5.0 miles (8.0 km) with 624 feet (190 metres) of elevation gain. You can expect to complete this varied route in about 2 hours and 17 minutes. As you hike, you will wind through beautiful mixed woodlands of pines, larches, beech, and oak, following the vigorous, peat-stained Bedburn Beck. Keep an eye out for the unique Green Man sculpture along the forest drive, depicting the faces of this mythical forest dweller.

While generally accessible, some sections of the trail are narrow, rougher, and feature steeper ascents and descents, requiring good fitness and sure-footedness. The terrain includes gravel paths, natural surfaces, and stony forest paths with knotty conifer roots, which can become mucky depending on the weather. The route is well-waymarked with white arrows on an orange background, but some hikers recommend carrying a map from the visitor center due to occasional inconsistent signage. Autumn is a particularly stunning time to visit, as the beech and birch trees display golden and yellow hues.

This trail is considered the longest and most rewarding of the Bedburn Walks within Hamsterley Forest, a vast 2,000-hectare woodland. You will pass the ruins of Metcalf's House, an old coaching inn with stables, situated on a historic drover's road. The forest is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as roe deer, adders, and salmon, and observe wood ant nests. The route also crosses two roads with vehicular access, adding to its varied character.

Embark on a moderate hike around Derwent Reservoir from Pow Hill Country Park, a route spanning 9.4 miles (15.1 km) with 406 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 3 hours and 58 minutes. You will enjoy splendid views across the expansive Derwent Reservoir, one of England's largest inland waters. The trail guides you through attractive heathland adorned with wildflowers like heather, foxgloves, and dog violet. Expect well-maintained paths, including sections of compacted gravel, asphalt, unpaved, and paved surfaces, making for generally easy walking.

This trail starts conveniently from Pow Hill Country Park, offering accessible facilities for visitors. A multi-user path extends along the south shore and continues around the north shore, providing a smooth experience for many. If you require additional assistance, an all-terrain mobility Tramper is available on weekends, making parts of the route more accessible. Plan your visit to take advantage of these amenities and ensure a comfortable hiking experience.

One of the most notable features of this route is the opportunity to cross the impressive Derwent Dam, famous as a practice site for the RAF's 617 Squadron, the

Embark on a difficult hiking adventure around Cow Green Reservoir & Cauldron Snout, covering 9.2 miles (14.7 km) with an elevation gain of 530 feet (162 metres). This route typically takes around 3 hours and 57 minutes to complete. You will experience a wild, remote landscape where vast moors meet dramatic geological features, with the trail leading you along the reservoir before reaching the impressive Cauldron Snout waterfall.

Before you head out, be aware that the terrain can be challenging, especially near Cauldron Snout, where you might encounter rough, rocky sections requiring careful footing. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential for this route. Always check local weather conditions before your visit, as the exposed uplands can be unpredictable and change quickly.

The North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides the backdrop for this hike, showcasing unique geological formations. Cauldron Snout is particularly notable, featuring a long, restless cascade that plunges over ancient dolerite steps for 60 meters. This powerful waterfall is a highlight, especially after periods of rain, making the area a distinctive natural wonder.

Embark on the Five Pikes and the Elephant Trees loop, a moderate hike spanning 9.2 miles (14.8 km) with an elevation gain of 975 feet (297 metres), typically completed in 4 hours and 8 minutes. This route takes you through the rugged North Pennines National Landscape, offering awe-inspiring vistas across the picturesque Weardale countryside. You will traverse farmland field paths, riverside tracks along the Bollihope Burn, and uneven moorland tracks, culminating in steep climbs that reward you with expansive views of Wolsingham and the surrounding valley. The most distinctive landmark is The Elephant Trees, a unique cluster of trees perched conspicuously on Pikeston Fell.

Planning your visit requires good fitness and sure-footedness, as the trail incorporates a variety of surfaces, including natural terrain and uneven moorland. The area around The Elephant Trees can be exposed, and trails may become muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is essential for your comfort and safety. Be prepared for steep sections, which contribute to the overall moderate difficulty of the hike. This loop is best enjoyed when you are ready for varied conditions and a rewarding physical challenge.

This trail is notable for its blend of natural beauty and historical elements. You will encounter old lime kilns along the way, remnants of the area's industrial past, and part of the route follows a former railway track once used for limestone transport. The Elephant Trees, though altered by weather, remain a beloved local icon in the Durham Dales, named for their historical resemblance to an elephant. Furthermore, this loop forms a section of the Weardale Way, a long-distance footpath that traces the course of the River Wear.