Distance 3.3 miles/5.3 km
Typical duration 1 hour 40 min
Start and finish Old Shire Hall, Old Elvet, Durham
Start postcode DH1 3HP
Step-by-step details and maps ramblers.org.uk/durham
In a nutshell
Durham is a small, beautiful city, one that blends Unesco-protected historic buildings with a youthful student population, and it’s a pleasant city to explore on foot. This walk takes in Durham Cathedral, one of the most important in the country, and Maiden Castle while tracing part of the river.
Why it’s special
An unquestionably picturesque city, its good looks are matched by a vibrant population. The route picks its way through town, taking you past the university cricket ground on to a path along the banks of the river Wear. A short climb leads to the top of the hill, believed to be the iron age fort of Maiden Castle.
You’ll pass the 900-year-old Durham Castle, built by William the Conqueror to defend the troublesome border with Scotland and control English rebellions, now home to students of University College.
Across Palace Green lies Durham Cathedral, an awe-inspiring Norman building that sits on a promontory high above the river with the city huddled at its feet. One of Europe’s greatest medieval treasures, it’s worth setting aside some time to explore. For a fee, you can climb to the top of its tower, where there’s an amazing view of the city and the river, all the way to the angel of the north.
Reward yourself
The Half Moon Inn, towards the end of the walk, is the perfect stop-off point for a pint. Housed in a Grade I listed Tudor building, it starred in the BBC’s Inspector George Gently series.
Get there
The Park and Ride bus from Howlands stops in New Elvet, 150m from the start. Durham is served by high-speed trains from London King’s Cross.
