The best family-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 an easy 4.5-mile (7.2 km) hike around the Barnard Castle & Egglestone Abbey loop, offering a mix of riverside paths, woodlands, and open farmland. With a gentle elevation gain of 233 feet (71 metres), this route is suitable for most, taking approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete. You will enjoy views of the River Tees and its gorge, passing by the impressive ruins of Barnard Castle high above the river.

This accessible route is generally considered easy and suitable for all fitness levels, making it a great choice for a relaxed outing. Be aware that some sections can become muddy, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is advisable. The paths are a mix of paved, gravel, and natural surfaces, offering varied terrain throughout your walk.

The trail is rich in history, leading you to the spectacular ruins of Egglestone Abbey, a Premonstratensian monastery from the late 12th century, which is free to enter. You will also cross historic bridges like the 1773 Abbey Bridge and the 17th-century cobbled Bow Bridge. Portions of the route follow the Teesdale Way, and the nearby market town of Barnard Castle offers Georgian architecture and the notable Bowes Museum for further exploration.

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 the Causey Arch & Beamish Parkland loop, a moderate hike that guides you through tranquil woodland paths and open fields, offering lovely views throughout. This 4.9-mile (7.9 km) route features an elevation gain of 302 feet (92 metres) and typically takes around 2 hours and 7 minutes to complete. You will experience a mix of natural beauty, including areas of wildflowers and delightful woodland scenery as you pass through Causey Woods and Hellhole Wood, with the chance to look upon Causey Arch from a peaceful valley.

While generally considered moderate, the trail requires good fitness, especially given the varied terrain. Expect dirt paths that can become very muddy in wet weather, along with some gradients and steps around Causey Arch. If you prefer to avoid the steps, accessible routes are available to cross the Tanfield Railway line. The path surfaces can range from asphalt to unpaved sections and natural ground, so wear appropriate footwear.

This loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty and significant industrial heritage. The highlight is Causey Arch, recognized as the oldest surviving single-span railway bridge in the world, built between 1725 and 1726 to carry coal trains. The trail also connects to the wider history of the Tanfield Railway, where you might hear steam locomotives on operating days, and runs through Beamish Parkland, providing spectacular views and a glimpse into the area's past.