Escape the crowds and find Durham’s best-kept walking secrets
Just a few miles from Durham’s city centre, Plawsworth offers something many North East travellers overlook – peaceful countryside walks that still feel undiscovered. If you’re craving crisp air, quiet trails and views you don’t have to share, this quiet corner is a walker’s dream.
Whether you’re staying in one of the cosy Plawsworth Hall cottages or simply exploring the area, these local walks are your invitation to experience rural County Durham as the locals do.
Why Plawsworth is a hidden walkers’ hub
Plawsworth might not show up on every travel guide, but that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting. Positioned between Durham and Chester-le-Street, this small village is surrounded by open farmland, ancient woodlands and footpaths that branch out in every direction. There’s no need to drive out into the dales or climb a fell – beauty and calm are already on your doorstep.
Many routes are flat and family-friendly, making them ideal for relaxed morning strolls or scenic dog walks. You’ll pass streams, hedgerows and fields dotted with sheep, all with the cathedral city in view just a few miles away.
Off-the-map walks to try near Plawsworth
If you’re looking to avoid crowds and coach tours, these lesser-known walking routes offer quiet charm and photogenic scenery, without the bustle.
1. Waldridge Fell and Daisy Hill Wood
Just west of Plawsworth lies Waldridge Fell, a lowland heath with wide open skies and a sense of seclusion. Its heather-covered slopes and pine-fringed trails are a delight in every season. Nearby, Daisy Hill Wood adds a denser, fairy-tale feel with winding paths beneath oak and birch.
Trail access: From Waldridge Road, or walk in from Chester Moor.
Distance: 4–6 miles (loop)
2. The Plawsworth to Finchale Priory trail
This lesser-walked path takes you south through fields and wooded lanes toward the historic Finchale Priory ruins, perched beside the River Wear. The route combines countryside tranquillity with a fascinating stop at a 13th-century priory – a peaceful place to pause with a flask or camera.
Trail access: Join from Plawsworth village heading south
Distance: Approx. 5 miles (round trip)
3. Great Lumley Loop via Riverside Park
For a longer route, head north-east toward Great Lumley, looping back via the Riverside Park near Chester-le-Street. This walk offers river views, open farmland and the chance to stop at a tearoom in town before circling back to Plawsworth.
Trail access: Begin at Plawsworth Hall, follow signs toward Chester-le-Street
Distance: 6–7 miles (loop)
Check public footpaths
When to go for the quietest experience
To keep these routes as serene as they sound, go early in the morning or midweek if possible. Spring brings lambs and daffodils, while autumn colours light up the trees around Finchale and Lumley. Even in winter, these trails offer a quiet antidote to city life… just bring boots and a thermos.
For visitors staying at Plawsworth Hall, all of these walks begin within easy reach of your cottage. Ask reception for the best local maps or recommendations based on trail conditions.
Turn your walk into a stay
Walking these peaceful trails is even better when you’ve got a warm and welcoming place to return to. Plawsworth Hall offers self-catering cottages and apartments with countryside views, log-effect fires and everything you need for a weekend of rest and reconnection.
These walks are why many guests return season after season – not because they’re famous, but because they’re not.
