Looking for the best pram-friendly walks in Durham? We’ve compiled a list of the best routes that cater to families with prams, offering beautiful scenery, manageable distances, and enjoyable experiences for all ages.
Whether you’re a local or visiting Durham, these walks provide the perfect opportunity for a family day out without the hassle. Each route is chosen for its accessibility, unique features, and family-friendly amenities. Read on to discover the top pram-friendly walks in Durham and plan your next family adventure with ease!
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Pram Friendly Walks in Durham Reviewed
1. River Wear & Durham City loop
The River Wear & Durham City Loop is an excellent choice for families looking for a pram-friendly walk that combines both natural beauty and historical interest. This 10-mile (16.3 km) circular route, starting and ending at Shincliffe, provides a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience suitable for those with prams. The walk takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect half-day excursion. The terrain is generally well-maintained, although there are sections with gentle slopes and steps, which require some careful navigation with a pram.
As you journey along the River Wear, you will encounter some of Durham’s iconic sights. The route offers breathtaking views of Durham Cathedral and Durham Castle, which testify to the city’s rich history. The walk also takes you through lush woodland areas, home to diverse wildlife such as kingfishers, herons, and otters, providing ample opportunities for nature spotting. A notable highlight is the Low Burnhall area, recently reforested by the Woodland Trust, which enhances the walk with its burgeoning woodland beauty. The historic Sunderland Bridge’s impressive 1796 iron structure adds a unique architectural element to the route. This loop is ideal for families who enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and serene natural environments. Convenient amenities, including several cafes and rest spots, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outing.
- Distance: 10 miles (16.3 km)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Start and End Points: Shincliffe
- Highlights: Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, Low Burnhall, Sunderland Bridge
- Duration: 4 hours 24 minutes
2. Stone Spiral loop from Elvet
The Stone Spiral Loop from Elvet is a premier pram-friendly walk in Durham, offering a perfect blend of nature and history. Spanning 7.9 miles (12.7 km), this loop starts and ends in Elvet, taking around 3 hours and 23 minutes to complete. The trail is moderately challenging, with gentle slopes and some narrow paths, requiring careful navigation with a pram. As you journey along the River Wear, you enjoy picturesque views and lush woodlands, providing a serene backdrop. Key highlights include tranquil riverbanks, diverse wildlife, and historical landmarks such as ancient bridges and historical buildings. The well-maintained paths ensure a smooth journey, while multiple rest spots offer opportunities to pause and take in the surroundings.
The walk is particularly suited for families seeking an enjoyable and manageable day out with prams, combining adventure with ease. The scenic viewpoints and natural beauty, coupled with the accessibility of the trail, make it one of the best pram-friendly walks in Durham. This route stands out for its unique blend of natural scenery and historical interest, ensuring a rewarding experience for all.
- Distance: 7.9 miles (12.7 km)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Start and End Points: Elvet
- Highlights: River Wear views, woodlands, historical landmarks
- Duration: 3 hours 23 minutes
3. River Wear walk – View Over the Bridge loop from Elvet
The River Wear Walk – View Over the Bridge Loop from Elvet is an outstanding pram-friendly walk in Durham. This 5.1-mile loop starts and ends in Elvet and takes approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes to complete. The trail is easy, featuring well-maintained, flat paths perfect for prams.
The walk begins at Elvet Bridge, offering stunning views of the River Wear and the majestic Durham Cathedral. As we proceed, the route winds through Pelaw Woods, a tranquil area with diverse flora and fauna. This serene setting provides a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Scenic viewpoints and rest spots make this walk ideal for families, providing opportunities to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. The mix of historical landmarks and picturesque landscapes makes this route particularly appealing, ensuring an enjoyable day out.
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start and End Points: Elvet
- Highlights: River Wear views, Elvet Bridge, Pelaw Woods, Durham Cathedral
- Duration: 1 hour 22 minutes
4. Wicker Woman & Hens loop from Merryoaks
The Wicker Woman & Hens Loop from Merryoaks is a 7.9-mile loop, taking approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes to complete, and offers a moderately challenging yet rewarding experience. Starting and ending in Merryoaks, the trail features well-maintained paths with gentle slopes, making it accessible and enjoyable for families with prams.
The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, ensuring a smooth journey. One of the unique features of this route is the series of whimsical wicker sculptures scattered along the path, providing delightful surprises that captivate both children and adults. These artistic elements add a touch of magic to the walk, making it more engaging and memorable.
The trail’s diverse landscapes, from dense woodlands to expansive fields, offer many opportunities to appreciate nature. Rest spots along the way provide convenient breaks, allowing families to pause and enjoy the scenery. The combination of natural beauty, accessible paths, and artistic highlights makes the Wicker Woman & Hens Loop an excellent choice for families seeking a leisurely yet immersive outdoor activity in Durham.
Quick Overview:
- Distance: 7.9 miles (12.7 km)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Start and End Points: Merryoaks
- Highlights: Wicker sculptures, woodlands, open fields
- Duration: 3 hours 23 minutes
5. River Wear walk loop from Crossgate
The River Wear Walk Loop from Crossgate is an excellent pram-friendly walk that combines scenic beauty with ease of access. This 3.2-mile loop, taking approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes to complete, begins and ends in Crossgate. The well-maintained paths with minimal elevation gain ensure a smooth experience for pram users, making it an ideal route for families.
Starting from Crossgate, you enjoy immediate views of the River Wear, accompanied by the tranquil sounds of flowing water. The trail winds through Pelaw Wood, offering a serene woodland setting rich with diverse wildlife, including kingfishers and herons.
One of the highlights is Old Durham Gardens, a restored 17th-century garden providing a picturesque spot to rest and enjoy the surroundings. This route is especially captivating in spring and summer when the woodlands and gardens are in full bloom. This walk is perfect for families looking for a leisurely and scenic outing that combines nature and historical interest.
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start and End Points: Crossgate
- Highlights: River Wear views, Pelaw Wood, Old Durham Gardens
- Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes
6. Riverside walk loop from Durham
The Riverside Walk Loop from Durham is a 3-mile loop that starts and ends at Green Lane, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. The trail is easy, with well-maintained paths and minimal elevation gain, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for pram users, making it an ideal choice for families.
As you begin at Green Lane, we are immediately treated to serene views of the River Wear, creating a peaceful atmosphere right from the start. The route follows the river closely, offering picturesque sights of various bridges, including Baths Bridge, New Elvet Bridge, and Prebends Bridge. The walk takes you through lush green spaces and historic landmarks such as Old Durham Gardens, a restored 17th-century garden that provides a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the surroundings. Along the path, you also encounter the Durham Cow sculpture, Kingsgate Footbridge, and the Count’s House. This Grecian-style summer house adds unique cultural and historical elements to our journey.
The trail is perfect during the spring and summer months when the flowers are in full bloom, enhancing the natural beauty of the walk. The paths are wide and flat, ensuring easy navigation with prams. Rest spots and scenic viewpoints are conveniently placed throughout the route, allowing for breaks and leisurely enjoyment of the scenery. The Riverside Walk Loop from Durham is especially suited for families seeking a manageable walk that combines the best of nature and history, making it one of the top pram-friendly walks in the city.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start and End Points: Green Lane
- Highlights: River Wear views, Durham Cow sculpture, Kingsgate Footbridge, Count’s House, Old Durham Gardens
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours
7. Flass Hall loop from New Brancepeth
The Flass Hall Loop from New Brancepeth is a 4.1-mile loop that begins and ends in New Brancepeth, taking approximately 2 hours to complete. The trail is moderately challenging but features well-maintained paths suitable for prams, making it an ideal route for families.
Starting in New Brancepeth, you wind through lush woodlands and expansive fields. One of the highlights is the historic Flass Hall, a Grade II listed mansion that adds a unique charm to the walk. The paths are mostly flat and well-marked, ensuring easy navigation with prams. Along the way, several rest spots provide opportunities to pause and enjoy the surroundings, making the walk manageable and enjoyable for families.
- Distance: 4.1 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Start and End Points: New Brancepeth
- Highlights: Flass Hall, woodlands, open fields
- Duration: 2 hours
8. Croxdale Hall loop from Croxdale
The Croxdale Hall Loop from Croxdale is a perfect pram-friendly walk in Durham that seamlessly blends historical intrigue with natural beauty. This 3.1-mile route, starting and ending in Croxdale, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. The moderately hilly but well-maintained path ensures an enjoyable experience for families with prams.
You begin your walk near the historic Croxdale Hall, a Grade I listed building with roots stretching back to the 15th century. The route meanders through serene woodlands, open fields, and alongside the Croxdale Beck, which is characterised by a series of charming waterfalls and a picturesque wooded ravine. As you proceed, you encounter the ancient Sunderland Bridge, with a mix of historical landmarks and lush landscapes that make this walk particularly appealing.
- Distance: 3.1 miles
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Start and End Points: Croxdale
- Highlights: Croxdale Hall, Sunderland Bridge, Croxdale Beck, woodlands
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
9. Stone Spiral loop from Croxdale
The Stone Spiral Loop from Croxdale is a standout option for pram-friendly walks in Durham. This 3.5-mile loop starts and ends in Croxdale, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. The trail is easy, with well-maintained, flat paths ensuring a smooth journey for prams.
Starting in Croxdale, we traverse through lush woodlands and expansive fields, offering a serene and picturesque setting. Key highlights of the walk include the historic Sunderland Bridge and the grand Croxdale Hall, both adding significant interest to the route.
- Distance: 3.5 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start and End Points: Croxdale
- Highlights: Sunderland Bridge, Croxdale Hall, woodlands, open fields
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
10. Durham Cathedral loop from Elvet
The Durham Cathedral Loop from Elvet is an excellent family day out, offering a unique blend of historical and natural beauty. This 1.9-mile loop starts and ends in Elvet, taking about 1 hour to complete. The path is easy and well-maintained, making it perfect for prams.
You begin your journey in Elvet, following the River Wear, where we are greeted by stunning views of Durham Cathedral and Castle. The route meanders along the Durham riverside through ancient woodlands that are home to various wildlife, including squirrels, kingfishers, and herons. One of the highlights is crossing Prebends Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the cathedral in its wooded setting. Further along, we pass the historic Corn Mill, adding a touch of historical interest to our walk. The wide, flat paths ensure easy navigation with prams, and there are plenty of rest spots to pause and enjoy the scenery.
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start and End Points: Elvet
- Highlights: Durham Cathedral, Prebends Bridge, Corn Mill, River Wear views
- Duration: 1 hour
FAQ
Durham offers several excellent walking routes. Popular options include the Durham Cathedral Loop from Elvet, Riverside Walk Loop, and the Croxdale Hall Loop. Each path provides a blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks, suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Yes, Durham is highly walkable. The city features well-maintained paths, pedestrian-friendly streets, and numerous scenic routes. Its compact size and accessible layout make it easy to explore on foot.
Yes, you can walk along the River Wear in Durham. Routes like the Riverside Walk Loop and the Durham Cathedral Loop from Elvet provide beautiful river views and access to lush woodlands and historical sites.
The Durham Riverside Walk, specifically the Riverside Walk Loop from Green Lane, is approximately 3 miles long. It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on your pace.