Durham

High Country

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Overview

From Chester-le-Street, visit Beamish before passing through Consett en route to the magnificent scenery of the Derwent Valley. Visit Gibside before dropping into Gateshead. Pass the Penshaw Monument before hitting the Durham Heritage Coast to arrive at Hartlepool.

Chester-le-Street

Enjoy the historic market town of Chester-le-Street, home to Durham County Cricket Club. Home to a Roman fort, Concangis, you take in the 11 arches of the Chester Burn viaduct Lumley Castle. Close by you will find the Beamish open air museum.

Consett

Consett sits at the edge of the Pennines on the eastern banks of the River Derwent. Steeped in the history of lead mining and the steel industry, the town is an ideal base to explore the surrounding countryside.

Derwent Reservoir

Situated on the River Derwent, in the Upper Derwent Valley, bordering Northumberland and Durham, Derwent Reservoir is a great place to take walk, follow a cycle path or enjoy a picnic. Surrounded by wildlife and stunning views, the Derwent Dam is much photographed landmark.

Gibside

An 18th century designed estate in the Derwent Valley, you can enjoy 600 acres of views across countryside. Take a walk, explore the gardens, stable block, Neo-classical chapel and spot the local wildlife.

Gateshead

Talk a walk across the Millennium Bridge, Gateshead Quays or visit the converted mill that houses the Baltic Contemporary Centre for Art. Fancy some shopping? the Gateshead Metro Centre, Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre is a must! Don’t miss the iconic Angel of the North statue.

Penshaw

Sitting atop Penshaw Hill you will discover the Earl of Durham’s Monument – a replica of Athen’s Temple of Hephaestus, the 70 foot high folly can be seen from miles around. Looking down from this point you can enjoy the views across the surrounding countryside, and may be take a walk though Penshaw Wood.

Durham Heritage Coast

Explore the stunning scenery of the Durham Heritage Coast. Beaches, rugged headlands and towering cliffs are cast on a canvass of dramatic landscape bordering the North Sea. Enjoy the fresh air, relax and enjoy!

Hartlepool

Golden sands and over 1000 years of history greets you at Hartlepool, home to one of the largest shopping centres in the North East. Head for the award winning Historic Quay – a recreation of an 18th century seaport, HMS Trincomalee 1817 or Hartlepool Museum to explore the sights of the town.

Overview

1

Chester-le-Street

2
13.3 miles

Consett

3
7.3 miles

Derwent Reservoir

4
19.8 miles

Gibside

5
8.6 miles

Gateshead

6
8.2 miles

Penshaw

7
9.1 miles

Durham Heritage Coast

8
18.8 miles

Hartlepool

What to see and do…

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Sykes Holiday Cottages | North East

Sykes Holiday Cottages, Durham

Crowdy Hall | Pods | Durham

Hopper House Farm, Racecourse Road, Sedgefield, Durham, TS21 HL

Hazelfield Lodges | Durham

Hazelfield Cottage, Little Stainton, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, TS21 1HP

The Gables Pod Camping | Durham

Three Lane Ends, Escomb, Durham, DL14 7SR.

Barnard Castle

Scar Top, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8PR

Diggerland Durham

Diggerland Durham, Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TT

Travelodge Hotel | Durham

Travelodge Durham, Station Lane, Gilesgate, County Durham, DH1 1LJ

About the High Country Trail

Distance:85 miles
Cities / Towns:8
Number Of Businesses:7

Leave the Roman town of Chester-le-Street to visit the Beamish open air museum before passing through the market town of Consett, on the banks of the River Derwent. Enjoy the views before arriving at the stunning Derwent Reservoir on the Northumberland border. Head across country to explore the Gibside Estate before visiting Gateshead on the banks of the Tyne. Head south to the Penshaw Monument before reaching the spectacular scenery of the Durham Heritage Coast. Follow the coast to arrive at Hartlepool, with its sandy beaches and collection of tourist attractions including the Historic Quays.

Charming Coast

Take time to enjoy Durham’s Heritage Coast - a beautiful landscape of beaches, rugged cliffs and towering headlands. Enjoy a walk, coastal grassland and clifftop scenery on this magical coastline.

Valley Views

Take in the scenery and wildlife when exploring the Derwent valley. The Derwent Reservoir and Derwent Dam are great spots to escape a busy life and relax – and don’t forget your camera.

Vibrant Gateshead

OK, we know it isn’t in Durham – but a stop at Gateshead on the banks of the Tyne en route to the Durham Heritage Coast is worth the effort. Take in Millennium Bridge and meander around Europe’s largest shopping and leisure centre.

Also Nearby

Sykes Holiday Cottages | North East

Sykes Holiday Cottages, Durham

Crowdy Hall | Pods | Durham

Hopper House Farm, Racecourse Road, Sedgefield, Durham, TS21 HL

Hazelfield Lodges | Durham

Hazelfield Cottage, Little Stainton, Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, TS21 1HP

The Gables Pod Camping | Durham

Three Lane Ends, Escomb, Durham, DL14 7SR.

Barnard Castle

Scar Top, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12 8PR

Diggerland Durham

Diggerland Durham, Langley Park, Durham, DH7 9TT

Travelodge Hotel | Durham

Travelodge Durham, Station Lane, Gilesgate, County Durham, DH1 1LJ

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