Durham Cathedral and River Wear Loop
County Durham
Durham's river peninsula is one of the most photogenic miles in the north east, and this loop threads the Norman cathedral, the castle, the medieval bridges and the wooded towpaths of the River Wear into a short, memorable walk. It is a thoroughly dog friendly outing that works all year, with shade under the old beech and sycamore on the river banks, benches every few hundred metres, and cafes along Elvet and Saddler Street for a post-walk stop.
Keep dogs on the lead on the busier cathedral precincts, cobbled Saddler Street and the narrow sections under Elvet Bridge, and pick up after them on the towpaths. There is no livestock; the hazards are bikes, rowing boats launching from the boathouse and the occasional swan. Paths are a mix of tarmac, cobbles and packed earth with two sets of steps between the river and the peninsula, and Prince Bishops or the Sands car parks are the easiest option for drivers.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.0 km (2.5 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- River, Historic, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Abundant cafes, pubs, public toilets and water points across the city centre and at the Sands.
- Parking
- Prince Bishops and the Sands multi-storey car parks within a few minutes' walk, plus Park and Ride from Belmont and Sniperley.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durham Cathedral and River Wear Loop dog friendly?
Yes, this is a thoroughly dog friendly route with an 8/10 rating. The wooded River Wear towpaths offer shade, there are benches dotted every few hundred metres, and the city centre has plenty of cafes and pubs nearby for a post-walk stop.
Can dogs be off lead at Durham Cathedral and River Wear Loop?
Off-lead opportunities are limited on this urban route. Dogs should be kept on the lead around the busier cathedral precincts, cobbled Saddler Street and the narrow sections under Elvet Bridge, though there are no livestock to worry about.
What should I know before visiting Durham Cathedral and River Wear Loop with my dog?
The main hazards to be aware of are cyclists on the towpaths, rowing boats launching from the boathouse and the occasional swan. Paths are a mix of tarmac, cobbles and packed earth with two sets of steps connecting the river to the peninsula, so it's worth bearing that in mind if your dog struggles with steps. Facilities are excellent, with public toilets, water points and plenty of cafes and pubs across the city centre and at the Sands.
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