Waldridge Fell Country Park
County Durham
Waldridge Fell Country Park is a 284 acre expanse of lowland heath on the southern edge of Chester-le-Street in County Durham, one of the largest surviving areas of this increasingly rare habitat in the county and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There is plenty of open heath here for a dog with good recall to explore off the lead, though grazing Exmoor ponies and the soft, boggy ground of Wanister Bog both call for a lead nearby. Bracken, gorse and heather cover the open fell, and at its heart lies Wanister Bog, the only known valley mire in lowland Durham. Waymarked paths cross the heath and its fringing woodland, with an easy 3.5km circuit taking in the main fell. The terrain is largely level with a few gentle slopes on grass and gravel paths, and Exmoor ponies graze the fell as part of a conservation scheme to keep the heather in check.
This is a dog friendly country park with plenty of open heath where a dog with reliable recall can be off lead, though the grazing ponies mean some care and a lead near them is sensible. Curlew and other ground-nesting birds use the fell in spring and summer, and Wanister Bog's soft, boggy ground is best kept on a lead for a dog that likes to explore. Roe deer and stonechat are often seen among the gorse. Five free car parks serve the park, and there is no cafe on site, though the Chester Moor pub nearby is dog friendly for afterwards.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 5 min
- Walk Type
- Heathland, Moorland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- No cafe on site; the Chester Moor pub nearby is dog friendly.
- Parking
- Five free car parks around Waldridge Fell Country Park, off Waldridge Lane, Chester-le-Street.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Waldridge Fell Country Park, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Stables At Lintz Green House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £598 / 7 nights
The Cottage - Whittonstall
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £636 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in County DurhamFrequently Asked Questions
Is Waldridge Fell Country Park dog friendly?
Yes, it scores 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. Waldridge Fell is 284 acres of lowland heath and woodland on the edge of Chester-le-Street, with free parking and open paths that are popular with local dog walkers. The main caveats are Exmoor ponies grazing the fell and boggy ground around Wanister Bog, both of which call for a lead.
Can dogs be off lead at Waldridge Fell Country Park?
There is plenty of open heath where a dog with good recall can be off lead, particularly away from the grazing ponies and Wanister Bog. Keep dogs on a lead near the ponies, which are part of a conservation grazing scheme, and around the bog, where the ground is soft and the habitat is sensitive. Ground-nesting birds such as curlew also use the fell in spring and summer.
What should I know before visiting Waldridge Fell Country Park with my dog?
The main circuit is 3.5km on largely level grass and gravel paths, easy going for most dogs. Exmoor ponies graze the open fell, so keep dogs under control or on a lead near them, and take care around Wanister Bog's soft ground. There are five free car parks but no cafe on site, though the nearby Chester Moor pub is dog friendly.
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Waldridge Fell Country Park, Waldridge, Chester-le-Street, County Durham DH2 3RY
54.8430, -1.6095
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