About
On Palace Green, face the University buildings (Cathedral on your left) and walk through Windy Gap, the narrow lane leading down to the river. Turn left at the bottom and, staying on this side of the river, pass five bridges... Prebends, Kingsgate, Elvet, New Elvet and Baths Bridge. Cyclists follow detours as shown on maps.
Continue on this path past Pelaw Wood to Old Durham. This Old Durham site, named from a nearby Roman Villa, dates from at least the 12th century. By the late 18th century the house had gone and only the 17th century gardens remained.
Bent House Lane rises above Old Durham Farm. Look back for fine views. Bent House Lane turns left to the crossroads. At Sherburn Road, cross over to Dragon Lane. Pass Tesco on the left, then turn right at the Gilesgate Moor Hotel onto Renny’s Lane.
Continue along via the Trading Estate, then through the underpass and on to the quiet lane.
Where the lane divides into three, take a right turn (cycle track no. 20) over Coalford Beck and under the rail bridge. Take the right path and head along the edge of the estate. Cross the road to the stile opposite the playpark.
Cross the field ahead (permissive footpath) to the next stile, sharp left, down the slope to meet Coalford Beck, keeping it on your left to Stand Bridge. St Laurence church tower will soon be in view through the trees.
Throughout the Medieval period, the cathedral monks used the prior’s manor at Pittington for short breaks from their monastic rule. Hallgarth Manor Hotel is close by. Garth refers to an open space surrounded by buildings.
TripAdvisor
Facilities
Accessibility
- Distance: 5-10 Miles
- Grade: Moderate
- Route Surface: Off Road
- Route Surface: On Road
- Theme: Heritage
Provider Features
- In countryside
- In town/city centre
- Walk Distance - 5.5 miles.
Access Information
Opening Times
2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |