The best walks and hikes around Horden
4.5
(278)
2,976
hikers
196
hikes
Hikes around Horden explore the Durham Heritage Coast, a landscape defined by Magnesian Limestone cliffs and coastal grasslands. The area's terrain features sections of the England Coast Path, paths through former industrial sites reclaimed by nature, and routes that descend into steep, wooded valleys known as denes. Many walking routes near Horden combine coastal views with the region's mining heritage.
Best hiking trails around Horden
- The most popular hiking route is Castle Eden Mansion – Denemouth Viaduct loop from Horden…
Last updated: April 28, 2026
4.3
(3)
55
hikers
10.1km
02:45
160m
160m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
28
hikers
6.01km
01:40
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(2)
16
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(15)
41
hikers
19.9km
05:22
260m
260m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
24
hikers
9.29km
02:33
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Do not do the bit through Shotton colliery last time I did this the route there was being used as a rubbish tip for most of the way through the village
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This is a gentle woodland path trailing between the Castle Eden Burn river. It's worth walking past The Castle, which is a Grade II-listed mansion perched above the woodland.
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The Hart to Haswell walkway is a multi-user trail that follows a disused railway line. It's flat and well surfaced so suitable for most users.
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An 18th Century Palladian style mansion set above the woodland of Castle Eden Burn. It's an impressive site although not open to the public. Viewable from many points on a walk around nearby Castle Eden Dene nature reserve.
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Built by Rowland Burdon around 1765 using architect William Newton. It has 11 bedrooms and was recently up for sale (2020) for £3m
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The railway viaduct at Dene Holme over Castle Eden Dene was completed in 1905. The viaduct has 10 arches, each spanning 60 ft. It is easier to photograph it from the eastern side rather than the western side which is very well-wooded.
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A National Nature Reserve, this steep and well-wooded valley has been cut deep into soft limsetone rock by the action of Castle Eden Burn as it finds its way down to the coast. It has evolved over 10,000 years with majestic yew trees and strands of ancient oak and ash.
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Horden/Peterlee finally got a local train station 56 years after the original station was closed. Opened on 29/06/2020, this is the newest station on the national rail network as of the day of writing (12/09/2020). It is an unstaffed station with a 139-space car park but no toilet facilities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many hiking trails to choose from around Horden?
Yes, there are over 200 hiking routes to explore around Horden. The trails cover a variety of landscapes, including the dramatic Durham Heritage Coast, wooded valleys known as denes, and grasslands reclaimed from former industrial sites.
What do other hikers think of the trails in this area?
The hiking routes around Horden are highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the unique blend of natural scenery and industrial heritage, and the well-maintained paths through areas like the Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve.
Are there any dog-friendly walks near Horden?
Many trails along the Durham coast and in the surrounding nature reserves are suitable for walking with a dog. The coastal paths and open spaces like Horden Grasslands offer great opportunities. However, always be mindful of local signage, especially in nature reserves like Castle Eden Dene where dogs may need to be kept on a lead to protect wildlife.
Can I find any easy, family-friendly trails?
Yes, the area offers numerous easier walks perfect for a family outing. Horden Welfare Park is a good starting point for a gentle stroll. For a coastal experience, the View of the Sea – Crimdon Beach loop from Blackhall Colliery is a moderately easy route that offers fantastic sea views without being too strenuous.
What is the terrain like on the coastal walks?
The coastal paths around Horden are characterized by walks along the top of Magnesian Limestone cliffs, offering expansive views of the North Sea. The terrain can be undulating as trails often dip into and out of steep-sided wooded valleys, or 'denes', that cut through the coastline. Paths can range from grassy tracks to more rugged sections near the beaches.
Are the trails accessible by public transport?
Yes, Horden has a railway station which provides excellent access to many local walking routes. You can easily start a hike directly from the station, heading towards the England Coast Path or inland towards the surrounding nature reserves, making it a convenient base for exploring the area without a car.
Where can I find a good walk through a nature reserve?
The Castle Eden Mansion – Castle Eden loop from Old Shotton is a great option that takes you through part of the highly-regarded Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve. This ancient woodland is set in a deep gorge and features a variety of paths alongside the meandering river.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
For those seeking a more demanding hike, the Crimdon Beach – Hart to Haswell Walkway loop from Peterlee is a challenging 12.3-mile (19.9 km) route. It combines coastal scenery with inland paths, offering a comprehensive tour of the varied landscapes in the region.
What historical points of interest can I see on a hike?
The region's rich mining history is visible on many trails. The landscape itself, with beaches like Blast Beach restored from former colliery waste, tells a powerful story. The Easington Miners' Pit Cage – Blast Beach, Seaham loop from Easington Colliery is a route that directly engages with this heritage, passing by remnants of the area's industrial past.
Where can I park to access the coastal path?
There are several informal parking areas and designated car parks along the coast. Popular spots include parking near Blackhall Rocks and at the various access points to the beaches and nature reserves like Easington Colliery Local Nature Reserve. It's best to arrive early on sunny days as these spots can fill up quickly.
What kind of wildlife might I spot while hiking?
The Durham Heritage Coast is a National Nature Reserve, and the area is rich in wildlife. On the coast, you can see various seabirds. Inland, Horden Grasslands is a haven for birds like Skylarks and even Peregrine Falcons. In the woodlands of Castle Eden Dene, you might be lucky enough to spot roe deer.
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