4.5
(143)
1,590
riders
153
rides
Touring cycling routes around Murton, County Durham, benefit from proximity to the Durham Heritage Coast and a network of cycle-friendly paths. The area features disused railway tracks converted into off-road cycle paths, such as the Pittington Way Railway Path. Landscapes transition from urban fringes to river valleys with woodlands and reclaimed former colliery land. Murton also offers access to rural roads and parts of National Cycle Network 1, providing varied terrain for touring cyclists.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
14
riders
38.0km
02:31
300m
300m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
12
riders
18.6km
01:16
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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6
riders
59.7km
03:51
500m
500m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
riders
9.46km
00:36
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hard packed former railway, now a popular walkway for cyclists and walkers. A good route to Bishop Auckland and beyond. Can get busy on weekends.
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Very long stretch of public footpath suitable for cycling, walking/running, and dogs. I saw many on my walk today.
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Check out the names and dates of former miners, engraved into the bricks of the monument
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Willington is a former mining town based on the Brandon to Bishop Auckland disused railway, which use to serve the coal mining industry. It's colliery closed in 1967. There are some local shops and plenty of benches, so serves as a good rest stop.
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Newton Cap Viaduct is Grade II listed and was built in 1857 to carry the Bishop Auckland to Durham City railway across the River Wear. The viaduct fell into disuse when the railway closed in 1968. However, work began to strengthen the viaduct and convert it for road use. It was completed in 1995 and the busy A689 road was rerouted over the viaduct.
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Approaching Durham from the direction of Sherburn you can pick up this bike path that passes through Old Durham. This route takes you down to the river Wear with fantastic views of the Cathedral from a different angle. A great place to take a short break and watch the many university rowing crews doing their thing along the river. The path is well used by pedestrians and dog walkers so just be considerate and you shouldn't have a problem.
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This impressive viaduct is a Grade II-listed structure and was built in 1857 to carry the Bishop Auckland to Durham railway line across the River Wear. Spanning 828 feet (252 m) and built from stone and brick, its 11 arches stand 100 feet (30 m) above the river. The railway closures of the 1960s saw the viaduct fall into disuse. However, it was quickly adapted for foot traffic in 1972, before being strengthened to take the A689 road in 1995.
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There are over 150 touring cycling routes available around Murton, offering a wide variety of experiences for cyclists of all levels. The komoot community has explored these routes more than 1,800 times.
Yes, Murton offers a good selection of routes for beginners. There are over 50 easy touring cycling routes, many of which utilize disused railway tracks converted into cycle paths, providing flat and traffic-free options. An example is the Hawthorn–Ryhope Way – Fishing Lake Road loop from Murton, which is just under 10 km.
Touring cycling routes around Murton showcase diverse landscapes, transitioning from urban fringes to river valleys with woodlands, and reclaimed former colliery land. You'll also find routes along the Durham Heritage Coast and through rural roads, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical industrial heritage.
Many of the routes in Murton are suitable for families, especially those that follow disused railway lines, as they tend to be flatter and away from traffic. The Tommy Statue (Seaham) – Stony Cut Bank Path loop from Murton is an easy, coastal option that could be enjoyable for families.
Along the touring cycling routes, you can encounter several interesting landmarks and natural features. The Tommy Statue (Seaham) – Stony Cut Bank Path loop from Murton passes the iconic Tommy Statue in Seaham. Other nearby attractions include the Durham Heritage Coast, Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve, and Penshaw Monument.
Yes, many touring cycling routes around Murton are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the View of Durham Cathedral – Pittington Way Railway Path loop from Murton offers views towards Durham Cathedral and utilizes a former railway line.
The routes vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter, easy loops like the Hawthorn–Ryhope Way – Fishing Lake Road loop from Murton, which is about 9.5 km and takes around 35 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the River Browney – National Cycle Route loop from South Hetton, can be nearly 60 km and take almost 4 hours to complete.
The touring cycling routes in Murton are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Cyclists often praise the variety of terrain, from coastal paths to disused railway lines, and the scenic views, including those towards Durham Cathedral and along the Durham Heritage Coast.
Murton is located in County Durham, which has a network of public transport options. While specific route access points by public transport would require checking local bus or train schedules, many routes are accessible from various points within the region, including those near towns like Seaham and South Hetton.
Yes, the area around Murton is well-known for its network of disused railway tracks that have been converted into cycle paths. These paths provide excellent off-road cycling opportunities. The Ludworth Tower Ruins – Pittington Way Railway Path loop from Hawthorn Dene SSSI is a great example, incorporating a former railway line into its moderate route.
The varied landscapes of County Durham, from coastal areas to woodlands, can be enjoyed throughout much of the year. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring, while autumn provides beautiful foliage. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions may vary, especially on less maintained paths.


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