4.6
(645)
4,056
hikers
85
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Lynesack And Softley offer access to the diverse landscapes of County Durham, including expansive woodlands and scenic dales. The region is characterized by its proximity to Hamsterley Forest and the Durham Dales, featuring incised lowland valleys and impressive water features. Hikers can explore a network of paths through varied topography, including river floodplains and steep bluffs. The area provides a tranquil and visually open landscape with deep views across open moors and pastoral dales.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.0
(7)
80
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
28
hikers
5.08km
01:21
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(19)
8
hikers
6.20km
01:38
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
5.35km
01:28
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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great for food and drink before or after your visit to the forest
2
0
Hollymoor 250.3m P21.6 (821ft) (Hill ID: 513190) [JNSA s11207] County Durham Definitive List summit.
0
0
There are 49 easy hiking trails around Lynesack And Softley, offering a variety of landscapes from dense woodlands to scenic dales and impressive waterfalls.
Yes, the region is known for its impressive water features. You can explore trails around the Blackling Hole Waterfalls, such as the Viewpoint – Blackling Hole Waterfalls loop from Blackling Hole waterfall or the Blackling Hole Waterfalls loop from Low Redford Meadows SSSI. Further afield, you can find High Force Waterfall and trails from Bowlees Visitor Centre to Summerhill Force and Gibson's Cave.
Easy hikes in Lynesack And Softley traverse diverse terrain, including paths through dense woodlands, pastoral dales, and along river floodplains. You'll find a mix of relatively flat sections and gentle inclines, characteristic of the incised lowland valleys and the broader Durham Dales.
Many of the easy trails are suitable for families, offering accessible paths through scenic areas. For example, the Pooh Stick Bridge – Hamsterley Forest Café loop from Low Redford Meadows SSSI is a shorter, pleasant walk through Hamsterley Forest that families often enjoy.
Many trails in the Lynesack And Softley area, especially those through woodlands and dales, are dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near livestock or in nature conservation areas, and to check specific trail guidelines if available.
Yes, many of the easy routes are designed as circular walks, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Viewpoint – Blackling Hole Waterfalls loop and the Blackling Hole Waterfalls loop from Low Redford Meadows SSSI.
Along easy trails, you might encounter natural features like the Blackling Hole Waterfalls. The wider region offers viewpoints such as The Elephant Trees and the Five Pikes Summit Trig Point, which provide expansive views across the open moors and pastoral dales of the North Pennines AONB.
The easy trails in Lynesack And Softley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquil and visually open landscapes, the beauty of the woodlands, and the impressive waterfalls, making for a rewarding outdoor experience.
Parking is generally available at common starting points for trails, especially near popular areas like Hamsterley Forest or visitor centers. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route descriptions.
The region offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer provides lush greenery, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Winter walks can be beautiful, especially after snowfall, but require appropriate gear for potentially colder and wetter conditions.
Yes, Hamsterley Forest is a significant draw for hikers, offering numerous trails suitable for various fitness levels. The Pooh Stick Bridge – Hamsterley Forest Café loop from Low Redford Meadows SSSI is an example of an easy route that takes you through parts of this vast woodland.
Easy trails around Lynesack And Softley are characterized by manageable elevation gains, typically up to 1,000 feet (around 300 meters) over the entire route. For instance, the Viewpoint – Blackling Hole Waterfalls loop has an elevation gain of about 90 meters, making it accessible for most fitness levels.


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