Running and Cycling in Durham: Routes, Paths and parkrun

Durham is a wonderful place to run or ride. The River Wear loops right through the heart of the city beneath the cathedral and castle, and traffic-free railway paths and country lanes fan out into the Durham countryside. Whether you are training for a race, easing into a couch-to-5K or after a gentle weekend ride, here is our guide to running and cycling in and around Durham.

Durham parkrun

The free, timed, weekly Durham parkrun starts at the Graham Sports Centre at Maiden Castle on Stockton Road every Saturday at 9am. The 5K route heads out towards Shincliffe before following the riverside path along the River Wear, making it one of the more scenic parkruns in the region. It welcomes everyone from first-time walkers to club runners, and it is free, you just need to register once and bring your barcode.

Best for: Best for: a friendly, scenic free 5K every Saturday morning.

The riverbanks

The paths along the River Wear are the city's classic running and walking route, wrapping around the peninsula beneath the cathedral. A lap of the river through the centre is a beautiful few miles, and you can extend upstream towards Shincliffe or downstream for longer outings. Flat, largely traffic-free and endlessly photogenic, it is the go-to for an everyday run close to the centre.

Best for: Best for: a scenic, central run or walk beneath the cathedral.

The Lanchester Valley Railway Path

For longer, traffic-free cycling, the Lanchester Valley Railway Path runs 12 miles from Broompark picnic site, just outside the city, out to Consett, following a former railway through Bearpark, Langley Park and Lanchester. Smooth, gently graded and largely off-road, it is ideal for family rides and longer training spins alike, with the wider County Durham railway-path network linking on from there.

Best for: Best for: traffic-free family cycling and longer off-road rides.

Getting started

Maiden Castle is a natural base for organised sport and training, and Durham has active running and cycling clubs for those who want company and structure. Start with a flat riverside loop or the parkrun, then build towards the railway paths and country lanes as your distance grows. For more, see our guide to sport and fitness in Durham.

Run a running or cycling club in Durham we should mention? Get in touch.