A river valley without a river? Surely that’s a contradiction in terms. But not in Durham. Find out the fascinating story of how ice sheets left great piles of debris that blocked the path of the River Browney and changed its course.
On this walk you’ll discover all the signs of the missing river – a distinct valley shape and even particular street names. Then you’ll climb up and over the ice sheet deposits into another valley to find the re-routed river.
Find out, too, how this landscape has been used and exploited by humans – deposits of sand quarried, layers of coal mined, and rivers dammed to power mills. Also discover how locals have fought to protect a bog !
This great walk takes you out from Durham city through a nature reserve and into open countryside. You’ll also see ruins of a medieval manor, a former pit village and see a lesser-known view of the magnificent cathedral.
Walk Info
- Distance:
-
5 ½ miles
- Level:
-
Some gentle climbs and descents - Suitable for:
-
Spotting different birds and butterflies might appeal to children
Dogs should be kept on leads near busy roads and on grazing land
- Region:
- North East England
- Setting:
- Countryside
- Landscape:
- Hidden landscapes Shaping the landscape Exploiting the landscape
- Start:
- North Road, Durham
- Finish:
- North Road, Durham
- Getting there:
-
Nearest station DurhamServed by long distance coach servicesEasily accessible from A1(M)
The River Browney, Durham’s ‘missing’ river
Rory Walsh © RGS-IBG Discovering Britain
Flass Vale
Rory Walsh © RGS-IBG Discovering Britain
