A new trail linking seven of the hills that cradle the historic City of Durham has recently been launched by the City of Durham Parish Council.
The City of Durham Parish Council is publishing a trail leaflet to enable both local residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the City from many viewpoints. The trail over the seven hills is seven miles (11km) long and takes about four hours at a gentle pace taking in ten of Durham ‘treasures’ including Wharton Park, Flass Vale Local Nature Reserve, The Miners Hall, the Neville’s Cross battle site and monument, The Durham University Observatory, the Oriental Museum, the Botanic Garden, Great High Wood, Maiden Castle Iron Age Fort, and of course the World Heritage Site of the Cathedral and Castle.
The first of the seven hills is Windy Hill, or Wharton Park as it is better known. The trail continues through Western Hill, Redhills, Observatory Hill, Windmill Hill where St. Aidens College stands, Bucks Hill or Mount Joy as most people know it, and finally Whinney Hill.
The Chair of the City of Durham Parish Council’s Environment Committee Coun. Carole Lattin said “The Parish Council is absolutely delighted to be publishing the leaflet. To make a great new outdoor opportunity for local people in this time of Covid travel restrictions is exactly what the Council should be doing. It is also just what the City’s economy needs to encourage visitors to stay longer and boost tourism expenditure. The walk is a wonderful experience and opens everyone’s eyes to the many great things can be enjoyed all round the City”
She added: “We are indebted to David Miller, a long-term resident, for devising the trail and designing the leaflet. It’s been a real labour of love for him and the Council has supported his efforts as part of the general mission to promote initiatives coming up from the local community.”
John Lowe, the Chair of the City of Durham Trust said: “The Trust is very happy to provide a grant towards publishing this fine trail which will a great introduction to many of the City’s heritage sites and buildings for a wide range of people. Each of these treasures is worth a follow-up visit, and we hope this trail will bring many more people to appreciate what the City has to offer.”
Eighty years-old David Miller said: “For years while walking these paths, I have thought they would make an exciting trail. Finally, I decided to make a leaflet for my family and friends, and then, happily, the Council stepped in to make it widely available.”
He added: “We all know Rome is built on seven hills, so I thought ‘why not Durham?’ Of course, Durham has more than seven hills but seven is enough to make this super walk. Perhaps Durham is the Rome of the North of England with its seven hills, its World Heritage status and fame, and its long and fascinating history?”
” Being a keen walker all my life and not a particularly good map reader, I wanted to make a map that is easy to follow and fun to use for all the family. I think that this walk will become popular. Given average fitness and enthusiasm for a good walk, it makes the perfect solo walk with the dog, a great family ramble, and even a super outing for a rambling club. For those who prefer shorter walks, there are many routes back because you are never far from the City centre. You can always do the rest on another day.”
“Where else can you see so many wonderful things along a trail that finishes in a World Heritage Site, one of the most beautiful places on earth?”
A hard copy of the trail map can be collected at Durham Town Hall.