Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
A classic ‘must-see’ view of Durham Cathedral over the River Wear – the best view of the Cathedral in my opinion 🙂

Durham Cathedral & Riverside Walk


Any visitor to the city of Durham in Northern England should visit the impressive Cathedral and to get the best views of the Cathedral I highly recommend a short river walk where you can get views of the Cathedral form multiple impressive viewpoints.

WALK OVERVIEW:

DISTANCE: 1.5 miles
TIME: 30-45mins hours
DIFFICULTY: EASY

DURHAM CATHEDRAL WALK MAP ROUTE

 
This is the circular route I’d recommend to get all the best vantage points of the Cathedral. Start at Elvet Bridge and  walk up Bailey Street to the Catherdral to admire it up close. Then walk through a side alley down to the River Wear – heading along the river path to Prebends Bridge – then back along the river where you will get impressive views of the Cathedral (where the star is, and where the photo at the top of this page was taken). You’ll then cross the river again at Framwellgate Bridge, more greta views of the Cathedral, then head back via the Market Square.
 

PHOTOS OF THIS DURHAM WALK

 
View from Elvet Bridge, towards the prince Bishops Car park – a good place to park the car and start!
Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
Heading up the cobbled Elvet Bridge Street
Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
Turn left into Saddler Street
Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
As you leave Saddler Street you will get superb views of Durham Cathedral, A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
The building of Durham Cathedral began in 1093, and is regarded as one of the finest examples of Norman Architecture in Europe! If you have time a visit inside is also well worth it
Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
As you head down to the river path from the cathedral – you don’t really get any views of it again until you cross Prebends Bridge
Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
This classic view of Durham Cathedral over the River Wear is popular with photographers and you can see why. On the map at the top of this page it is where the ‘star’ is
Heading towards Framwellgate Bridge
Impressive views of Durham Cathedral from Framwellgate Bridge
Durham City river walk best views cathedral route map
This is looking south from Framwellgate Bridge towards the cathedral and Prenbeds Bridge
On the other side of the bridge looking north you can see how the newer parts of Durham are shaping up
Durham market square
Durham Market square on a quiet evening

Heading out of the market square back to the start. There are lots of cafe’s, restaurants and pubs to end this walk around here!

 

As ever I hope you have enjoyed this little write up and photos and it inspires you to want to visit the area and give the route a go.  If you have any questions about this route – just post a comment and I’ll try and answer. 
 

BLOG POST BY STUART HODGSON

THE HIKING PHOTOGRAPHER

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