Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve, east of Tow Law, County Durham

Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve Loop

route · Countryside walk

Source image

6.8

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

Check

Cost

Big-sky

Feel

HillsRemote countrysideWetlandWalkersWildlife loversPhotographersDogs

Why it's Wildland

6.8

A short loop across one of County Durham’s largest remaining mid-altitude heathlands, where heather, bilberry and open views give way to a lower, potentially boggy stretch before the route returns along the fell top.

This is a worthwhile short walk because it crosses a substantial, varied heathland reserve rather than simply circling a viewpoint. Heather colour, open fell views and wildlife-rich vegetation give the compact loop a distinct sense of place; expect mixed ground and possible mud in the lower section.

Big-sky · Wild · Peaceful

Find your way

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Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve, east of Tow Law, County Durham

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The experience

Allow about an hour for the 1.8-mile circular route. Start from a reserve car park, follow the loop down towards the valley and return along the fell top. Expect open moorland views, mixed terrain and possible mud; keep dogs on leads around grazing livestock.

Things to do

Walk the nature reserve circular

Follow the short loop across moorland towards the valley, then return along the top of the fell for open views. The lower section can be boggy.

About 0.5–1 hour

Look for heathland birds and butterflies

Watch and listen for lapwing, skylark and curlew, and look for butterflies including green hairstreak. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

See the seasonal heather

Notice the changes between heather, bilberry, acid grassland, rush pasture and bracken across the reserve. Heather colour is especially notable in late summer and autumn.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · About 0.5–1 hour

Quick Escape: the fell loop

01
Start from a reserve car park off the B6301.
02
Follow the Hedleyhope Fell Nature Reserve circular route down towards the valley and return along the fell top.
03
Allow for mixed terrain and possible boggy ground on the lower section; wear suitable footwear and keep dogs on leads.

Hidden details

A heathland mosaic, not just heather — The reserve includes bilberry, acid grassland, rush pasture, bracken, gorse and scattered trees as well as heather. Look for the changing vegetation as the route crosses the fell.

Small wildlife in the heath — Durham Wildlife Trust records common lizard and slow worm at the Fell, as well as twenty butterfly species. These are possible things to look for, not guaranteed sightings.

When to go

March · April · May · June · July · August · September · No specific time of day is established by the supplied sources; check conditions before visiting.

Durham Wildlife Trust recommends March to September. Heather colours the reserve in late summer and autumn; seasonal wildlife and flowering plants vary through the visit period.

The lower part of the circular route can be boggy. Expect mixed terrain and check conditions before setting out; suitable footwear is advised.

The route

ascent: 213 ft (about 65 m) reported by AllTrails; figures vary between route sources.
surface: Mixed terrain; lower section can be boggy. Exact surface composition not specified.
distance: 1.8 miles (about 2.9 km)
duration: 0.5–1 hour
difficulty: Moderate (AllTrails); another supplied route listing describes the loop as easy.
waymarking: Three marked walking trails are reported by Durham Wildlife Trust; specific route waymarking for this loop is not detailed.
route shape: Loop
start point: A reserve car park off the B6301, accessed from the Tow Law to Cornsay Colliery road at the top of Hedley Hill. What3Words: tuxedos.crockery.slide.
parking start: Durham Wildlife Trust identifies car parks off the B6301 and direct reserve access from the car parks. Check current parking arrangements before travelling.
shorter alternative: Durham Wildlife Trust reports that Trail 1 is accessible around the top of the Fell for people with limited mobility; its distance and duration are not specified, so check the reserve’s current trail information before relying on it as a shorter alternative.

Heathland vegetation and seasonal heather colour
A descent towards the valley followed by a return along the fell top
Open views over the surrounding hills
Potential sightings of heathland birds and butterflies

What to look for

In season, look for flowering heather among bilberry, cross-leaved heath and bell heather. Keep watch for lapwing, skylark and curlew over the heath, and butterflies including green hairstreak. Durham Wildlife Trust also records common lizard and slow worm on the reserve.

Best time to go

March to September; late summer and autumn bring the reserve’s heather display.

March to September is Durham Wildlife Trust’s recommended visiting period. For the strongest heather colour, aim for late summer or autumn; exact peak weeks vary.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Dogs

Route at a glance

Duration

1–2 hours

Terrain

Hills, Remote countryside

Parking / start

Durham Wildlife Trust identifies car parks off the B6301, reached from the Tow Law to Cornsay Colliery road at the top of Hedley Hill. What3Words: tuxedos.crockery.slide. Check before visiting for current parking arrangements.

Practical information

Opening & access

Durham Wildlife Trust says the reserve is open at all times, with access from car parks off the B6301. The reserve has mixed terrain and three marked walking trails; Trail 1 is accessible for people with limited mobility around the top of the Fell. Check current conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Check before visiting

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on a lead, according to Durham Wildlife Trust. Sheep and cattle graze the reserve.

Accessibility

Mixed terrain. Durham Wildlife Trust says Trail 1 is accessible for people with limited mobility around the top of the Fell; this does not establish accessibility for the other trails.

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

No relevant water feature established for this route.