River Wear, Durham Loop Paddle Trail

1-2 hours

Duration

3 miles

Distance

Out and Back

Easy

Difficulty

DH1 3JU

Start Postcode

DH1 3JU

End Postcode

A. Go down steps to launch and turn left and paddle downstream from the rowing club.

B. Please be aware this this stretch is used by the rowing club so keep to the sides when they are approaching. Also, the Prince Bishop tour boat operates Easter to October on this stretch of river. (For sailing times ring 01913869525)

C. Passing sports pitches on your left, you will soon spot a bandstand with the sculpture of the Durham ox beside it.

D. Pass under a small foot bridge before the New Elvet Bridge and old Elvet Bridge (Built in 1153-1195)

E. The Cathedral and castle can be seen from many points along the river.

F. Pass university buildings before scenery becomes more wooded and rural.

G. Following a sharp bend in the river, at just under 1.5 miles, you pass under the stone arched Prebend bridge.

H. Just beyond here spot the stone steps of Durham Kayak Club on your left. Turn around here as there is a weir beyond.

I. From here enjoy the paddle back to your start point.

Discover More

Parking is not permitted at the Rowing Club. Park in the small gravel park near the cricket club and walk down to the river from there.

You can extend your journey slightly by going past your start point on your return. Continue along the river to Shincliffe Road Bridge (A177) before turning back.

It is well worth a stroll around historic Durham whilst visiting. The cathedral and adjacent 11th-century castle were designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1986.

The Durham ox is something of a legend. She is said to have inadvertently led to the body of St Cuthbert finding its way to Dun-holm (now Durham) in 955 AD. There his disciples built an early cathedral which is now Durham Cathedral.

Prebends Bridge has a plaque to display Sir Walter Scott’s words about Durham.

Licence Information

The waterways on this trail do not require you to have a licence to paddle on them. However, if you paddle regularly and want to explore more places to paddle, you could consider becoming a member of Paddle UK. You’ll get a whole range of benefits as an On The Water member, including an annual licence to paddle on 4,500km of Britain’s waterways, liability insurance, and great discounts on paddling related products. Join today at www.paddleuk.org.uk

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Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.