'Why, it's a perfect little city. If you have never been to Durham, go there at once. Take my car. It's wonderful.'
Bill Bryson: Notes from a small island.

Bill Bryson has had the chance to visit many countries and lots of cities. He managed to encapsulate what many other people have thought when they visit Durham City. Visit the official website This Is Durham to get more information about the city and the surrounding county.
Of course we at North East Trails get to travel around the county and we thought we would mention just a couple of the places that we like.

Chester le Street.
It is a bustling market town which has a history that goes back to Roman times when it was called Concangis. It latter acted as the resting place for St Cuthbert for 112 years before he was moved on to Durham. Now Chester le Street is a delightful place to walk around. Our Murder Mystery Trail in Chester le Street visits many interesting parts of the town, starting at the Riverside Park and taking in many points of interest. We have had lots of positive feedback from people who have enjoyed their mystery walk, for example;
'I really enjoyed doing this trail. It was easy to follow and the clues easy to find. It took me to some places of the town I have never been before. Thank you very much for writing it.'
Caitlin Bellis,  Crook.

Weardale
This is one of the two river valleys that forms the area known as the Durham Dales. Much of the dales are covered by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Beauty. Weardale is often described as a hidden gem and new visitors are impressed by its charm. We have designed three Trails that engage vistors in a little mystery adventure while exploring interesting parts of the valley.
There is a choice of; the Wolsingham Treasure Trail, the Stanhope Murder Mystery Trail and the Weardale Driving Trail which is a Spy Mission. Those who do the Trails realise that they end up finding more that they were looking for. For example;
"We and our two young grandchildren had a wonderful time. The clues were interesting. I highly recommend this as a most enjoyable walk. We stopped for a rest at the station where we enjoyed a delicious bacon buttie and drink."
Keith Robson, Blackhill

Chester le Street

Teesdale

Durham Coast