Family Cycling Routes Durham: Safe Paths Expand 2026

Durham County Council opened two new family cycling loops on 1 July 2026, adding 3.8 miles of sealed paths with no motor traffic inside Wharton Park and along the lower River Wear in Elvet.

The routes opened just as summer school holidays began and local primary schools finished term. Families in Durham have shown rising interest in outdoor activity since the council extended its Active Durham programme last year, which subsidises equipment hire at several neighbourhood centres.

Routes through Wharton Park and Elvet

The Wharton Park loop starts at the car park off North Road and circles the play area and bowling green before rejoining the main path. Riders stay inside the park boundary the entire 1.4-mile circuit. The Elvet section runs from the Kingsgate footbridge downstream past the boathouses and ends at the Old Durham Wood entrance, giving a flat 2.4-mile out-and-back option shielded by trees.

Both stretches connect to the existing network that runs past Durham Cathedral and under the railway viaduct, letting riders extend their ride without crossing vehicle lanes. The council installed new signage and widened two pinch points last month so cargo bikes and trailers can pass easily.

Numbers and next steps

Durham County Council recorded 1,240 family day passes issued for these paths between 1 July and 9 July. Hire of a child trailer from the Active Durham hub on Claypath costs £4 for four hours. The same programme runs free Saturday morning led rides for beginners at 9 a.m. from the Elvet riverside meeting point, with the next session scheduled for 12 July.

Parents can check the Durham County Council website for the latest surface updates and download a simple map that marks the two new loops. Riders are asked to give way at the three marked crossings where paths meet foot traffic near the play equipment.