Rainton Meadows Walk
This walk visits the Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve near
West Rainton and Houghton le Spring, County Durham.
The pretty reserve is run by Durham Wildlife Trust and includes their headquarters. You can follow a series of easy footpaths around the site with habitats including lakes, wetlands, grassland and woodland. It's great for wildlife with bird species including redshank, oystercatcher, lapwing and little ringed plover. There's also grazing Exmoor ponies in the winter months.
To continue your walking in the area head just a couple of miles south west to visit Finchale Abbey. Here you can explore substantial ancient ruins of the English Heritage owned priory and enjoy riverside walks along the River Wear.
The Great North Forest Heritage Trail runs right past the reserve. One nice idea is to pick up the trail and follow it to nearby Hutton-le-Hole where you can explore the lovely Hetton Lyons Country Park.
Postcode
DH4 6PU - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsRainton Meadows Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Rainton Meadows Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Rainton Meadows OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Rainton Meadows Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
There's a nice on site cafe where you can enjoy some refreshments after your exercise.
Dog Walking
The reserve is a pleasant place for a dog walk. Please keep them on leads as you make your way along the footpaths.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
View from a bird hide of one of the ponds at Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, County Durham. The church spire in the distance is St Mary's, West Rainton.
Lane at south side of Rainton Meadows
Gateway at the edge of the site
Pond view
Car park and Visitor centre at Durham Wildlife Trust Headquarters.
Viewing stage
Looking west into the attractive surrounding countryside
Joe's Pond