The Top 8 Gorges in County Durham
Gorges are incredibly beautiful places, and you’ve got 8
to choose from in County Durham. Just browse our list of the best gorges below and see photos, tips and extra info to help you visit one of these beautiful places on your next adventure in County Durham.
to choose from in County Durham. Just browse our list of the best gorges below and see photos, tips and extra info to help you visit one of these beautiful places on your next adventure in County Durham.
Last updated: November 20, 2025
Cauldron Snout Waterfall
Highlight • Natural Monument
Cauldron Snout is a rocky ravine below Cow Green Reservoir that the infant River Tees descends through spectacularly. The falls, which nestle within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural …
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Fine Burn Quarry (The Forgotten Quarry)
Highlight • Forest
The Forgotten Quarry (also known as Fine Burn Quarry) is a superb place for a walk during any season. This former limestone quarry forms a part of the Weardale Way, …
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Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
A National Nature Reserve, this steep and well-wooded valley has been cut deep into soft limsetone rock by the action of Castle Eden Burn as it finds its way down …
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Dene Mouth and Viaduct
Highlight (Segment) • Bridge
On the day we went, the stream carried lots of rain water, the sea was rough, giving this rugged beach a rather dramatic feel.
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Lunedale Valley
Highlight • Natural
Similar in character to the neighbouring Baldersdale, Lunedale is a gorgeous valley in the Pennines AONB. Upper Lunedale hosts two reservoirs, Selsett and Grassholme, which are a delight to walk …
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Fine Burn Quarry (The Forgotten Quarry) – Weardale Way
Highlight • Natural
The Forgotten Quarry (also known as Fine Burn Quarry) is a superb place for a walk during any season. This former limestone quarry forms a part of the Weardale Way, …
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Baldersdale Valley
Highlight • Natural
Baldersdale is an archetypal Pennine valley to the north west of Barnard Castle. Upper Baldersdale contains three reservoirs: Balderhead, Blackton and Hury, all of which boast circular walks.
The popular …
The popular …
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Coldberry Gutter
Highlight • Natural Monument
The spectacular gully known as Coldberry Gutter is one of the most conspicuous landforms of its type within the North Pennines.
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