After a busy working week and trying to keep on top of everyday life, blowing the cobwebs away and clearing your mind can sound quite appealing.

Getting out of the house for some fresh air is one way that is bound to make you feel better.

Whether that’s discovering your new favourite picnic spot near the canal, finding a different pathway to walk the dog with the family, or a historic route more inland, there is so much to explore in the county.

That’s why we have chosen a selection of weekend walks to try, according to This is Durham.

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The website says: “Whatever your age, ability or energy level, our routes were made for walking!”

A selection of walks to try this weekend in County Durham

Derwent Reservoir Walk

There will be plenty of wildlife to see and a lot of history to discover about the Derwent Reservoir along the walking trail.

With two separate paths to follow - one route will be 2 miles from the visitor centre to Pow Hill Country Park and the other will be 3.5 miles from Pow Hill Country Park to Millshield picnic site.

This is Durham says the walk is easy, comfortable walking and suitable for cyclists, walkers, wheelchairs and pushchairs.

There is also a shop and public toilets at the visitor centre as well as picnic sites at Pow Hill Country Park and Millshields.

You can find more information here.

Durham Heritage Coast

This footpath is 11 miles long in total starting from Seaham in the north to Crimdon in the south, which will take you through “stunning clifftop scenery” with links into some coastal villages.

This is Durham says: “The walk starts in Seaham where the North Dock, created for the export of coal, is now a smart new marina next to the vibrant working port in South Dock. The path follows the cliffs to Nose’s Point where there are superb views down to Whitby on a clear day.

“This was the site of the former Dawdon colliery but now a gateway to the most tranquil section of the Heritage Coast. The airy route continues south taking in Hawthorn Dene, passing Beacon Hill and Easington Colliery down into Castle Eden Dene and on to Blackhall, where the final dramatic scenes of Get Carter were played out.

“Then on past the smugglers caves of Blackhall Rocks, the path runs on through a chicane of small gills to finish at Crimdon and its dunes, where little terns return from Africa every year to breed on the open beach.”

It’s important to note that some routes can be more challenging than others. Find out more on the website.

High Force and Bowlees Geo Trail

This circular walk is 4-5 miles in total and begins from Bowlees Visitor Centre (or High Force Hotel car park).

This route will guide you to some of the “special features” of the landscape around High Force and Low Force waterfalls.

This is Durham adds: “The route will then lead you up into Upper Teesdale, and area of rich and important flora (the most famous being the Blue Gentian), rare bird life such as grouse, lapwing, curlew and redshank, and ancient juniper woodland.

“On the return part of the route there is the option to walk to the bottom of High Force, before completing the circle back to Bowlees car park.”

You can download a map of the walk from the North Pennines website.

Pennine Way

Located in Durham, this 15 mile walk starts from Baldersdale in the south and finishes in Langdon Beck and High Cup Nick in the north.

On this walk you can also see the High Force and Low Force waterfalls among other highlights - read more here.

Chester-le-Street Heritage Trail

If you’re wanting to go for a stroll somewhere more inland, then the Chester-le-Street Heritage Trail could be one for you.

You can follow the route around the historical Chester-le-Street market town, taking in sites of Roman occupation, Christian heritage and Victorian industry.

This is Durham says the route is circular and can be joined at any point.

There is a slightly amended route avoiding steps for part of the trail, suitable for disabled visitors, which you can find on the leaflet, available to download from the website.