All Saints in Lanchester brings together Roman and medieval heritage. The walks also vary in length and focus: the loop at Malton Picnic Area is 0.5 miles (800 m), while the Lanchester Roman Walk and Greencroft Walk are each five miles long. These differences provide a practical basis for planning before you choose a cultural or nature-focused outing.

Church and Roman traces

Three panels of medieval stained glass are displayed in the chancel of All Saints. The church also contains Roman columns and a Roman altar. Here, in a single church, you can encounter evidence from different periods. Access to All Saints can be arranged through the vicar or churchwardens; coordinate your visit with them in advance.

The site of the Roman fort of Longovicium can be seen from a lay-by on the B6296 west of the village of Lanchester. The fort itself is on private land and is not open to the public. Check local conditions before visiting and do not plan to visit the fort as a publicly accessible site.

Walking trails with different features

The Lanchester Roman Walk is a five-mile, moderately challenging circular route. It crosses the course of the Roman road Dere Street; surfaces and conditions may vary. The Greencroft Walk also covers five miles and passes through the parish of Lanchester. The shared distance makes it easy to compare their lengths, while their circular format, difficulty rating and routes offer different features.

Malton: nature reserve and short loop

Malton Nature Reserve includes oak woodland, mature hedgerows, ponds, meadows and scrubland. The ponds attract reed-smock moths, great crested newts and dragonflies. Which animals you can actually spot may vary; the species mentioned offer a specific reason to keep an eye on the ponds too.

Malton Picnic Area has a 0.5-mile (800 m) circular route. It is suitable for pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. This loop is considerably shorter than the two five-mile walks. Malton Picnic Area also includes habitats with woodland, a riverbank and a wildflower meadow. If the stated suitability is important for your plans, confirm the local path conditions before travelling.

Getting there and another place to visit

Malton Nature Reserve is accessible by regular buses from Durham to Consett. Get off at the Lanchester, Durham Road (A691) stop, then follow the path to the reserve. Check the current bus timetable before travelling.

Lanchester Garden Centre has a zoo. As offerings can change, check before visiting whether it is still open.

Discover more destinations: Bishop Middleham, Byers Green, Shincliffe, Ebchester, Hunwick, Chester-Le-Street, Stanhope, Middleton-In-Teesdale

For the regional travel overview: Durham.