Discover Lanchester: Roman Routes and Nature

Roman remains, All Saints and the Malton Nature Reserve offer different highlights for a stay in Lanchester. The routes can be distinguished by specific details: the Lanchester Roman Walk is a moderate five-mile circular route, while the loop at Malton Picnic Area is just 0.5 miles (800 m) long. Access is also an important part of planning a visit to Longovicium.

Roman routes and Longovicium

The Lanchester Roman Walk crosses the site of the Roman fort of Longovicium and follows the route of the Roman road Dere Street. Surfaces and trail conditions may vary. However, walking across the fort site does not mean that the fort itself is open to the public: Longovicium is on private land and is not open to the public. The site can be viewed from a lay-by on the B6296, west of the village of Lanchester. Confirm local conditions before visiting.

The Greencroft Walk is also five miles long and runs through the parish of Lanchester. The Roman Walk is a moderate circular route; for the Greencroft Walk, its route through the parish is a specific point of reference. Despite their stated equal length, the two walks therefore differ in the features described.

Nature in the Malton Nature Reserve

The Malton Nature Reserve includes oak woodland, mature hedgerows, ponds, meadows and scrubland. The ponds attract reed moths, great crested newts and dragonflies; the wildlife you see may vary. Malton Picnic Area has its own habitats, including woodland, a riverbank and a wildflower meadow.

The circular route at Malton Picnic Area is 0.5 miles (800 m) long and suitable for pedestrians, wheelchair users and people with pushchairs. Confirm the route's accessibility before your trip. Its stated suitability for these groups can help you assess the loop against your own needs; checking accessibility locally remains part of planning.

Getting to the nature reserve

The Malton Nature Reserve can be reached by regular buses from Durham to Consett. At the Lanchester, Durham Road (A691) stop, follow the path to the reserve. Check the current bus timetable before departure. This gives you a reference for both the bus connection and the onward route from the stop.

All Saints and other ideas for things to see

At All Saints in Lanchester, three panels of medieval stained glass are displayed in the chancel. The church also has Roman columns and a Roman altar. Access can be arranged through the vicar or churchwardens. Check whether a visit is possible in advance; the stained glass and Roman features offer different historical points of interest.

Lanchester Garden Centre has a zoo. If you would like to include it in your plans, check before visiting whether it is still open.

Discover more destinations: Shincliffe, Spennymoor, Hunwick, Staindrop, Witton-Le-Wear, Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Evenwood

For the main travel overview: Durham.