Free walking event to explore County Durham churches

The Five Churches Round, a nearly 20-mile route linking five active churches in the Parish of the Upper Skerne, will take place on Saturday, June 20.

Participants can choose to tackle the whole route or join for a shorter section.

Runners have a look around St Michael’s in Bishop Middleham during their Five Churches Round (Image: Supplied)

Starting at both St. Edmund’s in Sedgefield and St. Alban’s in Trimdon Grange, the event kicks off at 10am.

The route, devised by County Councillor Chris Lines, celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Upper Skerne Parish.

It takes participants through Sedgefield, Bishop Middleham, Trimdon Grange, Trimdon Village, and Fishburn, using footpaths and bridleways.

The welcome room in St Edmund’s Church in Sedgefield after completing the Five Churches Round (Image: Supplied)

The other churches are St. Michael’s in Bishop Middleham, St. Mary Magdalene’s in Trimdon Village, and St. Catherine’s in Fishburn.

Along the way, participants will be welcomed with refreshments, including home-baked goods, at each church, with volunteers guiding them at different paces.

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The team behind hospitality at St Alban’s in Trimdon Grange (Image: Supplied)

The Five Churches Round is a self-guided route that uses public rights of way.

A leaflet promoting the round and a detailed GPX file are available for free.

For more information, email fivechurchesround@gmail.com or visit the Five Churches Round Facebook page.