Leave the car park at its lowest level by the river and turn right, climbing steps onto Elvet Bridge. It was built around 1170 by Bishop de Puiset to connect with his new suburb of Elvet. Don't cross but instead turn right and then swing left up steps into Saddler Street. After 150yds (137m), bear right up Owengate following signs for the Cathedral and Castle, to emerge at the edge of the Palace Green. Over to the right is the castle entrance, the Norman keep standing behind an 18th-century gateway. Guided tours include the Norman chapel and gallery and the Black Stair that leads from the medieval Great Hall to the 18th-century state rooms. It was here that the Prince Bishops of Durham held court. Their regal powers, which didn't end until 1832, allowed them to raise armies, mint coins, appoint judges and grant charters. Across Palace Green stands perhaps the greatest Norman cathedral in England. The main door by which you enter bears a fearsome lion-faced sanctuary ring and inside, the nave is lined by massive, carved pillars that support some of the earliest Gothic vaulting. St Cuthbert's shrine is to be found at the east end, near to the throne of the Prince Bishops, set high above the chancel. Bede's tomb lies in the delicate Galilee Chapel at the west end. Have a look too at the cloister and the monks' dormitory, or perhaps you might like to climb the 352 steps to the top of the tower for an unrivalled view over the city. Below in the undercroft, you will find the cathedral restaurant.

Emerging from the cathedral by the same door that you entered, turn right and leave the corner of the green along Dun Cow Lane. At the end, go right past the Durham Museum and Heritage Centre and then immediately left down Bow Lane, continuing over Kingsgate Bridge. On the far bank, walk out to the road and turn right up Church Street.

After 100yds (91m), bear off right past the war memorial into St Oswald's churchyard. Keep right at a fork and walk down to continue beside the river. Around the bend, carry on past the 18th-century Prebends' Bridge, just beyond which is a re-assembled pinnacle from the cathedral, replaced after its erosion by the elements. At a fork take the lower branch, passing behind the buildings of Durham School Boat Club. Beyond, a weir collected water for a fulling mill situated on the far bank. Pause to enjoy a classic view of the cathedral before continuing towards Framwellgate Bridge, erected by Bishop Flambard in 1128. Leave the riverbank up steps just before the bridge to emerge beside the Bishop Langley pub. 

Cross the bridge into the old city, but as the street then bends left, look for a narrow, stepped passageway leaving through an opening on the right signed to Saddler Street. Called Moatside Lane, it was used by medieval pilgrims climbing to the cathedral. Keep ahead at a junction then bend left to emerge on Saddler Street. Turn left, passing the steps up which you began the walk, and continue down to the Market Square. To return to the car park, go back up Saddler Street and turn left into High Street. The entrance to the car park is at the end on the right.