Five Walks to Enjoy This Summer

Preston Park

One of Stockton’s gems, Preston Park’s three-mile trail is open all year round but offers a particularly scenic route around the banks of the River Tees during the summertime. It’s largely flat, follows pathways around Quarry Wood – and joins part of the Teesdale Way, the 92-mile route which runs most of the length of the region’s major river. The walk eventually takes you round to Jubilee Bridge and back around the park to the car park after passing the Small Gauge Railway. Perfect for stretching your legs, the straightforward walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Preston Park Museum and Gardens.

Errington Wood, New Marske TS11 8EE

If you’re after a little more of a challenge, the winding seven-mile route around Errington Wood will take you around three hours to complete and is ideal for a hike, run or just a walk. Stunning views of fields and farmland await you in clearings, and the walk tends to be good for those who crave quiet. The walk’s gradual winding incline starting from the car park off Grewgrass Lane and out to Upleatham will test you, but the downhill final leg is your reward.

Errington Wood

Hartlepool to Seaton Carew TS24 7ED

Few things beat a day out at the seaside in the sun. The route from Hartlepool Marina down to Seaton gives you plenty of chance to stop off for a drink or a bite to eat. You can shed your shoes for large parts of it on the sand – and it’s the seaside so there’s no shortage of fresh sea air. Just shy of six miles, parking in Hartlepool town centre and plenty of bus routes allow easy access. Plus, you can extend your walk out onto North Gare if you’re in the mood.

Seaton Carew

Normanby/Eston TS6 9JE

Those after more of a workout will be tested by this varied route. The circular trail from Eston West Street Car Park winds around Normanby before crossing the parkway and heading into the hills. Offering a good combination of residential streets, forest, moorland and farmers’ fields, the hike takes you via Flatts Lane up a hill on the way to Far Moor Plantation. You’ll feel the burn with more than 300 metres of elevation on route – but the three-hour effort is a rewarding one.

Flatts Lane

Darlington DL3 8TB

Another popular route on the banks of the River Tees, this 6km trail on the western fringes of Darlington offers a pleasant circular route which can be completed in less than 90 minutes. Starting from the picturesque Broken Scar Picnic Area, the route swings west past the pumping station and then cuts down onto Gate Lane. Offering a peaceful walk through farmland, with pleasant river views, it’s a dog friendly and easy walk with marked paths which swing round back to the A67 – ideal for a sunny summer day.

Broken Scarr