Walks perfect for Boxing Day and beyond

Enjoy a riverside stroll

Broken Scar in Darlington is a popular walking route for dog walkers and families all year round. The stunning trail through woodland and along the course of the Tees follows the route of the Teesdale Way and is perfect for a short morning or afternoon stroll. For a longer walk head a little further along the road to the picturesque village of Low Coniscliffe and take on the seven-mile trail to High Coniscliffe. This route will lead you along farm tracks, bridleways and along the River Tees taking in lovely river and countryside views. Why not pop to The Fox Hole pub for a well-deserved pit stop along the way?

For full route details head to Let’s go Tees Valley.

Discover 25 unique pieces of new artwork as you enjoy a walk along the Tees Sculpture Trail. This unique route takes in the magnificent River Tees and a variety of spectacular spots across the region. Discover sculptures that represent the region and their surroundings, whilst taking in a variety of beauty spots like the Tees Transporter Bridge, Seaton Common and Piercebridge.

Find out more here: enjoyteesvalley.com/your-guide-to-the-tees-sculpture-trail.

Enjoy a variety of beautiful landscapes and spectacular views along The Cleveland Way, taking in the Tees Valley’s rolling countryside, dramatic coastline, and heather moorland. The route encompasses the spectacular views from Roseberry Topping, the towering trees of Guisborough Forest, the charming Victorian town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea and the quaint villages in between.

Tour pretty parks

There are plenty of parks in the Tees Valley which are perfect for a festive family walk.

Head to Stockton-on-Tees to navigate your way along the river at the wonderful Preston Park, wander around the 100-acres of parkland and wonder at the magnificent building that is Preston Park Museum. A short walk alongside the river here will also bring you to the beautiful woodland of Quarry Wood Nature Reserve.

Appropriately named for the festive season, Fairy Dell Park in Middlesbrough provides the ideal spot to while away an hour or so in the great outdoors. Fairy Dell is a tranquil haven for wildlife with steeply wooded banks, becks, lakes, woodland and grassy glades.

Locke Park is a picturesque park with tree-lined paths and a large lake which is home to a hoard of hungry birds and ducks waiting to be fed! You can pick up their (and your own) favourite food at the park’s café.

Discover the collection of Victorian and Edwardian features dotted around the pretty Ward Jackson Park in Hartlepool, take a leisurely stroll around the lake at South Park in Darlington or enjoy the abundance of green space at Stewart Park in Middlesbrough.

Take to the coast

A day at the beach isn’t just for summer. Explore the Tees Valley’s dramatic coastline, take in some bracing sea air and stroll along one of the region’s beaches.

Walk the England Coastal Path from Redcar to Saltburn via a secluded four-mile stretch of Marske Sands beach. Once in Saltburn, take in the view from the longest remaining pleasure pier on the North East coast, pick up fresh fish and chips or discover amazing independent businesses in the town.

For spectacular views out to sea, discover the beautiful historic Hartlepool Headland, where you will also find landmark buildings including the unmissable St Hilda’s Church.

From here you can walk in the footsteps of St Hild all the way to Whitby on the Way of St Hild pilgrimage trail. Don’t forget to check out the augmented reality waypoints along the route.

If you are looking for somewhere a little more secluded, then you will love the peaceful little-known sandy spot of Cattersty Sands in Skinningrove. This gem of a beach has space aplenty with a long stretch of clean, soft sand, dunes ready explore and unspoilt coastal views.

Let us know your favourite Tees Valley walking routes on social media using #EnjoyTeesValley.