Winter Walks

If you’re putting together your list of resolutions for January, why not add walking to it? Tees Valley is rich in wonderful walks for all ages. Check out some suggestions below and walk into 2024 feeling healthy, fit and fulfilled.

Don’t forget to take some snaps and share them with us on social media using #VisitTeesValley.

Riverside routes

There are lots of riverside walks in the Tees Valley where you can enjoy a stroll alongside the River Tees.

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. A well-deserved pitstop is provided along this route by the Harvey’s Food Van which serves hot drinks and delicious food to fuel your walk from Wednesday to Sunday (returning 6th January). The Baydale Beck Pub is also open for take-out with a special walker’s menu featuring hot drinks and breakfast.

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

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. Whilst the museum remains closed at the moment, you can pick up a festive hot drink to take-away from the tearoom from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 3pm.

Park walks

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

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.

Ropner Park in Stockton-on-Tees is a picturesque park with tree-lined paths, bandstand and a large lake which is home to a hoard of hungry birds and ducks waiting to be fed! You can pick up their 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.

Coastal strolls

A day at the beach isn’t just for summer. Explore Tees Valley’s dramatic coastline, take in some bracing sea air and stroll along one of the region’s beaches. Try the coastal walk from Redcar to Saltburn via Marske-by-the-Sea which runs for around four miles along a beautiful stretch of beach. Once in Saltburn make your way to the end of the longest remaining pleasure pier on the North East coast and pick up some delicious fish and chips while you’re in 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 take on parts of the new Way of St Hild pilgrimage trail which stretches to Whitby and features 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. Just don’t tell too many people about it!

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

*Remember to adhere to all the latest government guidance when out and about in the Tees Valley. In a Tier 4 area, outdoor exercise should be done locally wherever possible. For full details on restrictions go here.