Appleton Wiske walks

The Great North Road ran from London in the south to Edinburgh in the north. This was once a coaching route, but in later years this has been replaced by the A1 which sadly bypasses many of the pretty villages and towns along the route. This trail traces the route from Croft-on-Tees in the south on the border of North Yorkshire and County Durham to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. There are still remnants of that bygone age to be seen on this historical journey.

Starting in the pretty village of Croft-on-Tees, the first section of the walk follows the route of the Great North Road through countryside and into the heart of Darlington, once a busy market town with many street names indicating the history of the town ending at the impressive clock tower above the market hall.

A circular walk around and over Black Hambleton and the end of Arden Moor; described here in a clockwise direction but just as good in reverse. There is a mixture of open moorland crossed via broad tracks and upland pasture crossed by narrow paths through the heather. It can be a little challenging in terms of navigation at the start but an alternative has been provided.

A nice 11 mile walk starting and finishing at the Lord Stones Cafe at the top of Carlton Bank, where there is good parking. It takes in the three North facing hills and the climb to Round Hill. The route returns down past Bilsdale Hall to Seave Green. From here it passes through rolling pastures to a short section on Raisdale Road before taking a lovely path through woods and over the moors back to the start.

In total it is 11.66 miles and covers 2262ft of ascent and descent.

A half day, circular walk which takes in the three summits of the north facing ridge which runs from Lordstones to The Wainstones. It returns via the path which runs below the ridge and finishes at the Lordstones cafe.

This 2nd section starts in Darlington town centre and follows the route out of town up North Road past the historic Skerne Bridge and Stockton and Darlington Railway development at Hopetown to the village of Coatham Mundeville. Look out for evidence of the history of this railway town during the walk.

This circular walk follows a trail along both the north and south banks of the River Tees, now modern developments have replaced shipbuilding and other industries. The trail passes the Tees Barrage and provides good views of the Infinity Bridge. It is also fully accessible.

A walk suitable for all ages, good well preserved footpaths, nature reserve, museum on the route, watching trout jump the weir on the river Tess, good opportunities for pub food and cafe snacks.

A diverse walk crossing open fields, following burbling brooks and a beautiful section of the river Tees incorporating part of the Teesdale way.

This urban section of the England Coast Path follows the south bank of the Tees from the Newport Bridge to the Transporter Bridge and Clock Tower. This allows good views of both bridges and the northern bank of the Tees. The path is accessible although it runs through an industrial part of Middlesbrough. This section can easily be combined with a visit to Middlesbrough Town Centre.

This urban section runs through the heart of industrial Middlesbrough starting at the dock and ending at the Imperial Park Anaerobic Plant. The section is short and can be combined with other sections of the England Coast Path or a visit to Middlesbrough town centre.

This 3rd section of the Along the Great North Road passes a number of inns both new and old along the route and takes in the pretty Aycliffe Village. The rest of the route follows the A167 but the path is surrounded by trees for most of the route and is therefore shaded in summer months.

This section of the walk is urban and winds its way through industrial areas along the Tees and the villages which served them. The walk links two of the most iconic bridges in the area, the Transporter Bridge and the Newport Bridge. Along the walk you can see evidence of heavy industry both past and present. Most of the walk footpaths along the main roads so do be aware of traffic.

This North York Moors route explores the moors to the north of the village of Hawnby and mainly uses moorland tracks. The walk makes a circuit of Hawnby, Bilsdale West and Wetherhouse Moors and gives views into upper Ryedale, Bilsdale and Ladhill Gill.

This is a very pleasant walk which is not too demanding in terms of length, ascent or navigation. It follows good tracks over the moors, quiet farm roads and has one section over the moor on a narrow path through the heather. Varied scenery, great views from the top of Hawnby Hill and a lovely country pub en-route.

This section of the England Coast Path passes through the industrial areas of Middlesbrough and Redcar. Much of the steelworks is being dismantled and there is not much to see on the walk itself. The route follows the last section of the Teesdale Way (follow these signs in the absence of any for England Coast Path until you reach Coatham Marsh). The reward at the end of this walk is Locke Park.

This North York Moors walk includes a further stage in the series of circular walks on the theme of the Cleveland Way. This route takes in a short section of the Cleveland Way between Cold Kirby and Rievaulx Bridge and provides an excellent taste of the scenery in this area.

This section of the path winds its way through the industrial Teesmouth area which surprisingly is littered with marshes and nature reserves including RSPB Salthome. A relatively easy path, mostly paved and flat with opportunities to stop and view seals from the specially built hides.