Birkby 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 This was once a coaching route, but in later years this has been replaced by the A1 which sadly bypasses many of the pretty villages and towns along the route.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.

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.

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

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 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 short circular walk along the banks of the River Swale with the chance to explore Easby Abbey, Richmond Castle and the lovely market town of Richmond.
Lots to see and do and you can make a short walk into a full day out. Great Ice cream parlour in the Old Railway Station for the return leg.
About 2 hours for the actual walking but longer if you are exploring.

A 100km circular ride starting in Richmond and passing through the Yorkshire Dales taking in the climbs of Kidstones Pass, Fleet Moss and Buttertubs Pass. Great scenery and places for refreshment stops.

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 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 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.

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 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.

The Way of Life is one of the Northern Saints' Trails and takes in the religious centre of Bishop Auckland with its castle and art galleries. The trail passes through many County Durham villages from the banks of the River Tees to the banks of the River Wear. Evidence of County Durham's religious and industrial past can be seen throughout the walk including the Etherley Incline, an early railway, Medieval Durham, Escomb Saxon Church and Binchester Roman Fort.

The start of this walk begins at the historic St Mary's Church on the banks of the River Tees in Gainford and passes through farmland and pretty villages finishing in Ingleton.

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.

A pleasant North Yorkshire walk that starts from the brewing town of Masham. The outward route follows the banks of the River Ure. The return uses paths and lanes to return via Nutwith Common.

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 section of the walk crosses farmland and follows country lanes starting in the village of Ingleton and finishing in West Auckland with its numerous interesting and historic buildings.

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 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.

The 4th section of the Along the Great North Road walk joins two former coaching inns and roughly follows the modern day A167 through countryside, diverting into the former mining communities of Ferryhill and Chilton. Along the way is evidence of the old coaching route if you look out for it.

The final section of the Gainford to Escomb section of The Way of Life continues across farmland and through small villages finishing at the ancient church in Escomb. A section of this walk follows the Etherley Incline, the route of the first passenger railway in the world. The last part of the walk shares a route with the Weardale Way.

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.

This walk starts at the Clock Tower in Seaton Carew and follows a rural path around Seaton Snook. It follows the Hartlepool Borough Council suggested walk Seaton Snook Stroll, but if combined with other sections of the England Coast Path continue West at (5)