Best Walking, Hiking & Cycling Routes in the North East

Explore Northumberland, Redcar & Cleveland, Durham & Tyne & Wear on Foot or Two Wheels

If you’re looking to stretch your legs or hit the trail on two wheels, the North East is calling. From clifftop rambles and forested trails to rolling hills and cycle-friendly coastlines, this region is made for the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a slow-paced walk with sea views or a lung-busting hike across moorland, here’s your guide to the best walking, hiking, and cycling routes across Northumberland, Redcar & Cleveland, Durham and Tyne & Wear — complete with handy links to help you hit the ground walking.

Northumberland: Wild, Windswept and Wonderfully Remote

Simonside Hills, Rothbury

An upland loop through pine forests and onto windswept ridges with sweeping views of the Cheviots and North Sea. The kind of walk that makes you breathe deeper.

Type: Hiking

Distance: 6.4 km loop

Route: AllTrails – Simonside Hills

Coast & Castles Cycle Route (Berwick to Tynemouth)

Cycling doesn’t get better than this. Hug the coast from border to city, with castle ruins, sandy bays and seaside villages all the way down.

Type: Cycling

Distance: ~100 km (ideal in sections)

Route: AllTrails – Coast & Castles Route

Hareshaw Linn Waterfall Trail, Bellingham

Woodland waterfalls, mossy ravines and the chance to spot red squirrels — a charming, gentle out-and-back walk.

Type: Walking

Distance: 5.2 km return

Route: AllTrails – Hareshaw Linn

Redcar & Cleveland: Where Coast Meets Moorland

Saltburn to Staithes (Cleveland Way)

One of the UK’s most scenic coastal hikes. Clifftop paths with endless sea views, charming fishing villages, and big salty air energy.

Type: Hiking

Distance: 16.7 km one-way

Route: AllTrails – Saltburn to Staithes

Guisborough Forest Trails

Family-friendly and great for mixed-use. Pedal or stroll through this peaceful woodland with panoramic glimpses over the moors.

Type: Walking & Cycling

Route: AllTrails – Guisborough Forest

Roseberry Topping Circular

This mini mountain stands proud at the edge of the North York Moors. It’s short, sharp, and seriously satisfying.

Type: Hiking

Distance: 4.7 km circular

Route: AllTrails – Roseberry Topping

Durham: Railway Paths, Rolling Hills & Coastline Calm

Durham Heritage Coast Walk

Where rugged cliffs meet wildflowers and ancient mining history. A quiet and uplifting section of the England Coast Path.

Type: Walking

Distance: 17.7 km

Route: AllTrails – Durham Coast Path

Waskerley Way (Rail Trail)

A brilliant, mostly flat converted railway track that’s now a haven for cyclists and walkers. Wide open spaces and big Durham skies.

Type: Cycling & Walking

Distance: 23.5 km

Route: AllTrails – Waskerley Way

Hamsterley Forest Loops

Plenty of options here for families and serious riders alike, including mountain biking trails and gentle riverside loops.

Type: Walking & Cycling

Route: AllTrails – Hamsterley Forest

Tyne & Wear: Urban Trails & Riverside Rambles

Hadrian’s Cycleway (South Shields to Tynemouth)

Part of National Route 72, this coastal ride runs along the River Tyne and out to the sea — with heaps of history along the way.

Type: Cycling

Distance: 19 km

Route: AllTrails – Hadrian’s Cycleway

Penshaw Monument & Herrington Country Park Loop

A lovely local route with a bit of a climb, great views and parkland perfect for a picnic after.

Type: Walking

Distance: 5.6 km
Route: AllTrails – Penshaw Monument Loop

Derwent Walk Country Park

A former railway line turned green corridor, linking Rowlands Gill to Swalwell. Flat and great for families, walkers and cyclists alike.

Type: Walking & Cycling

Distance: 18.8 km

Route: AllTrails – Derwent Walk

Final Tips for Trail Days

Check the weather

Always check the weather before heading out - especially on hill walks.

Pack layers

Pack appropriate layers and wear proper footwear, even on short routes.

Download Maps

Download offline maps on AllTrails or a similar app - signal can be spotty

Support local

Support local cafés and shops where you can — a tea and cake reward is half the fun.

Ready to roam?

Whether your beach-bound or bound for the hills, these North East trails offer something for everyone — and they’re all waiting just beyond your doorstep. If you’re ready for your next adventure, discover Treetops & Tides holiday homes, to get you that one step closer.