Picton 10 Miler

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 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.

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 This was once a coaching route, but in later years this has been replaced by the A1 which sadly bypasses many of the pretty villages and towns along the route.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

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.

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.