Cleasby walks

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

The 25th section of the walk veers away from the River Tees today, crossing farmland and following bridle paths through the villages of Blackwell, Stapleton and ending at Croft-on-Tees.

The 26th section of the walk continues through beautiful countryside and the pretty villages of Croft-on-Tees, Hurworth, Neasham and Girsby giving occasional glimpses of the River Tees.

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.

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 This was once a coaching route, but in later years this has been replaced by the A1 which sadly bypasses many of the pretty villages and towns along the route.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

The 24th section of the route follows the Teesdale Way along the banks of the River Tees passing through villages along the way. The River Tees is very tranquil and picturesque here so there are plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the area.

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.

The 28th section of the walk takes in several villages before crossing open farmland before arriving in Sadberge. An alternative, more accessible route has been given which is equally as charming.

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.

The 29th section is another walk through open countryside and farms finishing in the village of Stillington where evidence of the industrial past is evident through the rows of terraced houses and the railway which runs through the centre of the village.

The 27th section of the walk is through open countryside and through woodland, crossing the River Tees midway through the walk and then following the river to Middleton One Row.

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.

The 23rd section follows the banks of the River Tees from Winston through the pretty village of Gainford which is well worth a stop, then continues to the ancient settlement of Piercebridge with its Roman fort and bridge.

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.

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.