Walking & Cycling in Tees Valley

Whether exploring Tees Valley on foot or by bike there are plenty of routes to discover in order to take in the stunning countryside, dramatic coastline, local parks and gardens as well as urban walks taking in the region’s industrial heritage. 

Here are just a few of our suggestions about getting out and about in Tees Valley whether you are pulling on your walking boots or hopping on your bike. 

Walney to Whitby
If you are looking for a challenge there are well-established national cycle and walking routes that take in parts of Tees Valley. 

The Walney to Whitby coast to coast cycle route stretches between Walney Island - just outside Barrow-in-Furness on Cumbria’s Irish Sea coast and Whitby on the North Sea coast. The perfect place for a stopover along the route is Darlington – home to one of the country’s best five star hotels Rockliffe Hall and a great place to catch a show at the impressive Hippodrome Theatre. Alternatively pay a visit to Great Ayton – a pretty village on the banks of the River Leven, visit the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum or climb the iconic Roseberry Topping which is just on the doorstep. 

Cleveland Way National Trail 
If you can't decide whether you prefer dramatic coastline or heather moorland then the 109 mile long Cleveland Way is your perfect trail. With fabulous views, castles, ancient stone crosses and fishing villages tucked into tiny coves, it has the lot. You can’t take on the Cleveland Way without building in a pit stop in the pretty Victorian seaside town of Saltburn. Enjoy a stroll along the pleasure pier or pick up some delicious fish and chips and devour them in front of the brightly coloured beach huts. 

You can also venture into Middlesbrough from this route and explore the local green spaces such as Stewart Park or re-fuel and try one of the great independent restaurants along Baker and Bedford Street. If you are visiting on the last Saturday of the month between April and September you may even catch the fantastic artisan food market Orange Pip. In fact, you should plan your trip around this and make it the ideal re-fuelling station. 

Teesdale Way
The Teesdale Way is a 92 mile route which follows the River Tees from its source at Dufton in Cumbria to the sea at South Gare taking in heritage trails, countryside and the industrial landscape of Tees Valley along the way.

Following the Teesdale Way gives the perfect excuse to discover Darlington, Stockton and Redcar. Stockton is a hub for vibrant events running throughout the year including the Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF) which takes place in August and the Great North CityGames which will be hosted in Stockton for the first time in September 2019. Redcar and Cleveland offers a dramatic coastline as well as some stunning countryside to explore. On your bike? Follow the route of the East Cleveland Klondike or further explore one of the host towns for the Tour de Yorkshire in 2020. 

You can discover the Tees Valley's local walking routes here and cycling routes here. We would also love to know your favourite routes and see your pics if you are out and about. Get in touch on social media using the hashtag #EnjoyTeesValley.