TEES TRAIL
‘A superbly varied route with many surprises and great driving’
We Begin facing the Tees Transporter Bridge (which opened in 1911) on the south bank of the river at Middlesbrough. The iron framework supports a suspended moving platform taking traffic and people across the water. After the five-minute crossing, take the A178, passing via Seal Sands and Seaton Carew (with its magnificent art deco bus station) continuing along the coast road into Hartlepool. Follow the signs to the A179, and the National Museum of the Royal Navy, exhibits including the UK’s oldest warship still afloat – HMS Trincomalee, built in 1817. Continue along the A179 for a mile then take the A1048 Cleveland Road on to the High Street and Headland where you can see the Medieval Town Wall. Nearby, on Town Moor is the Heugh Battery Museum and a plaque marking the spot where the first British soldier was killed on home soil in World War One. Nearby is another memorial, where locals allegedly hanged a monkey during the Napoleonic Wars, believing it to be a French spy! Back on to the A179 then take the A19 to Middlesbrough, where you can take a minor detour via the A66 to visit the Tees Barrage. From the A19 turn left on to the A174 then a couple of miles later take a right to enjoy the B1365 towards Stokesley. Follow the signs to Great Ayton, a picturesque village at the foot of the Cleveland Hills, which was home to explorer, Captain James Cook. Head along the A173 and you’ll reach the 1049ft Roseberry Topping, formed in the Jurassic period but with a unique look following a landslip 100 years ago. Finally, take the A173 then A171 for a fantastic 25-mile drive to Whitby with its beautiful harbour.