WINTER THESE STROLLS WILL PUT A SMILE BACK ON YOUR FACE
is the ideal time to head out for a walk at a National Trust place near you. As well as being great exercise, a good walk will boost your wellbeing and give you the chance to see nature in all its glory. And with places rich in history, rugged landscapes, leafy woodland and scenic coastlines to choose from, you’ll find walks to suit all the family in Yorkshire and the North East.
Many National Trust walks start or end at a café, so you can fill up before you set off or refuel afterwards, and your four-legged friends are welcome to join you too. Here are some of our favourite spring walks:
Wallington Cambo, Northumberland River Walk: 2.6 miles, easy
This tranquil circular walk will take you through woodland and along the banks of the River Wansbeck, crossing over bridges and stepping stones. Listen to the trickling water and birdsong as you stroll through the dappled sunlight and look out for native wildlife, including dippers.
Northumberland Coast Craster to Low Newton Walk: 7.7 miles, moderate
Enjoy miles of sandy bay on this circular coastal walk. Start in the fishing village of Craster, pass by the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle and the long sweep of Embleton Sands, before reaching Low Newton by the
Sea.
Gibside, Gateshead Valley Views Trail: 4.4 miles, challenging
Enjoy far reaching views across the Derwent Valley on this walk, one of many created as part of Gibside’s historic garden design. Head to the peaceful, less-visited stretch of the River Derwent where, if you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher or an otter.
Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland The Souter Saunter: 2 miles, easy
On this two-mile walking trail, you’ll discover much more than just a lighthouse standing alone on the coast. Follow coastal footSPRING paths to discover a lost village, a nature reserve on the site of a former colliery, interesting rock formations and a beautiful bay.
Allen Banks, near Hexham, Northumberland Morralee Tarn Walk: 2.5 miles, moderate
With its deep gorge created by the River Allen, Allen Banks provides the perfect setting for an adventure. Follow the Morrealee Tarn walk to explore one of the largest areas of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland. Check website before visiting.
Beningbrough, near York River and Woodland Walk: 3.5 miles, moderate
This circular walk takes you from the 18th century hall at Beningbrough, through woodland and along the River Ouse. It offers sweeping views across the estate and the chance to spot a wide range of wildlife.
Malham Tarn, Yorkshire Dales Malham Tarn Tramper Trail: 4.5 miles, easy
This flat circular route explores the woodland, nature reserve and shoreline surrounding the glacial lake of Malham Tarn.
Wentworth Castle Gardens, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire Parkland Explorer Walk: 1.3 miles, easy
This short walk winds through the parkland and takes you past historic monuments like the Rotunda, alongside the Serpentine River and through woodland. You’ll get views of Wentworth Castle across the parkland.
Nostell, near Wakefield, West Yorkshire Obelisk Walk: 2 miles, easy
Enjoy this circular stroll through Nostell’s parkland and its mosaic of habitats, including ancient woodland, traditional grazing pasture and wildflower meadows.
Yorkshire Coast Ravenscar Easy Walk: 1.4–2.3 miles, easy
Discover Ravenscar on this short circular walk, with two optional loops to take in the ruins of Peak Alum Works and an abandoned brickworks and disused Victorian railway bridge.
For more details about these and many more walks, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/yorkshire and nationaltrust.org.uk/north-east