This is an advertisement for August 2021. Any shares / edits beyond this date have not been asked or paid for.
Go Smarter, Go Active is a brand new campaign which aims to encourage more people to explore the whole of North East England via active travel (walking, cycling, scooting etc.....). You may remember I have previously shared some of their free summer roadshows and I can personally vouch for how brilliant they were at encouraging Jack to get on his bike with their FREE kids cycling classes.
During the pandemic, walking and cycling has increased across the North East (in some parts of the region cycling has increased by 120%) and with the obvious health and environmental benefits of active travel, Go Smarter, Go Active aim to provide resources to help keep the momentum going.
There is a lot going on (which you can see on the main Go Smarter, Go Active website) but today I am going to focus on the days out itineraries and walking and cycling maps which are available completely free of charge for all to access and download. One point that really stands out across this campaign is that it takes place across the whole of the North East and some of the routes even cross boundaries and allow you to explore two (or more) regions.
15+ Walking & Cycling Routes Across North East England
Head over to the 'Travel Itineraries' section of the Go Smarter, Go Active website and you will find a range of fantastic days out itineraries across North East England that can be explored by walking or cycling. The maps and itineraries that have been created are fantastic and include key information including:
- Whether the route is suitable for walkers / cyclists (or both)
- Public transport information and postcode
- Whether the route is suitable for wheelchair users and pushchairs
- Terrain information
- Whether the route is circular or linear
- The distance of the route
The itinerary maps are bright, easy to read, point out areas of interest / things to do along the route and include bus & Metro stops too. They're brill! With the linear routes, there are usually options to return by public transport too. Below is an example but I urge you to have a look at them all. Click on the image to make it bigger.
Ok, now you have an idea of what to expect, let's take a look at some of the routes and itineraries available......
The Riverbank Roamer (County Durham)
This is a 3.5 mile circular walking route (not suitable for wheels) taking in the sights of Durham City and riverbank. Download the free map and find out more here.
Sun Rise Stroller (North Tyneside)
A Bit of the Sea (Northumberland and North Tyneside)
This 4.9 mile linear route is suitable for walking and cycling and the full route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This coastal walk takes you from St Mary's Lighthouse along the coast to Blyth Quayside with various points of interest along the way.
If you don't wish to tackle the full route at once, you could easily try it in sections too - maybe switch between walking and cycling? There are lovely play parks along this route at Seaton Sluice, Blyth Beach and then Ridley Park. Check out the map and find out more here.
If you don't wish to tackle the full route at once, you could easily try it in sections too - maybe switch between walking and cycling? There are lovely play parks along this route at Seaton Sluice, Blyth Beach and then Ridley Park. Check out the map and find out more here.
Discover Derwent (Gateshead and County Durham)
This 12 mile linear route is also suitable for walking and cycling and the full route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This route takes you along the old Derwent Valley Railway and passes by lots of points of interest. Check out the map and find out more here.
This 12 mile linear route is also suitable for walking and cycling and the full route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This route takes you along the old Derwent Valley Railway and passes by lots of points of interest. Check out the map and find out more here.
Newcastle - Blaydon Racer (Newcastle and Gateshead)
This 6.6 mile linear route (you can return by public transport if needed) is suitable for walking and cycling and the full route is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. This trail is inspired by the famous song and historic horse race and takes in lots of the famous sights in NewcastleGateshead. Check out the map and find out more here.
Mosey Around Morpeth (Northumberland)
North Sea Breezer (County Durham and Sunderland)
This linear route is 6.1 miles in total, of which 1 mile is suitable for cycling (the full route is suitable for walking). The route is partially accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs and will take from Seaham Harbour along the coast and past some of Wearside's best kept secrets. Check out the map and find out more here.
Parklife (Newcastle)
A 3.8 mile (accessible) or 6.6 mile (partially accessible) circular route suitable for walking and cycling which will take you past a mix of beautiful nature with cascading waterfalls alongside some of Newcastle's most-loved landmarks. Download a free trail map and find out more here.
All Around the Boundary (Chopwell Woods, Gateshead)
This 5.2 mile circular route is suitable for walking and cycling (not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs) and will take you through beautiful woodland where you can discover some of Chopwell Wood's industrial heritage. Download a free trail map and find out more here.
This 5.2 mile circular route is suitable for walking and cycling (not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs) and will take you through beautiful woodland where you can discover some of Chopwell Wood's industrial heritage. Download a free trail map and find out more here.
The Hadrian Hike (Northumberland)
Hadrian's Wall is so vast and knowing where to start can be daunting at times. This 5 mile circular route seems like a good place to start. Suitable for walkers (not accessible for wheels due to the terrain), you will pass Sycamore Gap and some of the region's most stunning countryside and of course, lots of Roman history too. Check out the full route here.
Sunderland Keel Line (Sunderland and South Tyneside)
A 3.6 mile linear route suitable for walking, cycling and fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. This route pays particular attention to the ships and shipbuilders of the region's past and is steeped in history. Check out the map and find out more here.
A 3.6 mile linear route suitable for walking, cycling and fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. This route pays particular attention to the ships and shipbuilders of the region's past and is steeped in history. Check out the map and find out more here.
The Sand Dancer (South Tyneside)
Walk The Line (County Durham)
A 6.5 - 17.5 mile extensive route suitable for walking or cycling (partially accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs - check the terrain notes) which takes you along extensive railway paths which used to carry iron ore to Consett Steelworks and coal from Langley Park. A nice route for nature lovers looking to enjoy a longer route. Download the free map and find out more here.
A 6.5 - 17.5 mile extensive route suitable for walking or cycling (partially accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs - check the terrain notes) which takes you along extensive railway paths which used to carry iron ore to Consett Steelworks and coal from Langley Park. A nice route for nature lovers looking to enjoy a longer route. Download the free map and find out more here.
The Coastal Cruiser (North Tyneside and South Tyneside)
Tyne Trek (Newcastle and Gateshead)
This 3.3 mile linear route is suitable for cycling, walking and is fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. It will take you along the River Tyne from Ouseburn to Dunston Staithes. Plenty of points of interest and places to stop along the way. Check out the map and find out more here.
Penshaw Point to Point (Sunderland)
There are two options to try with this route (it is mostly accessible for cyclists / wheelchairs / pushchairs with an option to extend with a climb up Penshaw Monument for those who are walking). The route will take you through Herrington Country Park where you can enjoy beautiful views and take in some of the park's unique sculptures. Check out the map and find out more here.
Even More Walking & Cycling Routes
If any of the above set itineraries and routes don't take your fancy or you would like a little more freedom, the lovely folk at Go Smarter, Go Active have created brand new maps featuring cycling and walking routes which cover the whole of the North East. They are perfect for journey planning across the region whether this be for leisure or commuting.
You can view the maps here (you will need to zoom in and out).
I am often asked for traffic-free cycle routes and I love that the map that has been created includes these and they are super easy to see (look out for the thick green line - see they key below). The map is super flexible and you can use it to easily find shorter routes or plan a full week's worth of routes. It's such a good resource and I am sure many families will find it useful.
You can view the maps here (you will need to zoom in and out).
I am often asked for traffic-free cycle routes and I love that the map that has been created includes these and they are super easy to see (look out for the thick green line - see they key below). The map is super flexible and you can use it to easily find shorter routes or plan a full week's worth of routes. It's such a good resource and I am sure many families will find it useful.
What a fantastic set of resources. We are going to be trying one of these routes soon so keep your eyes peeled for my posts. I will let you know how we get on.
If you do follow one of these itineraries, share your photos and tips across Social Media using #GoSmarterGoActive - you might just inspire others to follow your tracks.
If you do follow one of these itineraries, share your photos and tips across Social Media using #GoSmarterGoActive - you might just inspire others to follow your tracks.
Something to be aware of: Go Smarter, Go Active contains general information on travel options and maps aimed to facilitate people across the North East exploring, travelling, and enjoying active travel. Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that the information published on this website is correct and informative at the time when it was added, however the information provided may be subject to changes.
Users are expected to exercise their own due diligence and discretion. Users who decide to follow the advice, maps or itineraries do so at their own risk. Transport North East are not liable for any injury, damage or financial loss that might occur due to sole reliance on this website.
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