The best walks and hikes around Gateshead

Yes, Gateshead is great for family outings. Many trails are located within parks that offer easy, well-maintained paths. A popular choice is the Frog Sculpture by the Lake – Waterfall and Stream loop from Dunston, which is a gentle walk through Watergate Forest Park. Saltwell Park is another excellent option, with its gardens, lake, and wide paths perfect for a leisurely stroll with children.

Most trails in Gateshead are dog-friendly, especially in large open spaces like Watergate Forest Park and Chopwell Wood. These areas offer plenty of space for dogs to explore. Banesley Lane Woodland is a smaller, enclosed area often used by local dog walkers. Always check for local signage, as some nature reserves or specific paths may require dogs to be on a lead.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty, particularly the reclaimed railway lines of the Derwent Walk and the peaceful woodlands.

For impressive views, the Red Kite Viewpoint – Chopwell Pump Track loop from High Spen offers panoramic vistas and the chance to spot red kites. For waterfalls, Watergate Forest Park features a man-made cascade known locally as the 'Floating stones', which is a lovely feature on walks around the park's lake.

Definitely. There are over 150 easy routes in the area. A great starting point is the Gibside Hall Ruins – Gibside Estate loop from Rowlands Gill. This trail offers a gentle walk through a historic landscape garden with well-marked paths and beautiful architecture.

Chopwell Wood is the largest woodland in Tyne and Wear, offering miles of paths through a mix of conifer and broadleaf trees. Its rich industrial past as a site for mining and timber adds a layer of history to your hike. The Chopwell Pump Track – Red Kite Viewpoint loop from Chopwell is a long route that showcases the scale and variety of the forest.

There are over 280 designated hiking routes to explore around Gateshead. These range from short, easy loops in local parks to more challenging long-distance paths through woodlands and along the River Derwent, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level.

Yes, major hiking destinations typically have dedicated parking. Watergate Forest Park has a large, free car park which is a popular starting point for many walks. Derwent Walk Country Park and Chopwell Wood also have designated parking areas, though it's always wise to arrive early on weekends as they can get busy.

Many trails are routed through or near villages with traditional pubs. The Old Railway Bridge – Derwent Walk Entrance loop from Whickham starts and ends in a town with several options for a post-hike meal or drink. Exploring routes that begin in places like Whickham or Rowlands Gill will often provide good opportunities to find a pub.

The green spaces around Gateshead are rich in wildlife. The Derwent Valley is famous for its population of red kites, which are often seen soaring overhead. The woodlands and meadows are also home to deer, foxes, and a variety of birdlife. The lakes and rivers, like those in Watergate Forest Park, attract waterfowl such as swans and ducks.

Yes, Thornley Woods, which is part of the Derwent Walk Country Park, features a well-known sculpture trail. The Wooden Eagle Sculpture – Thornley Woods Sculpture Trail loop from Whickham is a longer hike that incorporates these interesting wooden artworks, making for a more varied walking experience.

The Derwent Walk follows the path of a former railway line that was once used to transport iron ore and coal. Today, it has been transformed into a beautiful country park. Hiking here means you'll walk through scenic woodlands and meadows while passing remnants of its industrial past, including impressive viaducts like the Nine Arches Viaduct.