The Great Outdoors

Whether you're an ambler, a rambler or a mountain bike scrambler, North East England's open spaces and stunning scenery invite you to enjoy your leisure time to the full.

Walk this way

Whether you're looking for exhilarating treks or gentle circular walks, North East England has it all.

Feel the wind in your hair on the North Pennines or the sand between your toes on one of Northumberland's long, dune-backed beaches - no wonder both are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The wide open spaces and thrilling views Northumberland National Park and the Cleveland Hills contrast the towering forests of Kielder and Rothbury. If the piping of seabirds and the pounding of the waves is music to your ears, head for the 11-mile footpath along Durham Heritage Coast or stride out along some of the highest cliffs in England on the Cleveland Way National Trail. And if you like your footsteps to lead you back in time, follow Hadrian's Wall and experience the thrill of walking so close to a World Heritage Site.

Wherever you choose to wander, there's a different view around every corner, not to mention our famous North Eastern hospitality at traditional market towns and villages along your route.

Visit our walking microsite for a wide selection of routes and treks: www.visitnortheastengland.com/walking

Bike it how you like it

Whether it's the thrill of the downhill you're after or taking the kids on a gentle traffic free trail, North East England has cycle the routes for you.

North East England offers cyclists of all ages and abilities a choice as wide and welcoming as its stunning countryside.

National cycle routes across the region include the C2C through the glorious Durham Dales to NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland. Alternatively, if you want to ride your own path, head for the exhilarating clifftop paths along Durham's Heritage Coast.

If you're looking for something to get the adrenalin pumping, test your skills on Hamsterley Forest's purpose-designed mountain bike skills loop. Perhaps the ultimate biking high - literally, is the new red and black grade Deadwater Trails - the highest man-made mountain biking tracks in England.

Visit our dedicated mtb site for more information: www.visitnortheastengland.com/mtb

Make a splash

From Sailing and canoeing to surfing and white water rafting, North East England has everything you need to make a splash.