May’s walk of the month: True Lover’s Walk, Yarm

Start: Town Hall near the War Memorial
Distance: 1.8 miles/2.8 kilometres
Time: 33 minutes

PARKING

Park at Yarm Wharf Long Stay Car Park, High Street, Yarm TS15 9AH

THE WALK: A HIDDEN GEM WITH ROMANTIC VIBES

Looking for a serene stroll in Tees Valley? Well, whether you’re walking with your true love or just your favourite playlist, here’s a spot tucked away in one of Teesside’s prettiest places that’s perfect for you. True Lover’s Walk, with its apt name and intriguing history, might just be the escape you need. Running along the side of the River Tees, it offers beautiful views and a touch of mystery.

Nobody knows the identity of the true lovers who inspired the name, but the people see them as Yarm’s own Romeo and Juliet. The walk leads you to West Street and the Church of St Mary Magdalene, where you’ll find a tomb possibly dating back to the 14th century, with figures of a male and female carved into the floor. The mystery surrounding them adds to the walk’s romantic allure.

HLN TOP TIP: After all that mindfulness wandering, why not explore Yarm’s high street? There are plenty of foodie finds, drinking destinations and artisan shops waiting to be discovered.

EXPLORE YARM

THE ROUTE

Starting Point: From the War Memorial, cross over the High Street using the crossing.

Northbound: Turn right, following the High Street northwards, and cross Bridge Street.

Enter True Lover’s Walk: Take the public footpath signposted ‘True Lovers Walk’.

Along the River: As you approach the river, turn left to keep it on your right.

Tarmac Path: Follow this path for about 800m until it veers left between houses.

Join West Street: Turn left and join West Street, then turn right.

Railway Viaduct: Follow West Street until it passes beneath the railway viaduct.

Small Park and Playground: Head straight ahead towards the small park and playground.

Back to Yarm: Take the path through the park, bear right at the junction, and follow it out onto Worsall Road. Turn left and head back to Yarm.

Return Path: Retrace your steps to the Town Hall, crossing the High Street again.

Central Street: Turn right then left into Central Street.

Riverside Path: As you reach the river, turn left and follow the riverside path back to the bridge.

Under the Bridge: Go under the bridge and turn left back onto ‘True Lovers Walk’.

Homeward Bound: Retrace your route back to the Town Hall.

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