- Feel Good
- 3rd Jun 2026
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9 of the best places for nature lovers in the Tees Valley
For anyone who still thinks it’s all smokestacks and industry in the Tees Valley, prepare to be surprised.
Beyond the skyline of steelworks and the region’s proud industrial heritage lies a landscape packed with dramatic coastline, rolling countryside, peaceful woodlands and green spaces just waiting to be explored.
From windswept clifftop paths and sweeping views to hidden denes, nature reserves and family-friendly parks, the Tees Valley offers far more opportunities to get outdoors than many people realise.
In this guide, we’ll round up nine of the very best places for nature lovers across the Tees Valley, including the top walks, scenic viewpoints and outdoor escapes that prove this corner of the North East is every bit as green as it is gritty.
HIKES WORTH THE CHALLENGE
Guisborough Three Peaks
Distance: 9.2 miles (14.8 km)
Duration: 4.5-5 hours
The Guisborough Three Peaks hike is one of the Tees Valley’s best challenges for keen walkers, combining stunning scenery with a fantastic workout. The circular route starts and ends at Guisborough Forest, and takes in Roseberry Topping, Hanging Stone and Highcliff Nab, offering unbelievable views across the North York Moors and Cleveland Plain.
You can expect steep climbs, woodland trails and open moorland paths along the way. While it’s one of the tougher walks, the beautiful landscapes and panoramic viewpoints make it well worth the effort.
Teesdale Way
Total distance: 92 miles (148 km)
Distance per section: 14 sections at 6.6 miles on average (10.6km)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours per section
The Teesdale Way offers one of the best ways to explore the Tees Valley on foot, following the River Tees through a mix of countryside, woodland and urban landscapes. While the route officially starts in Cumbria and ends in Redcar and Cleveland, there are several points along the way that you can choose to start from.
You can enjoy peaceful riverside paths, nature reserves and wide-open views as the route passes through places including Darlington, Stockton and Yarm before reaching the coast at Teesmouth.
GENTLE AND RELAXING WALKS
RSPB Saltholme
Despite sitting close to industry, RSPB Saltholme is a peaceful, hidden and surprisingly wild slice of nature. It’s one of the Tees Valley’s best spots for accessible nature walks, with mostly level paths that are ideal for wheelchairs, pushchairs and relaxed meanders.
The reserve’s five trails wind around lakes, wetlands and grassland, with plenty of hides and viewing points along the way. Wildlife lovers can spot all sorts, from avocets, herons and lapwings to seals and migrating birds, depending on the season. With the added playground, cafe and shop, it’s very easy to spend a whole day here.
Infinity to Newport Bridge Loop
Distance: 4.2 miles (6.8 km)
Duration: 75-90 mins
If you want a relaxed, flat riverside walk, try out the Infinity to Newport Bridge Loop in Stockton. It follows the River Tees between the Infinity Bridge and Newport Bridge, passing by the Tees Barrage and Team GB-certified White Water Course, before looping back along the opposite bank.
One of our highlights on this walk is the stretch by Portrack Marsh Nature Reserve, a rich wetland that’s absolutely teeming with birds. And don’t forget to look out for seals in the river, especially near the barrage, and maybe an otter or two.
True Lover’s Walk
Distance: 1.8 miles (2.8 km)
Duration: 35 mins
Did you know Yarm had its very own Romeo and Juliet? At least, that’s what local legend says. And they even have their own walk, which is a bit of a hidden gem that intertwines romance and history.
The walk starts from the town hall and 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. Then follow the circular route back to the town hall and explore the local cafes on the high street. We love a walk that ends in cake and coffee.
FOR SCENIC VIEWS
Saltburn Charm Bracelet
Distance: 4.3 miles (7 km)
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
If you’re headed to the Tees Valley coast in search of the best views, Saltburn’s secret Charm Bracelet sculpture is such a hidden gem. Tucked away at the top of Huntcliff on the Cleveland Way, it rewards a bit of effort with a whole load of wow factor.
Pull on your walking boots, head up the hill behind The Ship Inn, and follow the clifftop path for around 40 minutes. You’ll be met with the quirky sculpture of 10 dangling charms, plus breathtaking views of the beach and town that make the climb well worth it.
Roseberry Topping
Distance: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on the route
It’s near impossible to find somewhere in the Tees Valley that offers better views than the peak of Roseberry Topping. We’re talking about the coast on one side, countryside on the other, and dots of towns, villages and industrial works in the distance. It really is beautiful, especially if you head up for sunrise.
Park in the National Trust car park in Newton-under-Roseberry, then head up the iconic hill. There are two different routes – one that is considered more difficult with lots of stairs and one that is easier with a gradual incline. No matter which way you go, you’re guaranteed to be wowed as soon as you reach the top.
GET THE FAMILY OUTDOORS
Huntee
It can be difficult to get kids out in nature, but with Huntee, a simple walk becomes an adventure. This free trail app was created by a Teesside developer and is packed with walks around the local area and beyond, with each one combining clues, challenges and points of interest to keep kids curious.
It’s a great way to keep the outdoors exciting and is the perfect way for families to get their steps in together. Plus, if you’re as competitive as we are, you’ll love the leaderboard feature for groups that complete trails in the fastest time.
Butterfly World
Preston Park, Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3RH
Butterfly World is a fantastic way to get kids out of the house and into nature. Swap the hiking boots for something a little more exotic – this is a tropical greenhouse with over 140 species of butterfly that flit among the exotic plants.
Your ticket allows you entry for the whole day, so you can come and go as you please. Look out for the huge atlas moths and the striking blue morphos. And don’t miss out on the meerkats, marmosets and reptile habitats. It really is a magical place to swap screens for a bit of wildlife wonder.
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