The Big Smile

Setting out from the market town of Middleton-in-Teesdale, follow the Teesdale Way along the river and the Tees Railway Walk on this 15-mile trek.

From Middleton-in-Teesdale, follow the Tees as it winds its way upstream. Unparalleled views of the spectacular Low Force Waterfall await on this 11-mile walk.

A great dales walk in a popular walking area, there is plenty to see on this 13-mile walk from Forest-in-Teesdale, which follows the Tees upriver as it snakes through the Tees Valley.

Starting at Seahouses on the North-East coast, we take a walk around the harbour – past Seahouses point – and along the coastline, before dropping down to Beadnell beach.

From High Newton-by-the-sea, wind around the rugged coastline to Low Newton-by-the-sea. St Oswald’s Way leads south to the distinctive Dunstanburgh Castle and on to Craster, famed for its smoked kippers.12-mile circular.

A classic Cheviot Fell walk, climb Scald Hill and continue to the Cheviot itself at 800m before dropping to Scotman’s Cairn, Comb Fell, Hedgehope Hill and Long Crags. Short but steep!

A fantastic fell walk, peaking at Yeavering Bell, where the summit is encircled by the wall of a late-prehistoric hillfort.

This beautiful coastal walk starts in Warkworth, looping around the ruins of the medieval castle before following the river to the sea at Amble. The Northumberland coast path leads the way back.

Beginning in Kentmere, this beautiful fell walk covers ten of the peaks documented by Alfred Wainwright in a classic horseshoe route.

Boasting one of the finest views in the Lake District when the weather is good, Coniston Old Man is the high point of this 9-mile fell walk.

Scafell Pike is the highest point in England at 978 metres. This is a challenging, but hugely rewarding hike that takes in some of the Lake District’s most iconic mountains.

The Langdales contain some of the finest fell walks in the Lake District. What this 10-mile trek lacks in distance it more than makes up for in terms of challenge and character.

Skirting around the summit of Latrigg, a steep climb to the top of Skiddaw Little Man precedes Skiddaw itself; the fourth highest mountain in the Lake District at 931 metres.

Perhaps the most iconic mountain in the Lake District and recently voted Britain’s best walk. This 12-mile hike summits Helvellyn from Glenridding, climbing Whiteside and Lower Man before the peak itself.

From Patterdale, climb up towards Angletarn Pike and trace the ridgeline towards Beda Head and Low Brock Crags. Follow the valley down to Martindale before climbing Hallin Fell and on to Ullswater.

A tough but fantastic fell walk, this classic route offers lovely views of Ullswater from St Sunday Crag. Ascend Cofa Pike before climbing to the highest point: the summit of Fairfield Peak.

Follow a popular route up to the summit of Catbells, enjoying the superb views of Derwentwater and the surrounding fells, before dropping down and looping around the far end of the lake.

From Reeth, follow Arkle Beck upstream to the high point at Hurst. Pass Stormthwaite Hall, and the delightfully named hamlet of Booze before carrying on to Langthwaite and back to Reeth.

This picturesque dales walk heads westwards along the valley, meeting the Swale and skirting around the slopes of Black Hill. At Keld, climb back up the valley to complete this 12-mile walk.

From the grounds of the ruined Jervaux Abbey, loop around Masham Bank to Ellingstring, entering woodland and crossing to Deep Gill. At Middleham, follow the river back to the starting point.

Famously featured in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, this 13.5-mile hike sets out from the River Esk near Whitby Abbey, following the pristine coastal path south towards Robin Hood’s Bay.

Trek from the top of Hedleyhope Fell towards Sunniside and the hamlet of Thornley, then on to Tow Law – some 1,000 feet above sea level.

Follow the shoreline of Derwent Reservoir and meander across the meadows to the village of Edmondbyers on this gentle 13.5-mile walk through the beautiful Derwent Valley.

This popular walk takes the riverside path through Derwent Walk Country Park, passing Kite Hill – where there is a good chance of spotting one of these magnificent birds of prey.

From the Stadium of Light, drop down to the River Wear before following a path to Sunderland Marina to enjoy a stroll on the beach. Bede’s Way leads back inland.

Pick up the Pennine Way at Low Force, and continue on to the spectacular High Force waterfall where the water dramatically roars over the top.

This 13-mile circular features a short diversion to the legendary Drake Stone; a historic druid meeting place. Skirt Geordy’s Nick before exploring the ruins of Harbottle Castle and on to Lady’s Well.

Follow streams, summit fells and explore woodland on this 14.5-mile hike in the Scottish Borders. From the reservoir, follow the Lewis Burn to The Forks, before climbing Larriston Fells.

From Rothbury, cross the River Coquet and climb towards Lordenshaws at the foot of the Simonside Hills. Ascend Dove Crag and on to the high point at Simonside where superb vistas await.

This undulating 13-mile trek follows the River East Allen and explores the cool woodland above the West Allen. Expect plenty of wildlife and remnants of the local lead mining industry.

After a dramatic cliff-top start at Tynemouth, follow the coast road before dropping down to Longsands beach and then round to Cullercoats Bay and on to Whitley Bay.

In his book ‘Pennine Way Companion’, Alfred Wainwright memorably described seeing High Cup Nick as, “a great moment in the journey”. Explore the U-shaped glacial chasm on this 11.5-mile trek.

Beginning and ending at the Hamsterley Forest car park, strike out on a broad path towards the western reaches of the forest, before heading back in a 13-mile figure of eight.

A 12-mile route steeped in history, this walk sets out eastwards from the Bowes Museum, visiting Egglestone Abbey before following the Tees to Cotherstone and back.

From the urban to the rural, this 12-mile walk around Newcastle encompasses the best scenery the city has to offer, from the Quayside to the delights of Jesmond Dene.

A wealth of historical and environmental attractions make this an interesting and diverse walk. Starting at Bolton Abbey, follow the river to Lud Stream Cave before climbing Simon’s Seat.

Take the riverside path to Gordale Scar – a limestone ravine containing two waterfalls. From here, pick up a path along Stridebut Edge towards the impressive amphitheatre-shaped cliff of Malham Cove.

Follow the River Wharfe south, passing Foss Gill Cave. Ascend Starbotton Fell, and then up onto Buckden Pike at 700 metres. Wind down to Yokenthwaite and back to Buckden.

Boasting 25 miles of undulating dales, the Yorkshire Three Peaks is a formidable challenge. Summiting Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, you’ll need to come prepared!

The cone-shaped summit of Roseberry Topping is visible from miles around. From Easby Wood, head to Captain Cook’s Monument before looping around moorland to climb the distinctive peak.

This 15-mile trek starts with a tough uphill section to high ground above the Wear Valley, before following the Bollihope Burn and the River Wear for a gentler finishing stretch.

This 14-mile hike follows the River Derwent before rising up to the moors and fringing Slaley forest. History and heritage surround, with Blanchland recognised as one of the country’s prettiest villages.

Follow the Weardale Way up to Bolt’s Law on this 15.5-mile hike. The Weatherhill and Rookhope railway path leads you to the valley, moors and woodland back to Stanhope.

From Allensford picnic area, trek up to Hownsgill viaduct – one of the most impressive railway structures in North-East England –  before picking up the Waskerley Way to Rowley.