As the evenings get lighter and warmer, it’s a great time to go outside, get some fresh air, get moving and enjoy some of the local walks in your area.
Since May is National Walking Month (which uses the wonderful hashtag #WalkThisMay) we decided to mark this occasion by speaking to customers who take part in our Rise Up walking group to find out about their favourite local jaunts.
We'll be sharing a different walk right here throughout May and, if you feel inspired, you can go and try them out for yourself.
Hamsterley Forest
Our walking group Rise Up recently visited Hamsterley Forest in County Durham for their first group walk in over two years.
The group went for a sunny walk in the woods where they spotted the Gruffalo, got to look at the beautiful natural scenery the forest has to offer and enjoy a great cup of coffee at the Hamstereley Forest cafe.
Watch a video of their trip.
You can find out more about Hamsterley Forest at www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest
Heaton Park and Armstrong Park
Mark Thompson loves to go walking and one of his favourites is the walk-through Heaton Park, the heart of a thriving community and Armstrong Park, a historic park on the East bank of the Ouseburn Valley which leads to Jesmond Dene.
Mark said: "It’s beautiful in the parks with all the different colours and it’s very peaceful. I particularly like the walk down to the river and getting to look over the white bridge, The water has a soothing and calming effect.
"It's like walking through history as you learn about the old Cattle Run that Lord Armstrong had built to herd live-stock."
You can find out more about can find out more about Heaton Park and Armstrong Park by visiting Urban Green Newcastle.
Whitley Bay to Tynemouth
John Osborne is a big fan of the walk from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth.
John is a keen walker and has been a member of the Newcastle and district CHA and HF rambler club for over ten years.
John said "I like the views out to sea and the walk along the promenade from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth.
“I enjoy being beside the sea, as I live in the city and it’s a nice change of scenery. There are lots of nice places to stop off for food and
drink, especially fish and chips.”
John isn't wrong about the food, with the Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay offering steak and seafood, fish and chips, afternoon tea and more, whilst Tynemouth is home to the Marshalls chippy where legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix had a bite to eat and seafood restaurant Riley's Fish Shack located right on the beach on King Edward's Bay. You can also head to Crusoe's sea front cafe on the Longsands beach.
As well as great food, there's also lots of great things to see and do, including the historic Priory and Castle and the aquarium in Tynemouth and St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay to name but a few.
You can find out more about Whitley Bay and Tynemouth on the NewcastleGateshead website.
Newcastle Gateshead Quayside
Robert Thomson who lives in Newburn says his favourite walk is along Newcastle Quayside.
Robert said "There is so much to see and enjoy. You have great views like looking at all the bridges including the High Level, Swing and Millennium bridges. Also its handy for a coffee break with the Quayside Witherspoon and Greggs.
"If you walk along to the Millennium bridge you will see spectacular views including of the old flower mill which is now the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and you can walk along the Gateshead side of the Tyne and take in views of the Sage Gateshead,
"I would definitely recommend this walk to anyone. It helps me to relax and be calm."
You can find out more about the top sights and things to do on the Quayside by visiting NewcastleGateshead's website.
Kielder Forest
David Hunt who lives in Newcastle loves to walk in Northumberland's Kielder Forest.
David said: "They have a river, lake, and lots of wildlife there and you can even arrange to have an eagle or owl sit on your arm. There are many facilities including a visitor centre, a café, a picnic areas and you can take part in things like kayaking and canoeing on the lake.
"There are lots of beautiful walks to go on and it makes for a great day out."
You can find out more about Kielder Forest on their website.
National Walking Month takes place every May and is a great opportunity to get active and learn about where the local walks are in your area and what benefits you can feel from walking. To find out more visit Living Streets National Walking Month page.
#WalkThisMay
As the evenings get lighter and warmer, it’s a great time to go outside, get some fresh air, get moving and enjoy some of the local walks in your area.
Since May is National Walking Month (which uses the wonderful hashtag #WalkThisMay) we decided to mark this occasion by speaking to customers who take part in our Rise Up walking group to find out about their favourite local jaunts.
We'll be sharing a different walk right here throughout May and, if you feel inspired, you can go and try them out for yourself.
Hamsterley Forest
Our walking group Rise Up recently visited Hamsterley Forest in County Durham for their first group walk in over two years.
The group went for a sunny walk in the woods where they spotted the Gruffalo, got to look at the beautiful natural scenery the forest has to offer and enjoy a great cup of coffee at the Hamstereley Forest cafe.
Watch a video of their trip.
You can find out more about Hamsterley Forest at www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest
Heaton Park and Armstrong Park
Mark Thompson loves to go walking and one of his favourites is the walk-through Heaton Park, the heart of a thriving community and Armstrong Park, a historic park on the East bank of the Ouseburn Valley which leads to Jesmond Dene.
Mark said: "It’s beautiful in the parks with all the different colours and it’s very peaceful. I particularly like the walk down to the river and getting to look over the white bridge, The water has a soothing and calming effect.
"It's like walking through history as you learn about the old Cattle Run that Lord Armstrong had built to herd live-stock."
You can find out more about can find out more about Heaton Park and Armstrong Park by visiting Urban Green Newcastle.
Whitley Bay to Tynemouth
John Osborne is a big fan of the walk from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth.
John is a keen walker and has been a member of the Newcastle and district CHA and HF rambler club for over ten years.
John said "I like the views out to sea and the walk along the promenade from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth.
“I enjoy being beside the sea, as I live in the city and it’s a nice change of scenery. There are lots of nice places to stop off for food and
drink, especially fish and chips.”
John isn't wrong about the food, with the Spanish City Dome in Whitley Bay offering steak and seafood, fish and chips, afternoon tea and more, whilst Tynemouth is home to the Marshalls chippy where legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix had a bite to eat and seafood restaurant Riley's Fish Shack located right on the beach on King Edward's Bay. You can also head to Crusoe's sea front cafe on the Longsands beach.
As well as great food, there's also lots of great things to see and do, including the historic Priory and Castle and the aquarium in Tynemouth and St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay to name but a few.
You can find out more about Whitley Bay and Tynemouth on the NewcastleGateshead website.
Newcastle Gateshead Quayside
Robert Thomson who lives in Newburn says his favourite walk is along Newcastle Quayside.
Robert said "There is so much to see and enjoy. You have great views like looking at all the bridges including the High Level, Swing and Millennium bridges. Also its handy for a coffee break with the Quayside Witherspoon and Greggs.
"If you walk along to the Millennium bridge you will see spectacular views including of the old flower mill which is now the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and you can walk along the Gateshead side of the Tyne and take in views of the Sage Gateshead,
"I would definitely recommend this walk to anyone. It helps me to relax and be calm."
You can find out more about the top sights and things to do on the Quayside by visiting NewcastleGateshead's website.
Kielder Forest
David Hunt who lives in Newcastle loves to walk in Northumberland's Kielder Forest.
David said: "They have a river, lake, and lots of wildlife there and you can even arrange to have an eagle or owl sit on your arm. There are many facilities including a visitor centre, a café, a picnic areas and you can take part in things like kayaking and canoeing on the lake.
"There are lots of beautiful walks to go on and it makes for a great day out."
You can find out more about Kielder Forest on their website.
National Walking Month takes place every May and is a great opportunity to get active and learn about where the local walks are in your area and what benefits you can feel from walking. To find out more visit Living Streets National Walking Month page.
#WalkThisMay
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