But there are plenty of other places to do your permitted walk in and around the Sunderland area that are less crowded than the seafront. Here’s some suggestions to try away from the more obvious big parks and open spaces.
1. Hylton Riverside
For cracking views of Northern Spire, follow the Hylton Riverside footpath that runs adjacent to the business park. As it's not near any residential areas and many of the nearby offices are closed, it's usually a quiet walk and you often don't see another soul. Photo: JPI Media
2. Burn Park, Thornhill
Possibly Sunderland's smallest park, Burn Park only takes minutes to walk around but it's got a quaint charm with original cobbled paths and a foot bridge. Worth popping to nearby Grinder or Paticake Patisserie for a takeaway coffee and cake if you're out and about. Photo: JPI Media
3. The riverside beneath Sheepfolds
Follow the footpath beneath the Wearmouth Bridge on the north side of the river for a walk filled with reminders of Sunderland's lost industry. It's not as pretty as some of the other walks but it's certainly full of character. Photo: JPI Media
4. Doxford Park
Doxford Park doesn't get as many visitors as larger parks, but it's steeped in history and character. Originally a garden for the home of shipbuilder Charles Doxford, Doxford Hall and its grounds were bequeathed to the city in the late 1960s. Friends of Doxford Park do a great job of promoting the park and before lockdown were running a crowdfunding campaign to enhance the city's only walled garden. Known as the 'Secret Garden', it's housed within the park. Photo: JPI Media