7 Christmas walks near Sunderland 2020: best winter wonderland trails for Xmas Day and New Year

With the usual seasonal festivities like office gatherings, multiple parties and large family dinners off the cards this year, we’re all looking for another way to keep ourselves entertained.

Thankfully, we are lucky enough to have the great outdoors at our fingertips - and what better way to spend the Christmas period than getting out for an adventure in the local area.

From forest strolls to wildlife-rich walks, grab your boots and venture out to explore these spectacular locations near Sunderland.

Best Christmas walks near Sunderland

Cleadon Hills

Cleadon Hills Pathway, South Shields NE34 8EG

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Distance: 1.6km

Start point: Near South Shields golf club

Whether you fancy a fast trek or a gentle stroll, Cleadon Hills’ rugged landscape has it all.

The Windmill and Water Tower Walk is a popular one, and only takes around an hour to complete.

There’s some fairly steep grass and gravel paths, plus a stile on the way.

En route, keep an eye out for the famous Exmoor ponies.

Sunderland to South Shields

Monkwearmouth, Sunderland SR5 1BG

Difficulty: Moderate

Distance: 13.4km

Start point: St. Peter’s metro station

If coastal paths are your thing, look no further than this refreshing route along the promenade, through Roker Park, then along the spectacular Seaburn Beach.

It will take you a good few hours to complete this segment - but the views make it completely worth it.

Look out for the eye-catching Souter Lighthouse on your way.

Gibside Estate

Near Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 6BG

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.5km

Start point: Market Place

Nestled in the sweeping Derwent Valley is this grand, 600-acre historic garden, a 40-minute drive from Sunderland which you won’t grudge when you get there.

There’s a plethora of walks to enjoy here in the woodland, and the “Gibside explorer trail” is one of the best to start.

It is lined with picture-perfect trees that look absolutely glorious in the autumn months especially.

Thornley Woodlands

Lockhaugh Rd, Rowlands Gill NE39 1AU

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 4km

Start point: Thornley Woodlands Centre

Also found within the ancient woodlands of the Derwent Valley is Thornley Woodlands, a 30-minute drive from Sunderland.

A favourite spot among bird-watchers, the area is home to great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches and sparrow hawks, with an observation hide located within the woods.

All walking routes are clearly marked. A good one to try out is the Riverside Route, marked with red signs.

Rising Sun Country Park

Whitley Rd, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9SS

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 3.2km

Start point: Country park centre

If the movie-like name of this park doesn’t make you want to go, then the beautiful views will.

Pack a picnic and set out on the drive in the morning to spend a full day in the 400-acre area.

Simply choose a walking route and follow the colour-coded arrows through the woods - if you’re in the mood for an easy stroll, follow the signs to the community farm.

There, you can see various animals depending on the time of year. Stags are also known to inhabit the area.

Chopwell Wood

Chopwell Wood, Rowlands Gill, Gateshead, NE39 1LT

Difficulty: Hard

Distance: 7km

Start point: Chopwell wood car park

Ask any local and they’ll recommend a trip to Chopwell Wood for some unbeatable forest walks.

It’s 360 hectares of mixed woodland which looks spectacular whatever the season.

There’s miles of paths and an old colliery railway track, making the place perfect for a breath of fresh air, whether you’re a walker or a cyclist.

If you fancy something a bit more challenging, the Boundary walk is the longest way-marked walk in the Wood and tours from north to south through the trees.

Plessey Wood Country Park

Shields Rd, Plessey, Bedlington NE22 6AN

Difficulty: Easy

Distance: 2.4km

Start point: Plessey Wood visitor centre

Located between Bedlington and Cramlington, the drive to Plessey Wood from Sunderland is 40 minutes - but the mini road-trip is absolutely worth it for a beautiful day out.

You’re able to meander through the towering trees, through no less than 100 acres of woodland.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as woodpeckers and nuthatches are common, as well as red squirrels, roe deer and foxes.

It’s a dog-friendly location, and the walking is relatively easy with a few steep steps and grassy inclines in places.