7 Christmas walks near Sunderland 2020: best winter wonderland trails for Xmas Day and New Year
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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.
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Hide AdFrom 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
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Hide AdIf 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.
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Hide AdThere’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.
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Hide AdAll 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.
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Hide AdThere, 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.
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Hide AdIf 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.