The best walks and hikes around Croft-On-Tees

Yes, the area is excellent for circular walks. Many trails loop back to the start, often combining riverside paths along the Tees with sections through open farmland and quiet country lanes. A good example of a longer circular route is the Blackwell Castle Hill – Croft Bridge loop from Blackwell, which offers a comprehensive tour of the local landscape.

Most trails around Croft-on-Tees are suitable for walking with dogs, especially the open riverside paths. However, you will cross farmland, so be prepared to keep your dog on a lead, particularly around livestock. Some nearby woodlands like Honeypot Wood are popular with local dog walkers, though parking can be limited.

Definitely. The terrain around Croft-on-Tees is mostly flat, making it ideal for families. There are 77 easy-rated routes to choose from. Many of the shorter riverside walks are perfect for little legs, offering peaceful scenery without strenuous climbs. The paths are generally well-maintained and easy to follow.

The scenery is defined by the tranquil River Tees. You can expect gentle, meandering riverside paths, open agricultural fields, and small, shaded woodlands. The landscape is quintessentially rural North Yorkshire, with historic features like Croft Bridge and charming villages adding to the character of the walks.

Yes, the most significant long-distance path is the Teesdale Way. This 92-mile trail follows the River Tees from its source to the sea, and the section around Croft-on-Tees offers some of its most serene lowland walking. You can join the trail for shorter sections or tackle a longer stretch like the one from Eaglescliffe to Croft-on-Tees.

Parking is generally available in the villages, such as Croft-on-Tees and Blackwell, which serve as start points for many routes. For walks starting near specific attractions like Broken Scar Weir, there are often dedicated car parks. Some smaller nature spots, like Honeypot Wood, have free but limited parking, so arriving early is a good idea.

The vast majority of hikes are rated as easy or moderate. The terrain is predominantly flat with very little elevation gain, making it accessible to most fitness levels. Out of over 160 routes, only a handful are considered difficult, so it's a great destination for relaxed and leisurely walking.

Many walks start or finish in villages like Croft-on-Tees or Hurworth-on-Tees, which have traditional pubs perfect for a post-hike meal or drink. Planning a route that loops back to one of these villages is the best way to ensure you can enjoy some local hospitality.

The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers often praise the peaceful riverside atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the abundance of wildlife. The ease of access and the variety of easy to moderate loops are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Yes, the River Tees and surrounding nature reserves are havens for wildlife. Keep an eye out for birdlife along the river, including species like wigeon and goldeneye. Nearby, Scorton Lakes Nature Reserve is a hotspot for birdwatching and also home to mammals like otters, roe deer, and brown hares.

While the area is known for gentle walks, you can find more substantial hikes by combining trail sections or tackling longer loops. The River Tees at Broken Scar – Broken Scar Weir loop from Blackwell is a moderate route of nearly 15 km that provides a longer day out along the river.

The region is rich in history. The 15th-century Croft Bridge is a prominent feature on many local walks. You can also see St. Peter's Church, which has parts dating back to the 12th century. Some routes pass near historic manors or offer distant views of landmarks like Richmond Castle.