The North East has the routes, just bring your boots

There’s no better way to kickstart your New Year than by getting outdoors and doing some walking. And with the latest walking guide for North East England now available the region could be just the place to try out those new hiking boots.

This year’s guide features a total of 10 walks, with four brand-new walks for this year, covering everything from heather-shrouded hills, peaceful green dales and dramatic coastlines.

Each walk has an easy to follow, step-by-step route map, as well as information on the difficulty of the walk, the distance and the time it should take to complete. The walks range from 11 miles to four and highlight places of interest along the way, how to get there and where the nearest parking facilities are located.

One day you can try an easy stroll along the stunning Northumberland coastline taking in the sights of the traditional fishing village of Craster and the next you can climb to the top of Roseberry Topping in the Tees Valley for some breathtaking views of the region.

The free guide also highlights a number of long distance walks which make their way through the region, including; St Cuthbert’s Way which takes walkers on to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne; Hadrian’s Wall Path which follows the line of this World Heritage site and the Pennine Way.

And with a specially dedicated website, visitnortheastengland.com/walking visitors will be able to start planning their walking trip right now. Visitors can view all the routes online, order the walking guide and even book from a wide range of walking-friendly accommodation.

Tania Robinson, Head of Marketing at One North East said: “The new guide is packed with fantastic walks for everyone to enjoy as part of a full day out whatever their age or ability. Walking is big business for North East England and is a significant part of One North East’s Tourism marketing activity.”

And if that wasn’t enough to entice you off the sofa then why not take part in one of a number of Walking Festivals taking place in the region including; Haltwhistle Walking Festival which takes place on 25th April – 9th May. And for the first time this year the festival will include a longer challenge walk – The Haltwhistle Challenge is a 24 mile, circular walk or the Rothbury Walking Festival which this year will be from June 13th – 20th.

Also new for 2009 is the Lakeside Way at Kielder Water and Forest Park. The multi-user trail stretches 27 miles around the lake shore and is suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders, wheel chair and push chair users.

To get a copy of the walking guide visit visitnortheastengland.com/walking.