Walks you can reach from MetroCentre by train

Sunderland Station to Seaham Station (Durham)

30m direct from MetroCentre.

Scenic for most of its length, with a choice of walking high, low, or on the beach.

Tough: steep ascents. 11km.

Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route

Blaydon Station to Newcastle Station (Durham)

4m direct from MetroCentre.

cracking views along the river. An urban route with a mix of green and built-up spaces, following the banks of the River Tyne and only leaving the river to skirt industrial units. Almost all tarmac or paving and accessible for wheelers and with a minor detour at a stepped railway crossing near Blaydon. A peaceful bridleway start; cracking river views. Follows the Hadrian's Wall National Trail (Hadrian's Way) and the Keelmans Way cycle path along the Tyne, rich in wildlife including the world's most inland kittiwake colony, peregrine falcon and shelduck (best at low tide). Information boards cover the history of industrial Tyneside; the 'Dunston Staiths' timber jetty is visible across the river.

8km.

Crossing the river at Scotswood Bridge is a little fiddly, walking beside the busy A695 traffic.

Lunch: The Italian bistro Liosi's is on the route; no toilet stops along the riverside.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hexham Station to Corbridge Station (Northumberland)

30m direct from MetroCentre.

A great woodland and river walk; A lovely route. A pleasant walk on riverside and woodland paths and tracks along the Tyne, with some roads. Begins with a climb and steps out of Hexham, then mostly uphill muddy woodland paths and a tarmac drive that becomes a muddy farm track, before a well-made path beside the river into Corbridge. Steps and rough and muddy ground make much of it foot-only. The route passes right by the entrance to Dilston Physic Garden, a two-acre botanical garden with homemade herbal teas (entrance fee; check opening times). It also passes the remains of the Roman bridge near Corbridge and the multiple chimneys of Duke's House.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

The walk crosses a railway line on an unboarded pedestrian level crossing, so take care. Care is also needed crossing the A695 at Dilston. Steps and rough, muddy woodland paths.

Corbridge has plenty of coffee and pub stops.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Haltwhistle Station to Hexham Station (Northumberland)

30m direct from MetroCentre.

A long rural route along the South Tyne valley over tarmac roads, unpaved country lanes and field paths, with woodland sections that can be muddy and wet with a few fords. Mostly flat with some genuinely steep climbs and several lesser-used footpaths get badly overgrown with nettles and brambles in summer. Follows the signposted River Tyne Trail as far as Haydon Bridge, then goes off-route. Passes the National Trust's Allen Banks site, where there is a toilet. Can be split at Haydon Bridge, which has trains.

Tough: 28km, steep ascents.

Take care crossing the A69, where traffic moves fast. Several ladder stiles, some missing a step or two. Summer growth can leave the smaller footpaths overgrown, so long trousers help.

Lunch: No cafes between Haltwhistle and Haydon Bridge; Haydon Bridge (roughly mid-route) has a good coffee shop, a fish and chip shop, a pub and a Co-op.

Hexham has a good selection of cafes and eateries around the market square.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

East Boldon Station to Sunderland Station (Durham)

30m direct from MetroCentre.

A good route making use of a riverside path and off-road sections as far as possible through otherwise urban areas and including an attractive park. Some path closures near a quarry require short detours. Passes Fulwell Quarry, which has many alternative paths.

Tough: steep ascents. 7km.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Billingham Station to Hartlepool Station (Durham)

1h direct from MetroCentre.

A lengthy route with substantial pavement sections at the start and end and narrow countryside footpaths in between. The section around Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park is the nicest but also the most challenging terrain. Can be muddy when wet.

14km. Gentle ascents.

The route crosses the busy A689; the safer crossing point is slightly east of the line shown, at the traffic lights. Can be muddy.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Middlesbrough Station to Hartlepool Station (Yorkshire)

1h direct from MetroCentre.

19km. Gentle ascents.

This route relies on the Transporter Bridge to cross the River Tees; the bridge has been closed for repair with no reopening date, so you would need to detour to cross via the Newport Bridge (A1032).

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Hartlepool Station to Seaton Carew Station (Durham)

1h direct from MetroCentre.

A short, flat, hard-surfaced walk, mainly along promenade.

Tough: steep ascents. 6km.

Documented by Railwalks — download GPX route

Haltwhistle Station Circular via the South Tyne Trail (Northumberland)

45m direct from MetroCentre.

River South Tyne valley, woodland and the South Tyne Trail along a former railway line.

9km. 2h30.

Some navigation required; crosses the A69 twice.

Highlights: the South Tyne Trail (A 23-mile recreational route along the former South Tyne railway line, following the wooded valley of the River South Tyne).

Documented by Northern Railway (tips, photos and local insights).

Hexham Station Circular (Northumberland)

30m direct from MetroCentre.

River Tyne, quiet country lanes, North Tyne Valley, ridge, Wall stretches and village of Acomb.

20km.

A variant of Hadrian's Wall Path Core Section – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club (tips and local insights).

Bardon Mill Station to Hexham Station (Northumberland)

30m direct from MetroCentre.

Common, upland plateau, crags, scenic Wall, gentle descent into North Tyne Valley, riverside and country lanes.

28km.

A variant of Hadrian's Wall Path Core Section – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club (tips and local insights).

Haltwhistle Station to Bardon Mill Station (Northumberland)

45m direct from MetroCentre.

Burn gorge, upland plateau, Roman military zone, crags, Sycamore Gap, lough and open moorland.

18km.

A variant of Hadrian's Wall Path Core Section – documented by the Saturday Walkers Club (tips and local insights).