From colourful woodland trails and historic parkland to lakeside strolls and spectacular valley views, the North East is home to some of the country's best autumn walks.
With leaves turning shades of gold, orange and red, now is the perfect time to explore them.
Whether you're looking for an easy route to enjoy with the family during October half-term or a longer challenge through forests and countryside, these seven walks offer something for every ability.
Here's a roundup of the best walking spots to enjoy this autumn:
Gibside
Gibside's historical landmarks are popular among walkers. (Image: ARCHIVE)
The 4.4-mile Valley Views trail route at Gibside, near Burnopfield in Tyne and Wear, takes walkers across the historic estate and offers views over the Derwent Valley, promising visitors a "new perspective" of the Grade I listed National Trust park and Georgian landscape garden.
The trail takes walkers to the perimeter of the estate, with some spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. It passes through the Walled Garden and woodland before reaching the ruined old hall, where clues to Gibside's past remain in its walls.
Walkers can continue to a quieter stretch of the River Derwent, where kingfisher can sometimes be seen.
The route uses stone and gravel estate tracks, woodland paths and grassy farm fields, with some sections that are steep and can become muddy after rain.
Bolam Lake
Bolam Lake Country Park, around nine miles west of Morpeth in Northumberland, has woodland and lake-view walks, including a fully accessible path around the lakeshore.
Visitors describe Bolam Lake's walks as low difficulty throughout the year and praise the beautiful views of the lake and wildlife, making it perfect for beginners or families looking for a relaxing day out this autumn.
It is popular with dog walkers and offers opportunities to see roe deer, red squirrels and nuthatches.
Swans and other waterfowl can also be found on the lake, which has bird hides scattered around to allow for easier wildlife spotting.
The park is signposted from the A696 at Belsay.
Hardwick Park
Hardwick Park is home to stunning woodland views. (Image: Tripadvisor)
Near Sedgefield, County Durham, Hardwick Park has an 18th-century parkland setting, a lake, woodland, wildlife and archaeological remains.
Its one-mile historical circuit is suitable for younger children and beginners.
Hardwick has survived since the 1750s, when its original owner John Burdon sought to create an ornamental park. Remains of some of his original buildings can still be seen.
It is open daily, with events held throughout the year. The park is on the A177 Durham to Stockton road, two miles from junction 60 of the A1(M).
One visitor review said: “Visited this morning and it’s a lovely place. Really well kept, beautiful grounds, nature and wildlife.”
Cragside
Cragside's rich history and stunning views attract many visitors each year. (Image: NATIONAL TRUST)
The National Trust’s Views of Cragside trail is about 5.5 miles long and follows waymarkers through the estate, featuring spectacular views of lakes, waterfalls and woodland across the Northumberland Valley.
Walkers can see views across the estate and surrounding countryside. Other routes are available, including trails that reach higher ground and paths linked to the site’s history.
Cragside is also known as Britain’s original smart home, as it was the first house in the world to be lit using hydroelectric power.
Causey Arch and Tanfield Railway
Causey Arch is over 300 years old.
The 4.6-mile Causey Arch walk near Stanley, County Durham, follows the heritage railway path to the world’s oldest surviving single-arch railway bridge.
Built in the 1720s, it carried horse-drawn coal wagons between Tanfield Colliery and the River Tyne before closing in 1786.
The Grade I-listed bridge stands above a wooded gorge, with the route including a riverside path and woodland sections, which may be muddy after heavy rain. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
On operating days, visitors may hear and see Tanfield Railway’s steam locomotives. The walk continues to East Tanfield station and can finish at the Causey Arch tearooms, which visitors praise for its cakes and hearty pie and mash.
There is parking at the visitor centre and the Causey Arch is also accessible via bus.
Hamsterley Forest
Hamsterley forest. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
County Durham’s largest forest, west of Bishop Auckland, has walking, running and cycling trails, as well as a café and toilet facilities.
Its Julia Donaldson trail is popular among families as it includes characters from The Gruffalo, making it suitable for half-term visits.
The Bedburn Valley walk is 2.5 miles and popular among walkers for the mixed woodland views and peaceful scenery.
Hamsterley is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site, where the Milky Way and Orion can be observed with the naked eye.
One review said: “Beautiful forest walks, plenty of mini parks for the children to explore which my sons absolutely loved! The river walk is lovely.”
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Barnard Castle Circular Walk
The Barnard Castle circuit allows walkers to see Egglestone Abbey. (Image: Submitted)
This 2.5-mile circular route begins opposite the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham, and links open countryside, riverside paths and historic landmarks.
It leads through fields before dropping to the River Tees, and is described as low difficulty.
Walkers can see Egglestone Abbey, pass the remains of its old mill and follow the river. The route is suitable for families and has places to stop and rest.