Derwent Walk Country Park

This series of walking routes through woodlands, meadows, wetlands and riverside follows the former Derwent Valley Railway, making for an impressive walk of up to 11 miles long. What's more, the Coast to Coast Cycle Path also runs through the park. Facilities at the park include cafes, car parks, and disabled access. During the summer months, you'll find horses grazing in the meadows, so it's a good idea to keep your dog on the lead. 

• Heather View Leisure Park - 14.3 miles / 28-minute drive.

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Blyth South Beach

The colourful beach huts lining the pier at Blyth South Beach are truly a sight to behold - you're sure to love a stroll along here just as much as your pooch. You'll also find parking spots, a cafe, and picnic spots, so you can really make a day of it.

It's a great spot for off-lead running across the sand and paddling in the sea, but please note that dogs are not allowed on a section of the beach between May and September.

• Riverside Leisure Park - 44.2 miles / 1 hour drive

Walbottle Brickworks and Orchard

This hidden gem of a walk leads you through a shady woodland, lined with beautiful wildflowers in spring, and covered by a canopy in the summer. Your pooch with love this route as it's great for off-lead exploring, and you'll love the scenic stroll. The route is within the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site, and what's more, at the end of the walk you'll find a community orchard with raspberries, plums, apples, gooseberries to be picked.

• Heather View Leisure Park - 29.2 miles / 43-minute drive

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Leazes Park

Looking for a dog walk in Newcastle City Centre? This popular spot was the first purpose built park in Newcastle. It's a great place to take your dog, with plenty of space to let them run around and get some exercise. What's more, the whole family can be kept busy with a large play area, a lake with ducks, and a cafe. There's also disabled access to the park.

• Heather View Leisure Park - 34.9 miles / 54-minute drive
• Riverside Leisure Park - 46.6 miles / 1 hour drive

Hamsterley Forest

Within this lovely forest, you'll find a range of walking trails to choose from. If you'd like to take your dog for a long walk, you might choose either Three Becks or Spurlswood Valley, which are the longest routes. The beautiful woodland is home to a variety of wildlife like roe deer and leaping salmon, and the forest is popular with horse riders, walkers, and cyclists. There are plenty of facilities at the forest including a cafe, picnic area, and play area.

• Heather View Leisure Park 17.7 miles / 42-minute drive 

Walker Riverside Park

Popular with dog walkers, this site has different forest routes to explore. With grassland, woodland, wildflower meadows, and tarmac paths, you're spoilt for choice. It's also a haven for wildlife, with fantastic opportunities for birdwatching. If you're looking for beautiful scenery, this is the place to be: the riverside promenade offers great views of the Tyne, and there are many waterfalls to see on your walk. Plus, the walk includes some of the Hadrian's Wall Trail.

• Riverside Leisure Park - 49.5 miles / 1 hour 8-minute drive

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Jesmond Dene Park

In this Victorian park, you'll find different paths for walking. There are waterfalls and historic buildings to see, which make for great photo opportunities. What's more, there's free parking, picnic areas, and wheelchair access, so everyone can enjoy the park.

If you'd like to let your dog off the lead, there's an open field nearby that's perfect for running around. 

• Heather View Leisure Park - 36.1 miles / 1 hour drive

Rising Sun Country Park

Looking for a place where your pooch can socialise and make lots of new friends? This park is exactly that - you'll find lots of other walkers here with their dogs. The park also has a cafe, with a dog-friendly outdoor area.

Other facilities include a kids play area, and some disabled accessible paths. This park is a wildlife haven with lots of animals to see, and also offers great views from the hill.

• Riverside Leisure Park - 45.2 miles / 57-minute drive 

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Tynemouth Longsands

Let your dog run free on this lovely stretch of golden sands, and splash around in the refreshing sea. This Blue Flag award-winning beach has plenty of open space, perfect for off-lead exploring, and offers beautiful views, too.

The beach is very popular in summer, so you're likely to encounter other dog owners here. Please note that there are some restrictions on taking dogs on the beach during summer.

• Riverside Leisure Park - 48.8 miles / 1 hour 5-minute drive

Milkwelburn Circular

Looking for a challenge? This 9km circular trail takes just under 2 hours, with uphill sections to really stretch your legs. The mix of woodland and open terrain offers some off-lead areas for extra exploring. Wildlife lovers will feel right at home here - there are beautiful wildflowers blooming here in spring, and it's a great place for birdwatching all year round.

• Heather View Leisure Park - 18.7 miles / 38-minute drive

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