Drew park walk

The Drew Park walk near Consett is a proper local favourite - nothing flashy, just a solid woodland route that's great if you're after a bit of fresh air without drama. You're walking through mature trees along what feels like a genuine forest path, the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The terrain's manageable, nothing that'll have you scrambling over rocks, which means families with younger kids or anyone just wanting an easy ramble can handle it comfortably.

It works brilliantly as part of a wider weekend in the area. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Hidden Retreat Glamping is barely a mile away, or Allensford Holiday Park just over two miles - you've got a spot to burn off energy without needing to drive anywhere. An hour or so is enough to do the loop without getting fed up, though if you're keen on woodland walks, you could easily stretch it to ninety minutes by taking your time.

History buffs might find the industrial heritage of the Consett area more interesting, but this walk is really for people who just want a straightforward forest trot. Free to access, no facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water if you're going in summer. Best avoided right after heavy rain when the paths get boggy and unpleasant. On a clear day though, it's the sort of low-key spot that reminds you why the North East has proper walking country.