Teesdale Way - Piercebridge to Gainford

The stretch of the Teesdale Way between Piercebridge and Gainford is a proper walk - about seven miles of river path that follows the Tees through some genuinely lovely countryside. You're tracking a river that actually matters here, not some trickle. The water does things, shapes the landscape, and on a decent day you get wide views across farmland with the Pennines sitting distant on the horizon.

It's a walker's route, straightforward, mostly flat along the riverbank. The section works as a half-day excursion from Richmond, which sits just up the road and makes a good base if you're spending time in the area. Piercebridge itself has parking and a couple of spots for a quick drink. Gainford's at the other end - another village with amenities, so you could park at one and catch a local bus back if you've planned it.

Pace yourself around three hours for the walk without rushing. Families with reasonably confident walkers will manage it fine. Kids who need constant entertainment might find the first mile or two interesting enough, then lose interest - it's river and fields rather than dramatic drops or anything to clamber over.

If you're based at Hewn Yorkshire, the holiday park just outside Richmond, this walk sits perfectly within striking distance as a morning or afternoon venture. Combine it with exploring Richmond itself - the castle's worth an hour - and you've got a solid day without driving miles. The Tees Valley has other walks nearby if you want variety, but this particular section has a real rhythm to it.