Forest bathing at Derwent Walk Country Park

Derwent Walk Country Park runs along the Derwent Valley in Gateshead, an area the council puts at about the size of 146 football pitches, of woodland, meadow, wetland and riverside. The Derwent Walk itself follows the former Derwent Valley Railway, which carried iron ore and passengers between Consett and the Tyne. Either side of it are the ancient woodlands of the valley, including Thornley Wood.

Thornley Woodlands Centre near Rowlands Gill is the usual start, with a café and parking, and there is a bird hide overlooking a feeding station in Thornley Wood. The old railway gives a steady, gently graded walk. The Coast to Coast cycle route uses the line, so expect bikes on the main path; the paths into Thornley Wood take you away from them. The park has seven car parks in all if you want to start elsewhere along the valley.