These family-friendly routes are ideal for cyclists of all ages - even the tiniest legs will lap up the easy gradientsand gentle scenery. The purpose-built paths, perfect forwalking as well as cycling, include old reclaimed railways and green corridors sprinkled with blossom and wild flowers in spring and summer, and glowing with berries in autumn. Cheeky robins, tiny wrens and blue tits peep from the hedgerows as you pedal past. Why not stop for a picnic and see what else you can spot?

South Tyne Trail to Lambley Viaduct
This pleasant green and leafy route follows the former Haltwhistle to Alston railway line. Along the way you can see old station houses, platforms, tunnels and bridges - the most impressive of all being the 110 feet Lambley Viaduct, offering fantastic views of the wooded valley. The small market town of Haltwhistle, with its charming stone houses and close proximity to Hadrian’s Wall, is also well worth a visit.

Two Rivers Cycleway
This route links South Shields to Sunderland (the River Tyne to River Wear)along a superb coastal route which provides excellent views of Marsden Bay and Rock. The whole coastline from Trow Point across the Leas and cliff tops to Whitburn Steel is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Tees railway Path
This route is set in the attractive countryside of Teesdale, within the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The path starts just outside Middleton-in-Teesdale, passing the picturesque villages of Mickleton and Romaldkirk before ending at Cotherstone. Lovers of good food will find some excellent country pubs, serving local produce, along the way.

Wynyard Woodland Park
This route started life as a working railway carrying freight to the ports along the River Tees. Now it provides visitors with miles of level paths forcycling and walking. Housed in the old railway station, the visitor centre has displays about archaeology, woodland history and wildlife, and there is also an Observatory and Planetarium.