John Walker's Walks
John Walker is the Stockton-on-Tees born inventor of the friction match who walked the same fields and pathways across the Borough that we do today. The Community Partnerships invite you to discover the hidden jewels of our Borough by following a route that you love close to home.
Somewhere on each walk is a hidden matchbox with a 'John Walker challenge' inside. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile.
Will you find the matchbox and take on the challenge inside?
Norton
Route 1 - Norton High Street via Gravel Hole Quarry
The Norton routes are walks where you can take in the natural beauty of the hidden landscapes of Norton as well as the rich history of the village. A slow walk through the leafy High Street allows you to take advantage of quaint cafés and shops, or enjoy an ice-cream overlooking the duck pond on the green.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 6km or 3.7 miles.
Time: around 1 hour 30 minutes to complete.
Terrain: some uneven surfaces, muddy in places when wet.
There are 2 versions of the walk and instructions to download, one for families and one for people keen on seeing the historic sights of the area.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Norton John Walker's Walk - Norton High Street via Gravel Hole Quarry - route on Google Maps
Norton John Walker's Walk - Norton High Street via Gravel Hole Quarry - family walk instructions
Norton John Walker's Walk - Norton High Street via Gravel Hole Quarry - historical walk instructions
Find the hidden matchbox
Find the hidden matchbox by visiting what3words and searching sound.rail.spices - you will be directed to a specific geographical location within the walk and somewhere hidden out of sight there, you will find a box. Open it up, log your name and time of finding it and read a challenge that will enable you to contribute to your community - making it a better, kinder and more inclusive place. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile. You can share the challenge - just don't tell people where it was! Pop the matchbox back where you found it and enjoy the rest of your walk.
Route 2 - Norton High Street, Albany Road and Ragworth Road
This second Norton route offers a pleasant walk through the historic High Street of the village and allows discovery of the secret hidden woodland and alleyways of the past. A short walk that allows you to soak up the atmosphere of the landscapes and the opportunity to take advantage of the cafes and shops.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 3.4km or 2.1 miles.
Time: around 45 minutes to complete.
Terrain: mainly a footpath with a section of woodland
There are 2 versions of the walk and instructions to download, one for families and one for people keen on seeing the historic sights of the area.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Norton John Walker's Walk - Norton High Street, Albany Road and Ragworth Road - route on Google Maps
Stockton Rural Communities
Route 1 - Eaglescliffe and Yarm
This Stockton Rural Communities route takes you around the beautiful village of Egglescliffe before continuing into the town of Yarm with its amazing, interesting history. The walks take in the beauty of the river Tees plus the bustling Yarm High Street with fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
This video includes background music but there is no dialogue.
Distance: 4km or 2.6 miles.
Time: around an hour to complete.
Terrain: mostly flat and paved.
There are 2 versions of the walk and instructions to download, one for families and one for people keen on seeing the historic sights of the area.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Eaglescliffe and Yarm - route on Google Maps
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Eaglescliffe and Yarm - family walk instructions
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Eaglescliffe and Yarm - historical walk instructions
Find the hidden matchbox
Find the hidden matchbox by visiting what3words and searching front.replying.flick - you will be directed to a specific geographical location within the walk and somewhere hidden out of sight there, you will find a box. Open it up, log your name and time of finding it and read a challenge that will enable you to contribute to your community - making it a better, kinder and more inclusive place. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile. You can share the challenge - just don't tell people where it was! Pop the matchbox back where you found it and enjoy the rest of your walk.
Route 2 - Stillington and Whitton Village
This second route around Stockton Rural Communities offers a beautiful walk through the village of Stillington, learning about the history along the way. A stroll through the Forest Park allows you to take in the surroundings and wildlife. If you're feeling adventurous, follow the route to complete a loop around Whitton village taking in the stunning views across the landscape before heading back to Stillington.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 3km or 1.9 miles.
Time: around 1 hour to complete.
Terrain: muddy when wet
There are 2 versions of the walk and instructions to download, one for families and one for people keen on seeing the historic sights of the area.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Stillington and Whitton Village - route on Google Maps
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Stillington and Whitton Village - family walk instructions
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Stillington and Whitton Village - historical walk instructions
Route 3 - Wynyard
This route offers a stroll through the woods to take in the surroundings. If you're lucky you may spot some of the local wildlife whilst also taking in the spectacular views of the area.
Distance: 4 km/2.5 miles
Time: around 1 hour 15 minutes
Terrain: mostly a flat footpath with muddy areas at times of the year
Stockton Rural Communities - Wynyard route on Google Maps
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Wynyard - family walk instructions
Stockton Rural John Walker's Walk - Wynyard - historical walk instructions
Thornaby
Route 1 - In memory of Colin Woodgate
An urban walk that allows you to discover some of the history of Thornaby as well as the beauty of the village green and its 12th-century church.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 6.9km or 4.2 miles.
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Terrain: mostly flat and paved.
There are 2 versions of the walk and instructions to download, one for families and one for people keen on seeing the historic sights of the area.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Thornaby John Walk's Walk - in memory of Colin Woodgate - route on Google Maps
Thornaby John Walker's Walk - in memory of Colin Woodgate - family walk instructions
Thornaby John Walker's Walk - in memory of Colin Woodgate - historical walk instructions
Find the hidden matchbox
Find the hidden matchbox by visiting what3words and searching rising.rocks.eaten - you will be directed to a specific geographical location within the walk and somewhere hidden out of sight there, you will find a box. Open it up, log your name and time of finding it and read a challenge that will enable you to contribute to your community - making it a better, kinder and more inclusive place. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile. You can share the challenge - just don't tell people where it was! Pop the matchbox back where you found it and enjoy the rest of your walk.
Route 2 - River and rail
This route offers a walk through the industrial part of Thornaby before taking in the beauty of the River Tees and the natural landscape before heading back to urban areas.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 4.8 km/3 miles
Time: around 1 and a half hours
Terrain: mostly a flat and paved footpath
Thornaby Joh Walker's Walk - river and rail - route on Google Maps
Thornaby John Walker's Walk - river and rail - family walk instructions
Stockton Central
A pleasant walk that takes you to some hidden gems and allows you to explore woodland and grassed areas. Watch the local wildlife and explore the natural landscapes, then follow the route through an urban area to finish the walk!
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 5km or 3.4 miles.
Time: 1 hour 15 minutes.
Terrain: uneven surfaces and steps, muddy in places when wet.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Stockton Central John Walker's Walk - route on Google Maps
Stockton Central John Walker's Walk - family walk instructions
Find the hidden matchbox
Find the hidden matchbox by visiting what3words and searching novel.supply.target - you will be directed to a specific geographical location within the walk and somewhere hidden out of sight there, you will find a box. Open it up, log your name and time of finding it and read a challenge that will enable you to contribute to your community - making it a better, kinder and more inclusive place. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile. You can share the challenge - just don't tell people where it was! Pop the matchbox back where you found it and enjoy the rest of your walk.
Stockton West
This walk starts in Ropner Park, allowing a pleasant stroll around the lake and the outskirts of the park, before discovering the 6 fields of Hartburn and another hidden gem, 'The Bricky'. Pass through the historic Hartburn Village before following another cycle route and loop back towards Ropner Park.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 5.7km or 3.6 miles.
Time: around 1 hour 30 minutes to complete.
Terrain: mostly paved, but small bridge and field to cross, muddy in places when wet.
There are 2 versions of the walk and instructions to download, one for families and one for people keen on seeing the historic sights of the area.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Stockton West John Walker's Walk - route on Google Maps
Stockton West John Walker's Walk - family walk instructions
Stockton West John Walker's Walk - historical walk instructions
Find the hidden matchbox
Find the hidden matchbox by visiting what3words and searching lions.fled.chairs - you will be directed to a specific geographical location within the walk and somewhere hidden out of sight there, you will find a box. Open it up, log your name and time of finding it and read a challenge that will enable you to contribute to your community - making it a better, kinder and more inclusive place. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile. You can share the challenge - just don't tell people where it was! Pop the matchbox back where you found it and enjoy the rest of your walk.
Stockton Central and Stockton West
An urban walk that's takes in some historic buildings but also takes you through the lovely Newham Grange Park which has some beautiful trees and greenery to enjoy.
Distance: 4.1 km/2.6 miles
Time: around 1 hour 15 minutes
Terrain: all footpaths are flat and accessible
Stockton Central and Stockton West John Walker's Walk - route on Google Maps
Stockton Central and Stockton West John Walker's Walk - family walk instructions
Stockton Central and Stockton West John Walker's Walk - historical walk instructions
Billingham
Route 1 - Billingham Beck and Old Billingham
This route offers an abundance of nature and wildlife to enjoy in Billingham Beck Valley Country Park, as well as combining a stroll through a beautiful churchyard and the history of Old Billingham. End the walk with adventures through woodland and a chance to explore more of Billingham Beck Valley Country Park.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 4.4 km or 2.7 miles.
Time: around 1 hour 15 minutes to complete.
Terrain: uneven surfaces with lots of steps, muddy in places when wet.
There are 2 versions of the walk and instructions to download, one for families and one for people keen on seeing the historic sights of the area.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Billingham John Walker's Walk - Billingham Beck and Old Billingham - route on Google Maps
Billingham John Walker's Walk - Billingham Beck and Old Billingham - family walk instructions
Billingham John Walker's Walk - Billingham Beck and Old Billingham - historical walk instructions
Find the hidden matchbox
Find the hidden matchbox by visiting what3words and searching soccer.tiger.start - you will be directed to a specific geographical location within the walk and somewhere hidden out of sight there, you will find a box. Open it up, log your name and time of finding it and read a challenge that will enable you to contribute to your community - making it a better, kinder and more inclusive place. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile. You can share the challenge - just don't tell people where it was! Pop the matchbox back where you found it and enjoy the rest of your walk.
Route 2 - Haverton Hill and the Transporter
This second Billingham route offers a walk through the industrial side of the Borough with fantastic views of the Transporter Bridge. An opportunity to follow the Wildflower Walk loop will allow you to keep an eye open for the abundance of wildlife in this area which is a great spot for bird watching.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 4km or 2.5 miles.
Time: around 1 hour to complete (add an extra half hour if you walk the optional Wildflower Walk loop).
Terrain: pathways with sections of grass and muddy areas
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Billingham John Walker's Walk - Haverton Hill and the Transporter - route on Google Maps
Billingham John Walker's Walk - Haverton Hill and the Transporter - family walk instructions
Ingleby Barwick
Route 1 - Bassleton Beck and Romano Park
This route offers an attractive walk through a forest pathway with a bit of hidden history in the form of a pillbox. Watch the local wildlife and explore the natural landscapes all around you.
Description not needed: the visuals in this video only support the route of the walk; the visuals do not provide additional information.
Distance: 7.3km or 4.5 miles.
Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Terrain: some uneven surfaces, muddy in places when wet.
View the route on Google Maps or use our written instructions.
Ingleby Barwick John Walker's Walk - Bassleton Beck and Romano Park - route on Google Maps
Ingleby Barwick John Walker's Walk - Bassleton Beck and Romano Park - family walk instructions
Find the hidden matchbox
Find the hidden matchbox by visiting what3words and searching exit.combining.shadow - you will be directed to a specific geographical location within the walk and somewhere hidden out of sight there, you will find a box. Open it up, log your name and time of finding it and read a challenge that will enable you to contribute to your community - making it a better, kinder and more inclusive place. It could be supporting a local business or simply offering a friendly smile. You can share the challenge - just don't tell people where it was! Pop the matchbox back where you found it and enjoy the rest of your walk.
Route 2 - The Rings
This is a mainly urban walk allowing you to explore at leisure and possibly find some wonderful views along the way.
Distance: 4.6 km/2.9 miles
Time: around 1 hour 30 minutes
Terrain: mostly a flat footpath with some track
Ingleby Barwick John Walker's Walk - The Rings - route on Google Maps
Ingleby Barwick John Walker's Walk - The Rings - family walk instructions
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