Spring into March with Active Travel & Walking in the North East
March is a great time to get outside and enjoy fresh air and movement across the North East of England. Whether you’re keen on gentle community walks, scenic routes or supporting active school travel, there’s something happening this month that’s worth sharing with neighbours.
Across the region, schools will be taking part in Big Walk and Wheel 2026, the UK-wide active travel challenge delivered by Sustrans from 16–27 March 2026. Pupils are encouraged to walk, scoot, wheel or cycle to school and log their journeys to improve local air quality and build healthy travel habits. Residents can support this by keeping routes clear and encouraging safe, active travel around neighbourhoods.
For adults and families, local walking groups and activities offer regular opportunities to explore the North East’s landscapes. The Walk & Talk walking group in East Newcastle hosts a community walk on 30 March from Pottery Bank Community Centre, finishing with refreshments — a relaxed way to meet people and enjoy gentle exercise.
Ramblers groups active in the region also schedule longer guided walks. The Derwentside Ramblers group has walks in March through countryside around County Durham and Teesside, helping local people discover trails and meet others on Sunday outings.
Active Travel Gateshead runs a coastal active travel walk on 26 March that combines public transport with a scenic cliff-top walk between Cullercoats and Tynemouth, open to all abilities and designed to be inclusive and sociable.
In addition, special themed walks like the International Women’s Day “Votes for Women” walking tour in central Newcastle on 7 March offer a chance to learn about local history while being active on foot.
Whether you want a short group stroll, a longer countryside ramble, or simply to support active travel around your own neighbourhood, March brings a range of accessible walking and movement activities across the North East.