Upstream from the Barrage

The Tees Barrage is an extremely good centre for cycling. It is centrally placed and has good parking facilities for those who want to transport their bike to the site.

On this short ride we shall explore the river upstream to Stockton via the southern bank and return via the northern one with an optional loop to Portrack

Start from Navigation Lock on the southern bank of the river, occasionally you can see the lock working, lifting vessels up from the tidal Tees to the calmer waters of the Barrage lake. This is controlled from the Barrage office and the transfer only takes a couple of minutes

Cycle along the riverside cycleway up past the water sport courses, you soon come to the new Teesdale complex. One of the first buildings you come across, alongside an inlet is the Wolfeson Research Institute building; this is the home of Durham University Medical School on Teesside where the next generation of Doctors are being trained

Follow the cycleway upstream, passing another inlet where the buildings are operated by Barclays Bank and enter the long canal to the Central Basin which is amongst the upmarket living and office buildings., here on its still waters, canoe training is given safely and local fishermen enjoy there sport here.

Work westwards along another canal and you come to the Tees again, just opposite the steel hulled Endeavour replica. Turn right over a small bridge, crossing the canal and make your way around Saint Marks Basin and over the lovely new pedestrian bridge to the opposite side of the river

The views of the area are quite stunning from here.

Head down stream again, reaching the promenade level on the Stockton side by an inclined ramp The promenade is in the course of re-modelling and leads down past the cadet training ship H.M.S. Kellington,

From here, pass under the Lady Dianna Bridge and into a newly constructed route, passing the private boat moorings and reaching the new boathouse where the rowing eights and fours are based.

The track is now unsurfaced but leads down past the David Lloyd sports complex to the pavilion which is used by the white-water barrage participants.

You soon meet national Cycle Route 1, follow this past the Talpor Hotel and follow the signs for the Castle Eden walkway for a couple of hundred yards.

When you regain the public road at Portrack, turn immediately right through a cycle gate into Portrack Marsh Nature Reserve, on this ride, instead of exploring the reserve fully, double back on yourself and make for the Barrage area through the Marsh, there is an interesting area here with a wooden walkway crossing a particularly boggy area of the marsh.
When you reach the river again turn back upstream and cross over onto the island which is in the middle of the white-water area. Re-cross the Barrage, noting the fish ladder and you have now gone full circle

About 4.7 miles
Excellent views of the Riverside and Barrage area,
All quite flat and easy but if you are doing the Marsh loop you are better off with a mountain bike