With the half-term school holiday coming up, parents will be hoping the weather takes a turn for the better - or at least prove just good enough to be able to take the kids out and about.

But, whatever the forecast, they needn’t be put off because, once everyone is well wrapped-up and rain-proofed, they’ll soon warm themselves more if they set off on a walk.

The North East certainly has more than its fair share of beautiful locations, from riverside routes and coastline to moors and countryside, with a change of stunning scenery to enjoy along the way.

So, if it snows, just think how extra-picturesque it will look - and if there’s the dreaded drizzle and mist then tell yourself that it’s adding to the atmosphere.

Those needing any further persuasion for a half-term family walk - or who can’t quite decide where to go - can check out the following beauty spots which have been recently highlighted on TV.

Among the locations picked out in ITV1’s Britain’s Favourite Walks: Top 100 there were five walks included from across the North East.

Presented by Julia Bradbury and Ore Oduba, the programme set out to draw up an ultimate guide to the great British outdoors, showcasing “the finest rambles, scrambles and ambles” through both countryside and cities.

Taking part, besides walking experts, nature lovers and members of the public, were famous faces including Ade Edmondson, Larry Lamb and Janet Street Porter as they showed viewers the route of their own favourites walks and trails which featured in the top 100 countdown.

Following a major survey into Britain’s hiking habits, more than 8,000 walking enthusiasts cast votes in the countdown list.

And, while the programme did not unveil any great North East surprises to those who know the region, it’s always nice to know that “outsiders” appreciate its virtues too.

And at number 93 was Durham coastal path which cuts through the medieval city and takes in the picturesque riverside route with its various bridges and sights of the castle and the Cathedral.

Northumberland had a look-in next with Kielder Water placed at number 59, and Alnmouth Beach and Warkworth at number 55.

The UK-wide list then included High Force, in County Durham, at number 34 and - at an extra-impressive number nine - was Northumberland’s Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle walk: a firm favourite which follows the dramatic cliff-top route to the striking ruins.

At number one was Helvellyn in the Lake District: England’s largest National Park featuring several times in the list.

Another favourite with Geordies making a trip farther afield is Roseberry Topping, in North Yorkshire, which came in at number 23 for its walk to the summit.

The programme also highlighted the history behind the named locations and how they came to have such an important place in locals’ hearts.

And the hope is that it also encourages families to explore areas that they don’t know.

Julia Bradbury said that walking is such a popular British pastimes that the great outdoors is now enjoyed by around nine million people every month.

Co-presenter Ore Oduba added: “From one end of the country to the other, from the mountains to the sea - we’ve pretty much covered every bit of Britain that there is for hikers to explore.”