Spring into Hartlepool with new walking and cycling maps

The illustrated maps – produced by graphic artists/illustrators Abby Taylor and Owen Smith in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council, aim to guide people around 12 walking routes and two cycle routes covering the north and south of the Borough.

Four of the maps are currently available online – Seaton Carew Stroll, Headland wander, Marina and Church and Park to Park –with others to be released over coming weeks.

They are part of a wider Spring into Hartlepool promotional tourism campaign which has been timed to coincide with Visit Britain’s English Tourism Week (March 18th-27th).

The maps which are aimed at both local people and visitors, offer walks/bike rides suitable for a range of abilities and highlight some fun activities that can be done along the way.

Funding for the initiative has come from the Council’s Hartlepool Active Travel Hub which aims to promote and develop all forms of sustainable travel, with walking and cycling central to that.

Abby and Owen are well known for producing the eye-catching artwork depicting a range of key locations around Hartlepool which is currently on display in the town’s railway station.

Owen said: “We are thrilled to be involved in this project. Abby and I studied in Hartlepool and it really is a great place with a fantastic heritage. There is so much to explore.”

Abby added: “We have really enjoyed creating these maps and highlighting some of the amazing things to be found in Hartlepool. We hope the maps will encourage people to get out and about and explore the town – and do it in a way that is fun.”

Abby and Owen with Councillor Shane Moore (centre)

Councillor Shane Moore, Leader of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “It is lovely to be working with Abby and Owen again. The purpose of these maps is to encourage as many people as possible – either from Hartlepool or further afield – to get out there, explore what we have to offer and discover some of the hidden gems that we have dotted around the town.”

The maps can be downloaded at www.explorehartlepool.com/spring and a selection will be made available at Hartlepool Art Gallery in Church Square for a limited period.