Can't think of owt you'd deffo need to walk - that's the easiest climb out of the Derwent I can think of, and one of the easiest climbs away from the Wear up Page Bank. Maybe the start of the Auckland Way, that is a bit of a kick with no run-up.
And cafes - if it's a weekend, the cafe at Capheaton is a classic, there's one in Matfen too and one at Bywell just after you cross the Tyne, plus a few other options along the lines. Or for the true audaxer, you can go off-route in Consett to get your McD's/garage fix.