Cycling in South Tyneside

South Tyneside offers cyclists a broad network of routes, ranging from strategic routes such as the Coastal Cycleway between Sunderland and South Shields, to off-road leisure routes along the river corridors such as the River Don at Primrose. 

Inner urban routes and routes on re-used mineral lines form part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) and the Coast to Coast (C2C) Cycle Route also has a finish line in South Shields.

All of this allows visitors to travel by bicycle throughout South Tyneside and visit our many attractions along the way.

Cycle routes in South Tyneside

Two Rivers Cycle Way/Whitburn, Cleadon and Marsden

This is a 10.5 mile circular route, which forms part of the National Cycle Network.

Starting at Bents Park, this superb coastal route passes Trow Point and travels on to the Leas, giving excellent views of Marsden Bay and rock. 

The route continues to Lizard Point where Souter Lighthouse can be seen before passing through Whitburn Village and on past the Cleadon Hills.

Hebburn Riverside / Monkton Mineral Line

The line is 7½ miles and forms one of the finishing stretches of the C2C route.

The route passes through Jarrow and Hebburn including the Riverside Park. It then continues to enter the Red Barns Gateway site of The Great North Forest, which provides a mixture of woodlands and open space with access to other walking, cycling and bridle routes.

River Don / Monkton Mineral Line

The line is 7 miles long and starts and finishes at the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel. 

This route runs east to Jarrow Slake and then follows the River Don past the attraction of Jarrow Hall through to Primrose Nature Reserve, where it joins the Monkton Mineral Line.

West Harton Mineral Line / Boldon Lane and Tileshed Nature Reserve

Part of the Great North Forest, this is a 5.5 mile circular route starting and finishing at Stanley Street, South Shields. 

Converted into a bridle way, it passes through some urban areas before reaching the tranquil oasis of Tilesheds Nature Reserve.

Bede's Cycle Way

Follow the route of 7th century pilgrims on this 13 mile route linking the twin monasteries of St. Paul's Church in Jarrow, with St. Peter's Church in Wearmouth, Sunderland. 

The route follows an enjoyable path through the Great North Forest covering twelve miles of rich landscape, delightful seascape, rolling hills and meandering streams.

More information on Bede's Cycle Way.

Hadrian's Wall Cycleway

A magnificent coast to coast cycling route which stretches the length of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site.

This 174 mile route takes you along the Cumbrian Coast from Ravenglass, through the Northumberland National Park and along the River Tyne to the finish at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields.

For further details visit Sustrans: Hadrian's Cycleway. 

Coast to Coast

This is the most popular long distance cycle route in Britain.

The 140 mile ride travels between Whitehaven, in Cumbria, to one of the coastal finish points in the North East; South Shields, Sunderland or Tynemouth.

Walking and cycling guides for the North East

Whether you fancy cycling along the breath-taking Northumberland or Tyne and Wear coastline or strolling along the history steeped streets of Durham - there's something for everyone, no matter your age or ability.

Go Smarter Go Active has created a suite of brand-new days out itineraries that you can explore by walking or cycling. You'll find itineraries that showcase amazing parts of Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland, as well as a number of cross boundary guides for the adventurous among you!

A selection of the guides are suitable for wheeled pedestrians and those with pushchairs - look out for the suitability key on each map to see which routes are most appropriate for you.

Check out the Go Smarter Go Active: Travel Itineraries. 

More information

For more information including maps visit South Tyneside Council: Cycling.