Walking

South Tyneside is a great place for walking.

Walk along the cliff tops on the Leas where the wind and waves have carved their own captivating shapes and limestone sculptures, beside the banks of the Tyne or over scenic Cleadon Hills with the reward of dramatic town and sea views. 

Or gently stroll along South Shields' promenade, on golden sands, grassy links or through parks, much modernized but still with their Victorian splendour.

Love Exploring App

The app, which is free to download, allows you to follow guided trails around the area and discover more about our rich history, public art and places to visit.

There is also a games section which takes you into the world of augmented reality - you may even meet some dinosaurs on your travels!

Find out more at Love Exploring App.

South Tyneside Family Discovery Trails

Have fun discovering South Tyneside on our new family trails. There are 7 suggested routes to follow around South Tyneside, and range from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete.

Check out the South Tyneside Family Discovery Trails.

The Leas

The Leas walk passes through 300 acres of grassy open space. This scenic walk allows you to follow the coastline from South Shields to Sunderland, following cliff top paths or along The Leas grassy fields.

It's a site of special scientific interest, and as such The Leas and the cliff tops have been managed by the National Trust since 1987.

The north coastal path links with the promenade and south pier, while heading on the south path forms a continuous cliff top route all the way to Seaburn in Sunderland.

A stroll along the promenade!

The promenade in South Shields runs the whole length of the seafront and is completely flat so it's easily accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs - perfect for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the breathtaking views out to sea.

Take A walk by the seaside.

The South Tyneside Coastal Trails

These popular trails on the South Tyneside coastline at The Leas offer you 3km, 5km and 10km walking / running routes to enjoy.

All the trails are marked with coloured bands you can follow, if you're not distracted by the beautiful scenery that is!

Read more about South Tyneside Coastal Trails.

Marsden Circular Walk

The Marsden Circular Walk is a fantastic 7 mile walk over Cleadon Hills and along the sea cliffs, passing by Windmill Fields, Marsden Old Quarry and Souter Lighthouse.

Marsden Circular Walk (PDF, 613 KB)

South Tyneside Coastal Walk

The Coastal Walk is 7 miles, from the River Tyne to Whitburn Bents. Take in the crashing waves, rugged rock cliffs and fresh sea air along one of the most attractive coastlines in the British Isles.

Highlights of the route include Conversation Piece, The Leas, Marsden Rock and Souter Lighthouse. The route also connects with the Marsden Circular Walk.

Coastal Walk (PDF, 688 KB)

River Don Walk

The River Don Walk is a 6 mile walk that gives ramblers a chance to glimpse the nature and wildlife which exist along the River Bank.

The route passes through Primrose Nature Reserve, Station Burn and Colliery Wood.

You could also call in at Jarrow Hall and St Paul's Church Jarrow at the same time.

River Don Walk (PDF, 553 KB)

Long distance routes and national trails

For more seasoned walkers there are a number of local and national long distance routes which can be found in the North East. These include:

England's Coast Path

A new long-distance National Trail which will follow the coastline around the whole of England. The path is being opened in sections but will, when completed, be the longest coastal path in the world! 

You can walk the section of the trail in South Tyneside and along the North East coastline now. Find out more about the route and progress on this ambitious project at England's Coast Path: North East England.

Northern Saints Trails

An exciting new project across North East England, which features 6 trails based on ancient pilgrimage routes.

In South Tyneside, the Way of Learning trail links Jarrow to Sunderland and then on to Durham. Find out more at: Northern Saints Trails.

The South Tyneside route follows the trail of Bede's Way.

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 the North East!

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 walks

Find out more about walks in the area at South Tyneside Council: Walks and wildlife sites.