The coastal town of South Shields, located 12 miles east of Newcastle upon Tyne and easily reachable by subway, features some of the most scenic running in the area. This run has it all: fort, beach, seafront promenade, parks, and a coastal bluff. We’ve mapped a one-way route of 9.5 miles, which you’ll want to use as a guideline to do a section.
Stairs North Marine Park. Andrew Curtis
The first section is 1.5 miles on paved paths through North & South Marine Park, which are greens just above the North Sea, featuring some occasional water views. [Optional: start with a loop around the Roman Fort, just above North Marine Park]. Runners can get the heart rate up using the steps that go between the park and the main road. Then, take the 1-mile pier path out to the South Shields Lighthouse. Continue south on the promenade along Sandhaven Beach for 1 mile. Here, you’re at 4.5 miles.
South Shields Pier. CC: Chris Morgan
Next is the coastal bluff section. There are easy, scenic paths above the water, with great views. The trail is fairly wide and the footing good. The path runs for up to 5 miles to Seaburn Beach, passing Trow Rocks, Horsley Hill, Frenchman’s Bay, the Camel’s Island/ Velvet Beds National Reserve, Mardsen Beach, the Souter Hole, and Finn’s Labyrinth. This can be run in combination with the above or separately!
Longer Run: Continue even further south on the waterfront paths of Sunderland.
Note: The beaches in the area can also be good for running. They’re wide with soft sand that can be firmer near the water depending on the tides.
The coastal town of South Shields, located 12 miles east of Newcastle upon Tyne and easily reachable by subway, features some of the most scenic running in the area. This run has it all: fort, beach, seafront promenade, parks, and a coastal bluff. We’ve mapped a one-way route of 9.5 miles, which you’ll want to use as a guideline to do a section.
Stairs North Marine Park. Andrew Curtis
The first section is 1.5 miles on paved paths through North & South Marine Park, which are greens just above the North Sea, featuring some occasional water views. [Optional: start with a loop around the Roman Fort, just above North Marine Park]. Runners can get the heart rate up using the steps that go between the park and the main road. Then, take the 1-mile pier path out to the South Shields Lighthouse. Continue south on the promenade along Sandhaven Beach for 1 mile. Here, you’re at 4.5 miles.
South Shields Pier. CC: Chris Morgan
Next is the coastal bluff section. There are easy, scenic paths above the water, with great views. The trail is fairly wide and the footing good. The path runs for up to 5 miles to Seaburn Beach, passing Trow Rocks, Horsley Hill, Frenchman’s Bay, the Camel’s Island/ Velvet Beds National Reserve, Mardsen Beach, the Souter Hole, and Finn’s Labyrinth. This can be run in combination with the above or separately!
Longer Run: Continue even further south on the waterfront paths of Sunderland.
Note: The beaches in the area can also be good for running. They’re wide with soft sand that can be firmer near the water depending on the tides.
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Essentials
We've mapped 9.5 miles (15 km) one-way, so you'll want to choose a section
Flat, but the coastal bluffs are gently rolling
North Marine Park
Numerous car parks in the area, including at the coastal bluffs. Subway between Newcastle upon Tyne & South Shields
We've put together several lovely routes in nearby Sunderland, including paths along the River Wear, Roker Beach, and several parks along the sea and south of the city.
Nice waterside running along the miles of paths and seven bridges along the River Tyne. On the north bank, paths extend ~3 miles east or west from the centre. Also some nice paths on the south bank, to Riverside Park.
Running the several miles of paths around Exhibition Park, Town Moor, & Nuns Moor is a highlight. Great views and some fun hills on this classic English common, right near town.
Fantastic running options in the Derwent Valley. Enjoy several miles of trails around landscaped Georgian Gardens and woodlands at the Gibside estate, plus the 12+ mile Derwent Walk through woodlands, meadows, wetlands, & riverside.
Some nice parks and trails in Wallsend, just east of Newcastle upon Tyne. Head north to combine Richardson Dees Park & Rising Sun Countryside Centre, or southeast into Walker Riverside Park.
In the northeast section of Newcastle upon Tyne. WaggonWays is a 3.1 mile multi-use path through a suburban area. Rising Sun is a 400-acre park through a nature reserve, grassland, and woodland areas. Can be combined for a long run!
Some 8 miles of gorgeous seafront running along and above the water. Lighthouses, piers, seafront paths, coastal bluffs, parks, and runnable beaches! Choose a section!
Some nice running in this seaside town 16 miles northeast of Newcastle upon Tyne. 1.5 miles of seafront promenade, and a multi-use path that extends west to QE2 Park, where there are additional trails.
A nice opportunity for some running in the Northumberland countryside. This park has several miles of trails around lakeside, woodland and open grassed areas. Located 16 miles northeast of Newcastle.
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Essentials
We've mapped 9.5 miles (15 km) one-way, so you'll want to choose a section
Flat, but the coastal bluffs are gently rolling
North Marine Park
Numerous car parks in the area, including at the coastal bluffs. Subway between Newcastle upon Tyne & South Shields
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!