Runners who would like to get a sense of the Northumberland countryside should head to Bolam Lake Country Park. Located 16 miles northeast of Newcastle and reachable by train, the park features several miles of trails around lakeside, woodland and open grassed areas. There’s a 1/2 mile paved path around the lake, while the other trails are a mix of paved & unpaved surface. Another highlight is the large Pheasant Field. There’s also nice countryside running on the area’s fairly quiet roads, but note there’s no shoulder.
Pheasant Field. Oliver Dixon
Your best bet to plan a route is to stop at the Visitor Center, where they have maps. There are also map kiosks around the park.
Runners who would like to get a sense of the Northumberland countryside should head to Bolam Lake Country Park. Located 16 miles northeast of Newcastle and reachable by train, the park features several miles of trails around lakeside, woodland and open grassed areas. There’s a 1/2 mile paved path around the lake, while the other trails are a mix of paved & unpaved surface. Another highlight is the large Pheasant Field. There’s also nice countryside running on the area’s fairly quiet roads, but note there’s no shoulder.
Pheasant Field. Oliver Dixon
Your best bet to plan a route is to stop at the Visitor Center, where they have maps. There are also map kiosks around the park.
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!
A worth-it destination for a run that has it all: fort, pier, lighthouses, parks, seafront promenade, and coastal bluffs! Easy footing, fairly flat, great views! This can be a 10-15 mile run, so might want to do in sections. Beach also runnable.
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.
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