South Sunderland: Barnes Park, Silksworth, Herrington Country Park

Just south of Sunderland city centre is a series of parks and multi-use paths that are nice for running.

Barnes Park & Sliksworth Loop. This 6-mile loop, all off road combines Barnes Park and Silksworth. Start at the University subway station, and pick up the paved path, heading gradually uphill for ~1 mile. Enter Barnes Park, a pleasant green space with ~1 mile path from east to west. Exit the western end of the park, continuing on a path for 0.3 miles to Grindon Ln. Turn LEFT, using Grindon Ln. for 3/4 mile, crossing the A690, into the Silksworth Area. This park has a lake, a ski hill, fields, and numerous recreation facilities. Run for 1 mile through the park, and then continue north on the paved trail paralleling the A690, for 1.5 miles back to the start.

Add-On: Extension to Queen’s Heritage Coastal Path. Ambitious runners can take the multi-use trail heading east of Silksworth for 3 miles to the sea. There, the 1.5 mile Queen’s Heritage Coastal Path is a very scenic coastal bluff trail.

Herrington Country Park. This lovely park is 5 miles south of Sunderland and just west of the A19. There are numerous trails, an outdoor amphitheater, and outdoor sculptures. One can do a 2-3 mile run on the park’s trails, which are a mainly open, with some hills.