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.
West end of Barnes Park. CC: Don Graham
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.
Herrington Country Park. CC: Brian Abbott
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.
West end of Barnes Park. CC: Don Graham
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.
Herrington Country Park. CC: Brian Abbott
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Essentials
5.8 miles (9.3 km) loop; Extension to Coastal Path adds several miles
198 feet (60m)
University subway station for Barnes/Silksworth loop
There's some nice running in Sunderland along the River Wear. The best section is 2 miles on the north bank between the Marina and Stadium of Light. Combine with our Marina/Roker Beach route for more waterfront running!
The best run in Sunderland. Paths around the marina, seafront promenade path, runnable beaches, parks, and paths through the Whitburn Nature Reserve to the Souter Lighthouse.
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Essentials
5.8 miles (9.3 km) loop; Extension to Coastal Path adds several miles
198 feet (60m)
University subway station for Barnes/Silksworth loop
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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!