Walking
South Tyneside has a wealth of opportunities 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
More walks
Find out more about walks in the area at South Tyneside: Walks and wildlife sites