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.
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.
Walk 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.
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
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.
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.
South Tyneside Heritage Trail
The South Tyneside Heritage Trail passes through most of the colourful towns and villages which make up South Tyneside.
Follow the trail through a variety of beautiful landscapes from rugged coastlines and farmland to reclaimed industrial sites and busy streets.
Along the way is a series of interpretation panels which highlight the important aspects of the area's rich heritage and invite you to 'dig a little deeper' and find out more yourself.
The full route is 26 miles, but don't worry if that seems too far, the trail can easily be broken down into 6 smaller sections!
South Tyneside Heritage Trail4.4MB
Bede's Way Walk
Walk Bede's Way and follow in the footsteps of seventh century pilgrims.
The route has been devised to link the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Peter's in Wearmouth, Sunderland and St Paul's in Jarrow.
The walk follows an enjoyable path through the Great North Forest covering 12 miles of rich landscape, delightful seascape, rolling hills and meandering streams.
Public transport connections are detailed along the route so you can stop off or join the route as you wish if you do not want to walk the full 12 miles in one go.
There are also many attractions to visit along the route, which will also break up the walk. These include Jarrow Hall and St Paul's Church & Monastic Site in Jarrow at the start/end of the walk, the Barbour Factory Outlet in Jarrow, and in Sunderland the National Glass Centre and St Peter's Church.
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.
More walks
Find out more about walks in the area at South Tyneside: Walks and wildlife sites