South Tyneside offers cyclists a comprehensive network of routes, ranging from strategic routes such as the Coastal Cycleway between Sunderland and South Shields, to off-road leisure routes along the river corridors such as the River Don at Primrose.  Inner urban routes and routes on re-used mineral lines forming part of the National Cycle Network (NCN) and the Sea to Sea (C2C) Cycle Route enables visitors to travel by bicycle throughout South Tyneside and visit attractions along the way.

Hebburn Riverside/Monkton Mineral:
Line is 7½ miles and forms part of the C2C route.  The route passes through Jarrow and Hebburn including the Riverside Park, leading to Bill Quay Community Farm, which has toilets and refreshments available.  The route continues to enter the Red Barns Gateway Site of the Great North Forest providing a mixture of woodlands and open space with access to other walking, cycling and bridal routes.

River Don/Monkton Mineral:
Line is 7 miles long and starts and finishes at the Tyne Pedestrian Tunnel.  This route runs east to Jarrow Slake and then follows the River Don past Bedes World Museum through to Primrose Nature Reserve, where it join's the Monkton Mineral Line.

Two Rivers Cycle Way/Whitburn, Cleadon and Marsden:
Is a distance of 10.5 miles starting and finishing at bents park in South Shields, forming part of the NCN.  This superb Coastal route provides excellent views of Marsden Bay and Rock. The whole coastline route from Trow Point across the Leas and cliff tops to Whitburn Steel is a Site of Special Interest.  The Route continues to Lizard Point where Souter Lighthouse can be seen before passing through Whitburn Village and pass the Cleadon Hills.

West Harton Mineral Line/Boldon Lane and Tileshed Nature Reserve:

is 5.5 miles starting and finishing at Stanley Street, South Shields.  Converted into a bridalway, it passes through some urban areas to then reach the tranquil oasis of Tileshed Nature Reserve. Part of the Great North Forest this area has sculptures to be admired and access points to Tileshed to East Boldon.

Bede's Cycle Way
Follow the route of 7th century pilgrims on this 13-mile route linking St. Paul's Church in Jarrow, South Tyneside, with St. Peter's Church in Wearmouth, Sunderland. These twin sites are the UK World Heritage Nomination for 2010.

Enquiries: South Shields Tourist Information Centre 0191 454 6612

View Bede's Cycleway route and information (PDF 382kB)

Hadrian's Wall Cycleway:
A magnificent coast to coast cycling route which stretches the length of Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. This 174 mile route takes you along the Cumbrian Coast from Ravenglass, through the Northumberland National Park and along the River Tyne to the finish at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields. For further details visit www.cycle-routes.org/hadrianscycleway.

South Tyneside's Cycle Network Map

View the Cycle Network Map at southtyneside.info.

South Tyneside Heritage Trail.
The Heritage Trail takes in 26 miles of South Tyneside's stunning scenery.

Coast to Coast
This is the most popular long distance cycle route in Britain. The 140 mile ride travels between Whitehaven, in Cumbria, to Sunderland. The trail can also begin/end in South Shields, in South Tyneside.

These are just some of the routes providing access to visitor attractions throughout the Borough.  Take advantage of the Leisure Cycling Guide, Cycling Events Programme and Cycle Hire available from the Council.  Cycling facilities in the Borough are probably the best in the area, with free cycle parking at a number of sites, shown on a free cycle parking leaflet. All cycling information is available from the Tourist Information Centre.

This is an ideal opportunity for you and your family to make the most of your visit and experience at your leisure all attractions that South Tyneside Coastal Area has to offer.

Hire Charges
Half Day = £5.00 (per adult)
Full Day = £10.00 (per adult bike)
Weekly = £25.00 (per adult bike)
Deposit = £50.00 (per bike by cash/cheque, identification will be required)
Children's Bikes = Free of charge (under 12s and they must be accompanied by paying adult)
Children's Deposit = £30.00 (per child's bike)

Equipment Provided
Bike (excellent quality), Lock, Child Seat (if required) and free map/leaflet.

Available from
Location: Walkway Tent Store, Sea Road, South Shields
Telephone: 0191 4556313
Times: 10.30am to 4.45pm Monday to Friday, 10.00am to 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday
Dates: 27 May to 3 September

Please note cycle hire is subject to availability.