There are bracing walks along the cliff tops where the wind and waves have carved there own beguiling shapes and limestone sculptures, beside the banks of the Tyne and over scenic Cleadon Hills with the reward of dramatic town and sea views. Or gently stroll along golden sands, grassy links or through parks, much modernized but still with their Victorian Splendour.

Following a route of 26 miles the Heritage Trail passes through most of the towns and villages which make up the borough of South Tyneside.

It takes you through a variety of landscapes, from rugged coastline and farmland to reclaimed industrial sites and busy streets. Along the way is a series of interpretation panels which highlight aspects of the area's rich heritage and invite you to 'dig a little deeper' to find out more for yourself.

If you do not wish to walk the full 26 miles of the trail it can easily be broken into smaller sections.

Follow in the footsteps of seventh century pilgrims along this 12 mile walk, linking the twin monasteries of St Paul's in Jarrow and St Peter's in Wearmouth, Sunderland. The route follows an enjoyable path through the Great North Forest and passes Tilesheds Local Nature Reserve, Cleadon Hills and Seaburn and Roker in Sunderland.

Download a PDF leaflet about Bede's Way.

The Leas are ideal for walkers and to the north the coastal path links with the promenade and South Pier. To the South the path forms a continuous cliff top route all the way to Seaburn in Sunderland. A number of walks are also available to enable visitors to explore the Great North Forest and visit some of the visitor attractions in South Tyneside.

Download a PDF leaflet about Costal Walks.

Is 6 miles and enables visit to marvel at the natural splendour which exists along the River Bank. The route passes through Primrose Nature Reserve, Station Burn and Colliery Wood. Visitors can also access St Paul's' Church and Bedes World.

Download a PDF leaflet about walking The River Don and the River Don Saltmarsh

A 5mile walk through the heart and soul of the Great North Forest from Brockley Whins Station to the coast at Marsden. The route passes Station Burn, Newton Garths, Tilsheds and Marsden Old Quarry. The walk links the River Don to the Coastal Walk to create along cross-borough walk from Jarrow to South Shields.

Download a PDF leaflet about Linnet Way

7 miles from the River Tyne to Whitburn Bents provides visitors with the opportunity to see the crashing waves and rugged rock cliffs along some of the most attractive coastline in the British Isles. The route visits the Conversation Piece, The Leas and Marsden Rock, Souter Lighthouse and also connects with the Marsden Circular Walk

Download a PDF leaflet about Costal Walks.

A 7mile spectacular walk over Cleadon Hills and along sea cliffs. The route passes Windmill Fields, Marsden Old Quarry and Souter Lighthouse.

Download a PDF leaflet about Marsden Cirular Walk

This eight mile circular route provides the opportunity to visit the restored windmills at Whitburn and Fulwell and the remains of the windmill on Cleadon Hills, passing through areas rich in cultural and natural heritage within the Great North Forest, one of twelve community forests being created across England.

Download a PDF leaflet about The Miller's Trail

For more information on walking in South Tyneside or to obtain a leaflet contact the Tourist Information Centre.

Also see our countryside pages and Countryside Attractions & Walks.