Running and Cycling in South Shields

With a dramatic coastline, flat riverside paths, and clifftop trails, South Shields is an outstanding place to run and cycle. Whether you want a free weekly parkrun, a scenic training route, or a cycling club to join, here is everything you need to know.

South Shields Parkrun

South Shields parkrun is a free, timed 5km run held every Saturday at 9am. The course starts on the seafront promenade outside The Sand Dancer pub on Sea Road, heads up to the clifftop along The Leas, and follows the coastal path south to the ice cream kiosk at the bottom of Marsden Bank before returning along the Coast Road pavement.

The course is run on a mixture of trail paths and concrete, so trail shoes or road shoes with some grip are recommended. The scenery — clifftop grassland, sea views, and Marsden Rock in the distance — makes it one of the most scenic parkruns in the North East.

Register at parkrun.org.uk (once, for free) and bring a printed or digital barcode. You do not need to be fast — walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities are welcome.

Best for: Free 5km every Saturday at 9am from the seafront — one of the most scenic parkruns in the North East.

---

Best Running Routes

The Leas Coastal Path (3 miles)

The Leas from Bents Park to Marsden Bay is the signature running route in South Shields. The path follows the clifftop with panoramic sea views and passes Souter Lighthouse and Marsden Rock. The surface is a mix of grass and tarmac. Run it as an out-and-back for approximately 6 miles, or arrange transport at the far end.

Seafront Promenade (2 miles)

A flat, paved route along Sea Road from Littlehaven Beach to Sandhaven Beach and beyond. Ideal for pushchairs, beginners, and anyone who wants a flat, fast surface with sea views. This route connects to South Marine Park and the pier.

South Marine Park Loop (1.5 miles)

A gentle loop around the boating lake and through the gardens at South Marine Park. The paths are flat and paved, making this a good option for beginners, recovery runs, or running with a buggy.

Great North Run Finish Route (3 miles)

The final miles of the Great North Run pass through South Shields along the Coast Road from Marsden to the seafront. You can train on the exact course any time of year — the route follows the pavement along the A183 and finishes at the seafront near Gypsies Green.

---

South Shields Harriers

South Shields Harriers and Athletics Club is based at Gypsies Green on the seafront. The club welcomes members of all ages and abilities and trains on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Membership covers junior, senior, and veteran categories.

The Harriers compete at regional and national level but also support social runners and beginners. If you want structured training, coaching, and the camaraderie of a running club, this is the best option in South Shields.

Best for: South Shields Harriers train at Gypsies Green on Tuesdays and Thursdays — all ages and abilities welcome.

---

Cycling Routes

Hadrian's Cycleway (NCN Route 72)

Hadrian's Cycleway is a 174-mile national route that finishes at Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields. The final section along the Tyne follows traffic-free paths for much of the way, making it suitable for families and leisure cyclists as well as tourers. The South Shields end is well signposted.

Coastal Cycleway — South Shields to Sunderland

The coastal cycleway follows the route between South Shields and Sunderland along the coast, using a mix of shared-use paths and quiet roads. The scenery is superb, passing Marsden Bay, Souter Lighthouse, and Whitburn.

C2C (Sea to Sea) Cycle Route

The C2C is one of the most popular long-distance cycle routes in the country, running 140 miles from the Cumbrian coast to the North East. The eastern terminus is at Sunderland or Tynemouth, with South Shields accessible via connecting routes. Between 12,800 and 15,000 cyclists complete the C2C each year.

Riverside Path

The path along the south bank of the River Tyne from South Shields towards Jarrow and Hebburn is a flat, largely traffic-free route suitable for commuting and leisure cycling. It connects to the wider Tyne and Wear cycling network.

---

Bike Hire and Maintenance

There is no major bike hire operator based in South Shields town centre at the time of writing, but the wider North East has several options. For repairs and servicing, independent bike shops in South Tyneside and nearby Sunderland and Newcastle can help.

If you are cycling to South Shields via the Shields Ferry, bikes are carried free of charge.

---

Tips for Runners and Cyclists

• Tides and weather: Coastal routes are exposed — check the forecast and carry a wind layer
• Parking: The seafront car parks on Sea Road provide access to most running routes and the coastal cycleway. Parking is pay-and-display during the day, free in the evening
• Water: There are drinking water fountains at Haven Point and near Bents Park
• Safety: The Leas path is unlit, so plan to finish before dark in winter. Cyclists should use lights on shared-use paths

---

For more on staying active, see our guides to swimming, the best gyms, and yoga. For walking routes, see our guide to the best walks from South Shields.