South Tyneside Heritage Trail
A 26-mile path in the Tyne and Wear region exploring the rich cultural and industrial heritage of the area immediately south of the River Tyne, visiting South Shields, the coastline to Whitburn, Boldon Colliery, Hebburn, and Jarrow. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: NZ 366 681
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Time: 11–14 hours
Duration: 2–3 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000):
316 Newcastle upon Tyne
Summary
Meandering through the area’s towns and villages is the 26-mile South Tyneside Heritage Trail. The trail is a pathway from the past, travelling through a variety of landscapes from rugged coastline and farmland to reclaimed industrial sites and bustling streets.
The trail details thousands of years of history and touches on a wide range of topics, including geology, wildlife, farming, the river and sea, religion, legend, literature, architecture, sport, leisure, commerce, and industry. Colourful interpretation panels along the route help reveal this rich heritage. You can walk the trail in its entirety or break it up into more manageable chunks to suit your fitness and ability. Much of the route follows established paths such as the Coastal Path, Linnet Way, and River Don, with a number of loops and connecting paths available. Locations visited on the trail include South Shields, the coastal path (Trow Point, Frenchman’s Bay, Marsden Sands, Marsden Cliff Nature Reserve, Smuggler’s Cave, Lizard Point, Souter Point), Whitburn, Cleadon, Boldon, Hedworth, Primrose, Monkton, Hebburn, Jarrow, Tyne Dock, and High Shields.