This 18km run can be walked as well, especially on a sunny day with your furry friends. Visit lighthouses, see some sculptures, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the waves along the way.
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Route overview
Roker Park was once home to Sunderland for almost 100 years. This park once held 75 118 spectators and held a World Cup quarter-final. Now it is a landscaped park for everyone to enjoy.
As you exit the park onto the main road, turn left and start your walk on the running path closest to the sea. Follow this path all the way straight, enjoying the sounds of the waves until you see Finn’s Labyrinth off to your right (Part 4).
Part 1 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Part 2 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Part 3 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Finn’s Labyrinth is in memory of a beloved dog. Sean Hesa, the man who created the labyrinth and was the owner of Finn the dog, regularly tidies and maintains it too. There are steps leading down to the labyrinth if you’d like to get a closer look.
Head back up onto the same path and continue in the same direction. You will be passing Whitburn Point Nature Reserve on your left. There are several different pathways you can take, just head in the same direction.
Part 4 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
When you reach the white house with a lighthouse behind it, turn left to reach the main road Augusta Terrace, then left down the road to go “back”. Turn right into Kitchener Road then right into Lizard Lane which takes you into the dog park.
Part 5 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Wonderful World of Dogs Dog Park is one of the best places for you to take your four-legged friend to play around with other four-legged friends. If your furry friend hasn’t joined you today, you can simply stop by and get a serotonin boost just by watching the dogs have fun.
Dogs playing in a dog park
Once you’ve said goodbye to the new furry friends, continue up Lizard Lane until you reach a four-way roundabout where you will turn right into Redwell Lane (Part 7). Follow the road back onto the pathway nearest to the sea and turn left. Continue until you see the Ocean Beach Pleasure Park on your left.
Part 6 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Part 7 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Part 8 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Part 9 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
Ocean Beach Pleasure Park has lots to do for the whole family such as roller coaster rides, bowling, and laser tag. Food and drink options are plenty which can be a great idea on a hot sunny day.
When you’ve had your fill of fun, exit towards the Dunes Adventure Island building then towards the Orange Sambuca building onto the main road where you turn right. Continue for a few hundred metres until you see the Sail and Eye sculpture where you will turn right (Part 9). Continue all the way straight until you reach the South Shields Lighthouse.
Part 10 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
South Shields Lighthouse received some damage after Storm Babet in October 2023 and is undergoing some repairs. However, the view of the ocean from the pier is still worth having a look at. As it is so far out, you’ll feel as though you are right in the middle of the ocean. It is best to not go out onto the pier only on a windy day as the waves crashing against the pier can be quite unpleasant.
Head back the way you came until you reach the main road again. Turn right and continue until you see steps leading up to North Marine Park. South Marine Park is adjacent to the left.
Part 10.1 of the 18km Seaside Newcastle Run
North and South Marine Park has a play area, bowling greens, a boating lake, an art trail, and a pavilion. These features, amongst others, were completed as part of the restoration project in 2021.
Find your way back onto River Drive where you will turn left (from North or South Marine Park). At the next three-way intersection, turn right to stay on River Drive and continue straight where you will see the Weebles. Head back the same way onto River Drive again and turn right. Just after the South Shields Sailing Club building, turn right and look for the stairs leading down onto the beach. To the right, follow the pathway to Herd Groyne Lighthouse, the last stop on this run.
Herd Groyne Lighthouse looks like a spaceship from a 1940s sci-fi movie. Built in 1882, it still serves its purpose as a navigation aid and has an operational fog bell. Unfortunately, you can’t access the top of the lighthouse. However, there is some public art nearby, known as the “weebles” by the locals. These art pieces were created by the Spanish sculptor Juan Munoz.
Herd Groyne Lighthouse with the Weebles in the foreground
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this run with the water, see our 5km Quayside run in the City
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Download the GPX file here.