This route starts at the historical Newcastle Castle. It then takes you to Maraner House to see the bust of illustrator Thomas Bewick, Neville Hall, and Times Square. You can run around Leazes Park and Nuns Moor Park before you return to the start. This route is paved and does follow some potentially busy streets, depending on the time of day and year you run.
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Route overview
From Newcastle Castle, turn right onto the Black Gate, then onto Side Street, which leads you onto St. Nicholas’ Street. Just after the cathedral, turn right towards the Maraner House to find the Thomas Bewick bust in a niche at the far right corner of the square, next to the stairs, above a round plaque. Retrace your steps to St. Nicholas’ Street and turn right towards St. Nicholas’ Square. Turn left onto Collingwood Street. Just before the large Stephenson Statue, you will see Neville Hall on your left.
Part 1 of the 8km Refreshing City Centre Run
Newcastle Castle is a Norman fortress, which is, of course, how Newcastle got its name. You will need to book tickets in advance, but your ticket is valid for an entire year! This allows you to participate in the many activities and tours (some at an extra cost) happening throughout the year.
Newcastle Castle. Credit: Outdoor Active
At the Maraner House is a bust of Thomas Bewick, who made a name for himself as an engraver. He also showed a talent for illustration when he was younger and, at 14, apprenticed for Ralph Beilby. You may be familiar with Aesop’s Fables, which feature some of Bewick’s work. Bewick advanced illustration in printing by modifying metal engraving tools to cut through boxwood against the grain. This way, printing blocks were more durable, enabling bookmakers to produce high-quality graphics at a lower cost.
Thomas Bewick Bust. Credit: Atlas Obscura
Neville Hall, built in 1872 in Gothic style, was the headquarters for the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME). The goals set by the institute were to improve safety, working conditions, and welfare for mine workers. One major contribution by Nicholas Wood and George Stephenson was the “Geordie Lamp.” A mining safety lamp in place of the old oil lamps, which used to explode when around coal dust and gases. The hall is not open to the public. However, the exterior of the building is enough to demonstrate the extravagance inside.
Neville Hall. Credit: Southerns Broad Stock
Continue down Collingwood Street, turn right onto Westgate Road and follow the curve of the road. Turn left onto Forth Lane, left onto Pink Lane, and immediately right onto Thomas Bewisk Square. At the end of the road, turn right onto Bewick Street, then left onto Clayton Street West. At the next intersection, you will see Times Square just ahead of you. Turn back up Clayton Street West, then turn left into Pink Lane.
Part 2 of the 8km Refreshing City Centre Run
Times Square is the venue for the annual “Great British Tribute Fest.” If you are in the area at the time, you can book tickets here. The Life Science Centre, which has magnificent exhibitions and events, is also nearby.
The Life Science Centre. Credit: The School Run
At the end of the lane, turn left onto Westgate Road, then right onto Thornton Street. Follow the path along the bricked wall. At the second tower, curve to the right and continue following the path.
Part 3 of the 8km Refreshing City Centre Run
Turn left onto St. Andrew’s Street, under the arch, cross the street at the pedestrian crossing to stay on St. Andrew’s Street, and follow the curve to the right. Turn left onto Strawberry Lane, passing the stadium on your left.
Part 4 of the 8km Refreshing City Centre Run
Follow Leazes Terrace into Leazes Park. You can circle the lake to find the path towards Barrack Road/New MIs.
Part 5 of the 8km Refreshing City Centre Run
Newcastle City Centre’s oldest park is Leazes Park. Since its official opening in 1873, it has been restored to its former Victorian glory. In December 2023, it celebrated its 150th birthday! During the improvement process, toys, a hand grenade, pricey women’s shoes, caltrops, and spiked metal devices intended to obstruct enemy vehicles were discovered after the park was emptied.
Leazes Park Bandstand. Credit: Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
Continue on New Mis, which becomes Walter Terrace, then Studley Terrace. Turn right onto Brighton Grove to reach Nuns Moor Park.
Part 6 of the 8km Refreshing City Centre Run
Nuns Moor Park is a great spot for families and dog walkers. An active group of volunteers and community groups frequently host play and craft activities for people of all ages in this park. Constructed on the site of an old bowling green, the Bike Garden is a bustling communal area where regular food-growing events take place. In addition, there is a wildflower meadow and a community orchard with various trees and plants, such as mulberry, hazelnut, apple, quince, cherry, and pear trees. Fun fact: this orchard has over 35 heritage fruits, which you probably won’t find in the shops.
Nuns Moor Park. Credit: Greening Wingrove
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Resources:
If you enjoyed this route, see our 18km Seaside Run.
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Information was gathered from various sources, including Wikipedia.