Sunderland and South Shields loop from Newcastle

Sunderland and South Shields loop from Newcastle

Moderate

4.3

(6)

113

riders

Sunderland and South Shields loop from Newcastle

02:25

52.3km

290m

Road cycling

Embark on the Sunderland and South Shields loop from Newcastle, a moderate road cycling route spanning 32.5 miles (52.3 km) with 949 feet (289 metres) of elevation gain. This journey typically takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes to complete. You will experience diverse scenery, from extensive coastal views to historical landmarks like Tynemouth Priory and Castle, and the Collingwood Monument. The terrain is predominantly paved, but be prepared for some unpaved sections and compacted gravel, particularly along the scenic 9-mile coastal stretch from South Shields to Roker.

Planning your ride, you should be aware that while much of the route uses dedicated cycleways and roads, some paths may be in disrepair or have obstacles, occasionally requiring you to move onto the street or dismount. Shared sections with pedestrians and narrow passages are also common. Consider Souter Lighthouse as a potential coffee stop or a visit to the National Trust site, offering a pleasant break along the way.

This route integrates sections of the National Cycle Network, including NCN1, and the Two Rivers Cycleway, highlighting its significance within the region's cycling infrastructure. You will pass by notable features such as the Marsden Cliffs and Beach, which offer excellent vistas, and the

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions. Check ahead to confirm restricted segments are open to the public.

After 50.7 km for 433 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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20.1 km

Pathways of Knowledge Sculpture

Highlight • Structure

Try taking a web cam screen shot using the live camera link below,.

sunderland.gov.uk/article/15667/Riverside-webcam

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21.3 km

Carved Stone Steps to the River

Highlight • Structure

carved steps going down into the river, (easy missed)

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24.9 km

Seaburn Promenade Benches with Coastal View

Highlight • Cycleway

A ride I regularly do is the Pier to Pier to Pier, Basically starting at Roker Pier (you can ride to the end of the pier when open) then riding along the coast to the pier at South Shields. Again you can ride to the end of the pier at South Shields when open, weather dependant. Best done on a Gravel/MTB, you can start at Roker, ride north along Seaburn on the bike path all the way to Latimers Fish restaurant at Whitburn. Here you bear right and pick up the coastal bike path which takes you all the way to South Shields. Great views of the coast all the way along. Once at South Shields you can return the same way or there is a tarmac bike path adjacent to the main road which will bring you back to Sunderland. Just be aware of ramblers and dog walkers on the coastal path, treat them with respect and you will get friendly greetings back.

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40.1 km

Tyne Pedestrian and Cycle Tunnel — Northern Entrance

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

Finally open to the public again after six years of refurbishment this is a quicker and free option to get to the other side of the tyne from Shields to Shields. It's also lots of fun to ride through... The opening times are 6am to 8pm every day.

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