Exploring Tyne and Wear on foot with sweet stops along the way.
- Seaburn Metro station to Stadium of Light Metro station via Roker Beach
If you are looking for a Wearside coastal day, the perfect stroll is along Roker Beach. Get off the Metro at Seaburn and walk down towards Meik’s Lighthouse where you get a view of the landmark and the North Sea. Then, walk along the beach or the promenade down to Love Lily Sunderland for the perfect mid-walk treat. Before heading back through Roker to the Stadium of Light Metro station where your walk concludes.
Love Lily is a famous café that specialises in amazing pancakes and other sweet treats, if you do not have time to stop they also do take-away tray-bakes, a favourite being the millionaire shortbread slices.
2. Ouseburn Stroll
The Ouseburn Trust host fortnightly heritage walks around the Ouseburn Valley. The circular route is 2 miles long and the guide will delve into the area’s rich heritage, exploring its redevelopment into a thriving urban village and home to a conservation area. The walk takes around 90 minutes and runs from 10:30am on Saturdays. Book your tickets via this link.
Following your guided walk, it is essential to refuel, and Ouseburn has some of the best food options in Tyne and Wear. A top choice is Gingerinos. Gingerinos specialise in delicious, hand-made stone-baked pizzas.
Closest Metro station is Manors.
3. Jesmond Dene Loop
Jesmond Dene loop offers lush greenery, historical landmarks, and family-friendly spots, perfect for a medium-difficulty hike. The trail offers a serene escape from urban life. The entrance to the dene is around a 20 minute walk from Jesmond Metro station. Follow along the river in the heart of the Dene to see dense woodlands and historical landmarks such as the Old Mill. Around 1.5 kilometres into the the hike, you’ll find a picturesque waterfall. Near the end of the loop, you’ll cross Armstrong Bridge. On a Sunday there is a market where local artisans sell their crafts and home-made foods.
Closest Metro station is Jesmond.
4. Gateshead Quayside
If you are looking for a longer walk then there is a lovely route starting and ending at the BALTIC and with a stop at The Staith’s Café in the middle.
To start this walk, head over the Millennium Bridge from Central Station to the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art. This is the start of the 3 mile route which follows the River Tyne to Dunston Staithes, one of the last surviving coal staithes. The route is mainly flat.
Once you reach the Dunston Staithes you will find The Staiths café, which offers high-quality coffee, fresh food, and local products. It is a very cosy spot to stop and marks the half-way point of your walk, where you can turn back around and walk back up the quayside.
Closest Metro station is Central station or Gateshead Interchange to get to and from the BALTIC.
5. Tynemouth coastal walk
If you are looking for a more relaxed stroll, head to Tynemouth, and walk down through the town centre to King Edward’s Bay, you can either stop here if weather permits or continue walking down the path to Long Sands Beach where you then can walk along the beach before heading back up at St George’s church and looping back around. After your walk, one of the best spots in Tynemouth for food has to be Dil & The Bear. The café has an excellent lunch menu with soups of the day and more filling options. There is also a wide variety of cakes and hot drinks.
Closest Metro station is Tynemouth.
