The North East of England is home to some of the country’s most scenic and inspiring running routes. From rugged coastal paths and serene riversides to challenging trail routes and urban parks steeped in history, this region offers something for every runner. Whether you’re looking to embark on a casual jog, a pacey long-distance run, or you’re training for your next big running event, the varied landscapes of the North East provide the perfect backdrop to keep you motivated.
Here at Start Fitness, we know how important it is to have fresh, rewarding routes to explore, and we’re lucky to have some of the UK’s finest right on our doorstep. Throughout this blog, we'll guide you through our favourite running spots across the North East, from beginner-friendly loops to scenic long-distance challenges. So, whether you're a local looking for new inspiration or a visitor keen to see the region on foot, these routes are worth adding to your running bucket list.
Running routes with river views
Location: Newcastle Quayside
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Paved paths
If you’re looking for a scenic, easy-going running route, a jaunt along Newcastle’s Quayside is perfect. Not far from our flagship store, the Quayside offers flat running terrain with picturesque views of Newcastle’s seven famous bridges, with both sides of the river providing a pleasant running route on easy terrain with many viewing opportunities of stunning architecture.
As a starting point, you can choose to begin your Quayside run at the iconic Millennium Bridge and cross this architectural marvel to take in the panoramic views of the river and cityscape, heading on over to many winding trails throughout the Gateshead side of the river. Along the way, you'll get the opportunity to pass quaint riverside cafes in the Staiths, appreciate the unique Glasshouse building (formerly known as the Sage), or stop to take a breath at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.
If you’re wanting to begin your run at the famous Tyne Bridge, you can choose to jog along from this point to the trendy cafes and pubs of Ouseburn. This route along the Newcastle side of the river offers many opportunities to take in the bustling city, stumble across new cafes and take in the beauty of the Quayside with each step.
When hitting these paved city routes, it's important to ensure you’re wearing the right footwear. The right running shoes for you will all depend on your gait and the type of routes you plan on running. If you’re in the local area, head on down to our store for a free gait analysis and professional advice on which running trainer is best suited to you.
Running routes on woodland trails
Location: Gibside and Rowlands Gill
Difficulty: Intermediate
Terrain: Paved surfaces, gravel and woodland trails
If you’re looking to escape the hustle of the city, the North East offers many woodland trail running routes that are ideal for those looking to swap the noise of busy roads for the calm rustle of trees. With local places like Chopwell Wood, Hamsterley Forest and Gibside, there’s no shortage of woodland routes to run along when you want a calm escape. The Gibside and Rowlands Gill area, in particular, offers a variety of scenic woodland routes that vary in terrain and difficulty, ensuring something for everyone.
Offering spectacular views of forests, rivers and wildlife, Gibside spans over 600 acres, providing a plethora of scenic running routes of varying difficulties. With options for both moderate and more experienced runners, Gibside has some steep parts and flatter trails with views of streams, ponds and historic buildings. Ideal for those looking to add a new dimension to their run, trails at the Gibside offer varying terrain and elevation levels, which can all contribute toward improving balance, agility, and strength while keeping every outing interesting.
Location: Jesmond Dene
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Paved paths and woodland trails
Perfect for those located in the heart of the city looking for a woodland escape, Jesmond Dene is a beautiful place for a run away from the urban landscape. Located between Heaton, Sandyford and South Gosforth, this is the perfect place to go for a run if you’re based in the city centre and looking to take in picturesque views.
With varying terrain of paved paths, gravel, and dirt, the route around Jesmond Dene is generally flat but includes some areas with inclines, catering to a wide range of fitness levels. Known for its gentle gradients and scenic views of waterfalls and lakes, Jesmond Dene is a pleasant and enjoyable run that is suitable for all.
If you choose to embark on a woodland run, it’s important to consider the equipment you may need to take with you. Staying hydrated when running is essential to performing your best, and with no shops or cafes readily available for you to stop at on woodland trails, we recommend wearing a hydration vest. Not only can these vests hold a good amount of water to keep you hydrated throughout the run, they can also hold essentials like your phone, keys and any snacks or energy gels you may need.
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| ADV Skin 5 V2025 Set Running Backpack | Cascadia 16 GORE-TEX Women's Trail Running Shoes |
In addition to this, making sure you have the right footwear is also important. Woodland running trails often mean you will encounter varying terrains, including gravel, mud, grass and more, all of which will require you to have shoes with good grip. Trail running shoes are specifically designed to keep you supported and stable across varying terrains so you can run with ease through these scenic places.
Running routes along coastal paths
Location: Tynemouth
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Paved paths
The North East is renowned for its stunning coastal views, with Tynemouth in particular being a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Tynemouth is a fantastic destination for runners looking for a blend of coastal scenery and historic landmarks, with this area offering a range of routes suitable for all abilities. Whether you’re looking to do a steady seaside jog along Longsands Beach or a more challenging run up towards Tynemouth Priory and Castle, one of the highlights of running in Tynemouth is the ever-changing scenery. For a slightly longer run, we suggest starting at King Edward's Bay and heading north along the promenade towards Cullercoats Bay. From here, if you want to go even further and experience more historic sights, keep running along this coastal path to Whitley Bay, where you will see more stunning coastline and the famous St. Mary's Lighthouse.
The terrain is mostly flat but shifts between paved promenades, sandy stretches, and grassy cliff-top paths, with the coastal breeze adding an extra element of challenge. If you choose to run along the beach, this route can be tough depending on the tide and firmness of the sand, whereas the paved sections along the promenade are perfect for steadier runs. With stunning views of sunrises over the water, glowing sunsets, and options for a post-run coffee from one of many inviting cafes, this route is a favourite among local runners and visitors looking to experience the North East’s coastal charm on foot.
Other stunning coastal routes in the North East include Druridge Bay, Bamburgh, Blyth and the Durham heritage coast, all offering varying levels of difficulty and terrain to keep your runs interesting.
Park Runs across the North East
If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to choosing a running route, or you’re interested in meeting other running enthusiasts in your local area, Park Run has events in and around the city that are free for you to join. Below is a list of all of the Park Run locations in the North East.
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Newcastle
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Sedgefield
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Heaton
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Blyth
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Whitley Bay
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Sunderland
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South Shields
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Prudhoe
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Hartlepool
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Gibside
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Gateshead
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Durham
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Druridge Bay
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Concord
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Camper Down
Enjoy local running routes with Start Fitness
No matter what route you take, ensuring you’re prepared with the right equipment can make any run enjoyable. Browse through our full running collection to discover everything you need for a successful jog - from footwear to running clothing and accessories to track your progress, we’ve got you covered.