8 Mile Option 1

This walk covers urban areas at the beginning and end, and in the middle a pleasant walk alongside the River Don. However fields will be in view throughout the walk. As such, some of the walk is along busy roads and includes a level crossing.

Bede's way is a walk linking the twin monastic sites of St Paul's in Jarrow and St Peter's at Monkwearmouth in Sunderland. The walk is split into 6 easily walked sections which can be walked individually or all together. So why not follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and explore the North East's religious heritage. This the 4th section begins in South Shields and finishes at Whitburn Hall passing Cleadon Hills and Windmill.

This section begins at Souter Lighthouse and follows the England Coast Path through Whitburn and Seaburn to Roker. The England Coast Path itself runs along the cliff tops and is a narrow footpath from Souter Lighthouse to South Bents where it joins the main public footpath. From there, the promenade can be followed to Roker. The end of this section overlaps with the Weardale Way allowing walkers who have arrived from Weardale to continue their walk.

This section of the England Coast Path includes some of the most spectacular and varied coastline in the North East. Heavily industrialised in the past, the coastline is slowly being reclaimed by nature and includes busy marinas, seaside resorts and wild clifftops supporting a range of flora and fauna. The area also has many denes, steep wooded ravines, which can be explored as side trips from the main England Coast Path. This section utilises the Durham Heritage Coast Path.

This section starts in the busy seaside town of South Shields and winds along the cliff tops to Souter Lighthouse (National Trust). The section starts on the South Shields promenade and then follows a gravel footpath suitable for cycles, wheelchairs and pushchairs. This then turns to a narrower footpath at Marsden roundabout, however there is an alternative pavement along the road for those who need a flatter surface.The route then passes Marsden Grotto and final arrives at Souter Lighthouse.

This short, flat walk is easy to do with children. It can be broken up with activities, but be aware there are no railings on the north side of the pier.

Bede's way is a 12 mile walk linking the twin monastic sites of St Paul's in Jarrow and St Peter's at Monkwearmouth in Sunderland. The walk is split into 6 easily walked sections which can be walked individually or all together. So why not follow in the footsteps of pilgrims and explore the North East's religious heritage. This the 5th section begins at Whitburn with a stroll through the village and into Cornthwaite Park before following the seafront to Seaburn Park

The 2nd stage of the Way of Learning passes through villages and farmland before reaching the coast at Whitburn. The main landmark on this journey is Cleadon Windmill. This sits at the highest point of the Cleadon Hills and provides views across the countryside and North Sea.