Best Walks from Tynemouth

Tynemouth sits at the meeting point of river and sea, with dramatic headlands, long sandy beaches, and a coastal path that stretches for miles in both directions. Whether you want a full morning hike or a quick stroll before dinner, there is a walk here for you.

Here are six of the best routes, all starting from or passing through Tynemouth.

1. The Full Coastal Walk: St Mary's Lighthouse to Fish Quay

Best for: Distance: approximately 7.5 km (4.7 miles) one way. Time: 2 to 2.5 hours. Difficulty: easy, mostly flat promenade and clifftop paths.

This is the signature walk of the North Tyneside coast. Starting at St Mary's Lighthouse — a decommissioned 1898 lighthouse on a small tidal island — the route follows the coastline south through Whitley Bay, past the Spanish City dome, and on to the rocky cove at Cullercoats. From there it continues along the cliffs above Longsands beach, rounds the headland at Tynemouth Priory, and finishes at the historic North Shields Fish Quay.

The path is well-surfaced for most of its length, thanks to North Tyneside Council's Seafront Sustainable Route upgrade. You can return by Metro from North Shields or Tynemouth station.

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2. Whitley Bay to Tynemouth

Best for: Distance: approximately 5 km (3 miles) one way. Time: 1 to 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy.

If the full coastal walk feels too long, this shorter section is the highlight reel. Start at Whitley Bay Promenade and walk south past Cullercoats Bay — worth a pause to watch the waves roll into the harbour — then along the top of Longsands before descending to Tynemouth village. You pass three distinct beaches (Whitley Sands, Cullercoats, Longsands) and finish with the dramatic backdrop of Tynemouth Castle and Priory on the headland above.

Finish with lunch on Front Street and catch the Metro back.

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3. King Edward's Bay to Longsands

Best for: Distance: approximately 2 km (1.2 miles) one way. Time: 30 to 40 minutes. Difficulty: easy, with steps down to King Edward's Bay.

A short but rewarding walk that connects two of Tynemouth's best beaches. King Edward's Bay is a sheltered cove on the north side of the Priory headland, reached by a steep flight of steps from the clifftop. From the bay, follow the path north along the foot of the cliffs (or take the upper promenade) to Longsands — a 1,100-metre stretch of sand popular with surfers and families alike.

This is an ideal afternoon walk, particularly at low tide when both beaches are at their widest.

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4. The Priory Headland Loop

Best for: Distance: approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles). Time: 30 to 45 minutes. Difficulty: easy, with some uneven surfaces near the cliffs.

A circular walk around the headland that gives you Tynemouth's best views without leaving the village. Start on Front Street, head east past the Collingwood Monument — the tall column commemorating Admiral Lord Collingwood, Nelson's second-in-command at Trafalgar — and continue along the clifftop path above the Black Middens rocks. Follow the perimeter around the south side of the headland, past the entrance to Tynemouth Priory and Castle, and return via the Spanish Battery lookout point and Pier Road.

On a clear day you can see across the river to South Shields and out to sea. Keep an eye out for seabirds nesting on the cliff ledges.

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5. Tynemouth to North Shields via the Riverside

Best for: Distance: approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles) one way. Time: 30 to 40 minutes. Difficulty: easy and flat.

A quieter alternative to the coastal route. From the Priory headland, drop down to the south side and follow the riverside path westward along the Tyne. You pass the Low Light and High Light towers — former navigational aids for ships entering the river — before arriving at the Fish Quay, where the old fish market buildings have been converted into restaurants, bars, and galleries.

The Fish Quay is a destination in its own right, with places like the Staith House and Ochre offering food overlooking the harbour. You can return to Tynemouth by Metro from North Shields station (one stop).

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6. Cullercoats to Tynemouth Beach Loop

Best for: Distance: approximately 4.7 km (2.9 miles). Time: 1 to 1.5 hours. Difficulty: easy to moderate.

A satisfying circular route that takes in Cullercoats Bay, the full length of Longsands, and the clifftop path back. Start at Cullercoats Metro station, walk down to the bay, then head south along the coast to Tynemouth. Rather than finishing at the headland, loop back inland via Grand Parade and Beverley Terrace, picking up the upper path back to Cullercoats.

This route works well as a morning walk before the beaches get busy in summer.

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Practical Tips

• Footwear: The promenade sections are paved, but the clifftop paths near the Priory and Black Middens can be uneven. Trainers are fine in dry weather; walking shoes or boots are better after rain.
• Tides: If you are visiting St Mary's Lighthouse, check the tide times — the causeway is only accessible at low tide. King Edward's Bay is also significantly smaller at high tide.
• Getting back: The Metro runs along the coast with stations at Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth, and North Shields, making one-way walks easy.
• Dogs: Dogs are welcome on most of the coastal path year-round. Seasonal restrictions apply on some beaches between May and September — check North Tyneside Council's website for current details.

Know a great walk we've missed? Get in touch.