South Tyneside Libraries

Libraries at the heart of our communities at Jarrow, Hebburn, Cleadon Park and The Word

An interesting walk under the river through the historic Grade II listed tunnel. Full description of walkThis walk takes us across to North Tyneside via the Pedestrian Tunnel. The tunnel was first open in 1951 and walking through it is like stepping back in time. There is some good leg exercise for those brave enough to tackle the 130 stairs but lifts are also available. On leaving the tunnel, we enter Howdon, where our path will take us around some beautiful wild, green spaces with great views to the south. We will then return the way we came back to Jarrow Library. Please note there is no toll for using the tunnel. Difficulty - Easy (Moderate if you take the stairs) Time - 1 hour 25 minutes Distance - 3 miles Total height climbed along the route - 256 ft Terrain - Near Howdon Park, there is about half a mile of rough, uneven path. Some of this path can be very muddy following wet weather. Walking shoes are recommended. Steps -There are around 130 steps at each end of the tunnel; however, there is also a lift to avoid these. Wheelchair accessible - No Toilets - There are toilets at Jarrow Focus Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk. Public transport to JarrowBoth the Jarrow Metro and bus stations are about an 8 minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop outside Morrisons (close to Jarrow Focus) for services: 10, 11 and 26.

Howdon Park via the Pedestrian Tunnel walk (walking for wellbeing)

Jarrow Focus Library

We will walk through quiet streets to reach the edge of Cleadon Park. Here, we will have a gentle meander around the paths before returning to the library.&nbsp; Meet at Cleadon Park Library. Free - simply come along on the day. Difficulty: Very easy Time: 50 mins Distance: 2 miles Total height climbed along the route: 91ft Terrain: Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) for most of the walk but one of the paths through Cleadon Park is across the grass. This route can be easily changed to suit the weather or accessibility. Steps: None Wheelchair accessible: Yes Toilets: There are toilets at Cleadon Park Library. Public transport to Cleadon ParkThere are bus stops immediately outside Cleadon Park Library. Frequent services run from both South Shields and Sunderland.

A stroll around Cleadon Park (Walking for wellbeing)

A public library at the heart of our community.

Cleadon Park Library

This super walk will take us past St Hilda's Church and although it cuts through the town, it will follow some surprisingly quiet footpaths. We will walk along the side of Westoe Cemetery before crossing over into Bents Park.Then, upon reaching the South Marine Park, we'll walk to the top level, above the bandstand and 'Park Ladies'. Here we will be rewarded with some lovely views over the harbour and out to sea. To finish, we'll take a quiet route back to the town centre. Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour 10 mins Distance: 2.3 miles Total height climbed along the route: 96ft Terrain: Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk. We will walk up a moderately steep path in the South Marine Park. Steps:&nbsp;None Wheelchair accessible: Yes Toilets: There are toilets at The Word and in the South Marine Park. Public transport to The Word:South Shields Interchange (bus and metro) is only a 5 minute walk from The Word. The ferry landing is only 3 minutes away.

Westoe Cemetery and Bents Park walk (Walking for wellbeing)

Welcome to South Tyneside’s state-of-the-art cultural venue, situated in the heart of South Shields, brimming with exciting new experiences, activities and facilities for people of all ages to enjoy.

The Word

Come along for a good leg stretch and the chance to meet some new faces! Full description of walkThis is a great little circular walk around South Shields. Leaving The Word, we will walk along the river towards the Customs House. We will then pick a route through the town towards the coast via Crossgate, Westoe Cemetery and Gypsies Green. Our path will take us along the coast by the beach, around the back of the fair towards the pierhead, then up Ocean Road. Difficulty - Easy Time - 1 hour 40 mins Distance - 4 miles Total height climbed along the route - 88 ft Terrain - Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk. Steps - There is a short set of steps leading up to Commercial road. Wheelchair accessible - No Toilets - There are toilets at The Word and at the fair. Public transport to The WordSouth Shields Interchange (bus and metro) is only a 6 minute walk from The Word. The ferry landing is only 3 minutes away.

Gypsies Green and Pier Head walk (walking for wellbeing)

Join us for this longer ramble with incredible views. Full description of walkFrom the library, we will walk down to Cleadon Park and cut through the houses to join the popular Linnet Way. This path will take us across South Shields Golf Course and along a path running above the old quarry. From here, on a clear day, there are superb views to the north all the way up to the Cheviot Hills. On our return, we will walk through the nature reserve itself and then up the side of Cleadon Park.Meet at Cleadon Park LibraryFREE - simply come along on the day.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; DifficultyModerate Time1 hour 50 mins Distance3.9 miles Total height climbed along the route274 ft TerrainThe paths around and in the old quarry are mostly of earth or rock. They are uneven and quite steep in places. StepsNone Wheelchair accessibleNo ToiletsThere are toilets at Cleadon Park Library. Public transport to Cleadon ParkThere are bus stops immediately outside Cleadon Park Library. Frequent services run from both South Shields and Sunderland.

Old Marsden Quarry Nature Reserve walk (walking for wellbeing)

On leaving the library, we will head past the Metro station before turning left through some quiet streets down to the riverside. In the riverside park, we will follow the paths westward taking in the majestic views of the mighty Tyne. Finally, we will follow a quiet route back to the town centre via the cemetery. Difficulty: Easy Time: 1 hour Distance: 2.4 miles Total height climbed along the route: 99ft Terrain: Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk although there is one short grassy path which goes downhill in the riverside park. This is one of two moderately steep sections within the park. Please be aware that we will also cross the Metro tracks at a pedestrian crossing on the return to the library. Steps: None Wheelchair accessible: No Toilets: There are toilets at Hebburn Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk. Public transport to Hebburn:Hebburn Metro station is only a 5 minute walk from the library.The following buses stop very close to the library: 26, 27

Hebburn Circular walk (Walking for wellbeing)

Hebburn Library

We will head down King Street before turning north and following some quiet footpaths out of town.Climbing the steps up to the Dolly Peel statue, we will be rewarded with a stunning view looking westward up the river. From here, we will return to the riverside path and follow it back to The Word. Difficulty: Easy Time: 45 mins Distance: 1.5 miles Total height climbed along the route: 111ft Terrain: Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk. Steps: There is a steep set of steps leading up to the Dolly Peel statue then again on return to the riverside. Wheelchair accessible: No Toilets: There are toilets at The Word. Public transport to The Word:South Shields Interchange (bus and metro) is only a 5 minute walk from The Word. The ferry landing is only 3 minutes away.

A short walk along the river (Walking for wellbeing)

We'd love you to join us for this special ramble visiting 5 different parks. Full description of walkWe will walk from the library down to St John's Church and Carr-Ellison Park. From there, we will head north then east though Campbell Park and West Park. Our route then continues east and takes us through Jarrow Cemetery before joining the River Don. After leaving the river, we will pick up the Monkton Burn which we will follow through Springwell Park and Monkton Dene. After passing Monkton stadium, out route turns northwest back towards Hebburn town centre via Carr-Ellison Park. This is a long walk; please ensure you have plenty of water and some snacks with you. There are many benches for sitting along the route. Difficulty -&nbsp;&nbsp;Moderate Time - 3 hours Distance - 6 miles Total height climbed along the route - 230 ft Terrain - Good footpaths (mostly concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk. There are a couple of short sections that are moderately steep. Steps - Yes, walking up from the River Don Wheelchair accessible - No Toilets - There are toilets at Hebburn Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk. Public transport to HebburnHebburn Metro station is only a 5 minute walk from the library.The following buses stop very close to the library: 26, 27

The Parks and River Walks (walking for wellbeing)

From Jarrow Focus, we'll head south towards the River Don. Ducking under the A19, we'll follow a lovely path west through the trees, walking between the river and Jarrow Cemetery. In spring, you will see many trees in blossom along this route. After crossing Springwell Road, we'll continue walking through parkland before turning north back to Jarrow town centre. As always, we'll be keeping to quiet roads as much as possible. Meet at Jarrow Focus Library Free - simply come along on the day.&nbsp; Difficulty:&nbsp;Easy Time: 1 hour Distance: 2 miles Total height climbed along the route: 92ft Terrain: Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk. Please note that we will be crossing the metro line via a pedestrian crossing on this walk. Steps: Some very shallow steps Wheelchair accessible: No Toilets: There are toilets at Jarrow Focus Library. However, there are no public toilets along the walk. Public transport to Jarrow:Both the Jarrow Metro and bus stations are about an 8 minute walk from the library.There is a bus stop outside Morrisons (close to Jarrow Focus) for services: 10, 11 and 26.

Jarrow South Circular walk (Walking for wellbeing)

This is a short, easy walk meandering through the trees in Temple Park. We will stick to the wider paths throughout.&nbsp; FREE - simply come along on the day Meet at Cleadon Park Library Difficulty: Very easy Time: 35 minutes Distance: 1.4 miles Total height climbed along the route: 18ft Terrain: Good footpaths (concrete or tarmac) throughout the walk. Steps: None Wheelchair accessible: Yes Toilets: There are toilets at Cleadon Park Library. Public transport to Cleadon Park:There are bus stops immediately outside Cleadon Park Library. Frequent services run from both South Shields and Sunderland.

A short walk around Temple Park (Walking for wellbeing)