8k Run Gateshead: Scenic Path from Long Rigg to Butterfly Bridge

Route Overview & Local Insights

Starting from the Alpkit store at Long Rigg, this 7.6km loop offers a refreshing escape along the Derwent River. Designed for runners who enjoy a flat, steady rhythm, the route is predominantly paved (about 45%) with smooth riverside trails that keep the ascent to a minimal 26m. You'll head downstream toward the charming Butterfly Bridge—a perfect spot for a quick mid-run photo—before crossing over to join the Derwent Walk. The return leg takes you past Blaydon RFC, where the wide paths allow for consistent pacing back to the start. It’s an ideal distance for a mid-week tempo run or a relaxed weekend recovery session through the greenery of Gateshead.

The Derwent Valley is steeped in industrial and natural history, once serving as a vital artery for the region's coal and steel industries. Today, the area has been reclaimed by nature, transforming into a thriving corridor for local wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. Running through this section of Gateshead, you are tracing parts of the old Consett-to-Sunderland railway line, which has been converted into the Derwent Walk. Keep an eye out for Red Kites soaring above the canopy; these majestic birds were successfully reintroduced to the valley and have since become a symbol of the area's incredible ecological restoration.