Around The Leas

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 7.4km loop around The Leas in South Shields offers a refreshing coastal escape with a manageable 32m of ascent, making it ideal for runners seeking a steady rhythm without the burn of steep hills. Covering a mix of 65% paved surfaces and well-trodden clifftop paths, the terrain is accessible but varies enough to keep your gait engaged. As you head anticlockwise, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the North Sea; however, be prepared for the North East elements, as the exposed nature of the cliffs means you’ll often be running into a stiff coastal breeze that adds a natural resistance to your workout.

The Leas is a cherished two-mile stretch of limestone cliffs and grassy downland managed by the National Trust, serving as the dramatic finishing straight for the world-famous Great North Run. Steeped in maritime history, the area sits just south of the iconic Marsden Rock and the historic Souter Lighthouse—the first in the world to be powered by alternating electric current. Running here feels like partaking in a local tradition, as the wide-open limestone plains have been a sanctuary for South Tyneside harriers and recreational joggers for decades, offering a sense of space that is rare so close to the urban center.