Explore the Marsden and Cleadon coastal loop
Location: South Shields, Tyne and Wear
This coastal loop from South Shields offers a gently undulating run of just over 18 km, with around 80m of climbing spread evenly throughout the circuit. The ground is mostly paved, with only occasional short off-road sections, making for a smooth and consistent surface.
The route takes in the coastal road, passing close to Marsden Bay and the famous Marsden Grotto, which is partly dug into the cliff face. Inland, the loop skirts the edge of Cleadon, with the Tilesheds Nature Reserve touching the route, and runs alongside the River Don for a stretch. You'll also pass Temple Memorial Park and the locality of Harton Nook.
This is a flowing circuit that combines open coastal views with more suburban stretches, ideal for steady miles.