GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Whitley Bay to Tynemouth

3 miles (5 km)

Enjoy a coastal walk along the North East coast from Whitley Bay to Tynemouth.
It's about a three mile walk with nice beaches, bays and cliffs to admire.
The walk starts from Whitley Sands and heads south to Cullercoats Bay and the beach at Long Sands. You then pass Sharpness Point before arriving at Tynemouth Castle. The fascinating castle includes moated castle-towers, a gatehouse, a keep and the ruins of a Benedictine priory. It dates from the 13–14th century and is situated on a dramatic headland overlooking Tynemouth Pier. You can explore the grounds for a fee payed to English Heritage.
After leaving the castle you continue past Tynemouth Pier which is a nice place for an afternoon stroll. It stretches out to sea for about 900 yards (810 metres). There's an impressive lighthouse at the end of the pier and nice views back up to the castle and the mouth of the River Tyne.
To extend your walk catch the ferry over to the South Shields and continue up the coast to Souter Lighthouse and Whitburn Coastal Park. Here you can also visit the Leas with its two and a half miles of magnesian limestone cliffs, wave-cut foreshore and coastal grassland.

Whitley Bay to Tynemouth OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Whitley Bay to Tynemouth Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

At the end of the walk head to the Gibraltar Rock for a rest and some refreshments. The pub is located in an excellent spot with views to the coast, the ruined Tynemouth castle and the priory. They have a popular carvery and also serve fine fish and chips.
You can find them on East Street with a postcode of NE30 4EB for your sat navs.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head north along the coast and you will soon come to the neigbouring village of Seaton Sluice. Here you can visit the wildlife rich St Mary's Head Nature Reserve where there's a lighthouse and fine views back to Whitley Bay. There's also the National Trust's Seaton Delaval Hall, a historic Georgian property with some lovely grounds and gardens.

Photos

Promenade at Whitley Bay - geograph.org.uk - 2897009

Promenade at Whitley Bay

Signs of Erosion, Whitley Bay - geograph.org.uk - 714371

Signs of Erosion, Whitley Bay. Crumbling headland at the Links car park, with St. Mary's Island in the distance

Sandcastles, Whitley Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1179781

Sandcastles, Whitley Bay. These metal sculptures provide a cold seat with some protection from the winds. The refurbishment of the Spanish City Dome continues in the background.

Whitley Bay Beach - geograph.org.uk - 714360

Whitley Bay Beach. Taken from the Links car park

Smuggler's Cave - Cullercoats - geograph.org.uk - 525529

Smuggler's Cave

Long Sands Tynemouth - geograph.org.uk - 773089

Long Sands Tynemouth

Sharpness Point, Tynemouth from the Long Sands - geograph.org.uk - 92994

Sharpness Point, Tynemouth from the Long Sands

Tynemouth South Pier - geograph.org.uk - 2076480

Tynemouth South Pier

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Whitley Bay to Tynemouth.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Whitley Bay to Tynemouth.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)