Bede's Way
Follow in the footsteps of seventh century pilgrims on this interesting walk or cycle through Tyne and Wear.
The trail links the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Peter's in Wearmouth and St Paul’s in Jarrow. The route passes through the beautiful landscape of the Great North Forest which includes twelve miles of rolling hills and meandering streams. Trail highlights includes a waterside stretch along the River Don and the final coastal stretch along Whitburn Sands and through to the finish point near Sunderland Harbour.
You'll also pass the Cleadon Hills Nature Reserve where there's a photogenic old mill and some wonderful views over the area.
There is also the Bede's Cycleway which follows a very similar route to the walk - please click here for more information.
Bede's Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Bede's Way Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Bede's Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Bede's Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
At South Shields you can 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.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Tyne and Wear Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Kissing gate on Bede's Way at Cleadon Hill. At this point the route passes through Cleadon Hill Local Nature Reserve, South Tyneside
Footpath, Whiteleas. The former West Harton Mineral Line is now a foot and cycle path, part of 'Bede's Way'. This is the view looking north towards South Shields.
Footpath to Whitburn
Old Mill on Cleadon Hills
Footpath stile near Whitburn
Cleadon Hills