Cleadon Hills
This circular walk climbs to the Cleadon Hills viewpoint above South Shields in Tyne and Wear.
The walk starts from the car park at the Souter Lighthouse and Whitburn Coastal Park. From here you can pick up the Great North Forest Heritage Trail and follow the waymarked trail west up to the hills. Here you can see the old water tower and the photogenic ruined windmill which dates from the 1820s. There's also wonderful views across the surrounding coast and countryside from this elevated spot.
The route then picks up the Bede's Way and follows it south east towards the coast at Whitburn. You can then follow the coast path north to return to the car park.
The hills are also located close to Sunderland where you can enjoy a walk along Roker Beach.
Cleadon Hills Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Cleadon Hills Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Cleadon Hills OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Cleadon Hills Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
From the hills there's fine views towards the Penshaw Monument. The iconic local landmark is another place where you can enjoy views over Sunderland and the coast.
To continue your walking around South Shields catch the ferry over the water and try the Whitley Bay to Tynemouth Walk. Just north of Whitley Bay you can also visit 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.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Tyne and Wear Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Old Mill on Cleadon Hills
Kissing gate on Bede's Way Cleadon Hill. At this point the route passes through Cleadon Hill Local Nature Reserve, South Tyneside.
Linnet Way. View from Cleadon Hills, Penshaw Monument on the horizon. Sculpture is a way marker on the Linnet Way footpath.
Close up view of the old Mill near the top of the hills.
Looking east
Footpath to Whitburn
Water pumping station, Cleadon. The former water pumping station, once provided water to the South Shields area. The Grade II listed Water Tower is visible for miles around, as far south as the Headland in Hartlepool.
Cleadon Hills Farm