Our favourite walks in Sunderland
The sheer variety of walks in Sunderland might surprise you. Between the city and its surroundings, you'll find gentle riverside rambles, formidable country hikes and more than 20 miles of sublime, sand-crested coastline.
Exploring on foot is a treat. And as locals, we know these trails better than most. Yearning for a good yomp? Dust off your boots as we take you through five of our favourite local walking routes.
Roker to Seaburn (accessible route)
Type: there and back
Difficulty: easy
Distance: two miles
Parking: Pier View in Roker
Let's start with a nice seaside saunter that's suitable for ramblers of all abilities. Yes – this route is fully accessible, with pathed paths and wheelchair-friendly gradients throughout.
The route takes you on the beachside promenade that traverses the twin resorts of Roker and Seaburn. If you're able, make sure to spend some time on the sand – Roker and Seaburn's beaches are both highly regarded. Look out for the Bede Memorial Cross, too. This 1904 monument commemorates local legend The Venerable Bede, who might just be history's most famous monk.
Penshaw Monument
Type: there and back
Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 0.5 miles
Parking: free parking at the foot of the hill
Walks in Sunderland often come with stories attached – and few are as gripping as the legend of the Lambeth Worm. This scaly beastie, it's said, was large enough to wrap itself around Penshaw Hill. Some reckon you can still see the marks the worm left as it gripped the land.
If there ever was a worm, it's gone today. But Penshaw Hill is still worth a visit for the magnificent monument that stands at its peak. This route takes you up and down again via a set of wooden steps. You can trudge up, poke around the monument and be back down in minutes flat. Be warned, though: the walk may be short, but the ascent is steep.
Sunderland BIG Walk
Type: point to point
Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 11.5 miles
Parking: Stadium of Light car park
Love a bit of history – and a good ramble? No question about it: if you're looking for walks in Sunderland that explore the city's rich industrial heritage, you won't find much better than this.
The Sunderland BIG Walk is a lengthy urban trail with hordes of history to spot as you go. However, it still manages to squeeze in some pleasant riverside views.
You'll start at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland City Centre, roughly follow the path of the Wear and end up at Herrington Country Park. There's so much to see along the way that we can't mention it all here. But do keep an eye out for the Victoria Viaduct, the Liebherr Crane and the old Fulwell Lime Kilns. If you have time, the National Glass Centre is well worth a visit, too.
Cox Green River Walk
Type: there and back
Difficulty: challenging
Distance: 7.5 miles
Parking: Cox Green
We promised a tough country ramble – and here it is. The Cox Green River Walk is a fairly long, fairly challenging route that has plenty to offer for the adventurous and outdoorsy.
Like many walks in Sunderland, it's a delightful hodgepodge. The area was once a hive of industry centred on the shipbuilding and mining trades. But while echoes of this smoggy past are still evident, the landscape has been largely reclaimed by nature.
That means you're just as likely to spot fascinating wildlife as you are aching industrial infrastructure. The Victoria Viaduct is a highlight. But keep your eye out for sparrowhawks, buzzards and otters, too.
Hendon Beach Cliff to Ryhope Dene
Type: point to point
Difficulty: moderate to challenging, with some steep sections
Distance: around 2.5 miles
Parking: Hendon Beach Cliff Car Park
If you're prone to vertigo, look away now. This clifftop walk is not for the faint of foot.
However, if you don't mind heights and love a good view, you're in for a treat. You'll traipse (carefully!) along the cliffs above Hendon Beach to the wildlife-rich woodland of Ryhope Dene, enjoying stunning sea vistas as you go.
It's not all sea and sand, though. The area is home to a rich variety of birdlife (swallows and linnets in summer, turnstones and sandpipers in winter). During the warmer months, you'll also be rewarded with fields full of colourful wildflowers. Lovely stuff.