Best Walks from Whitley Bay

One of the great pleasures of living in Whitley Bay is how easy it is to find a proper walk without ever getting in a car. The coastline stretches in both directions from the town centre, and the paths are well maintained, mostly flat, and open to everyone. Here are four of the best walks from Whitley Bay.

1. The Seafront Promenade to Tynemouth

Distance: 3 miles (4.8km) | Time: 1-1.5 hours | Terrain: Paved promenade and paths, flat throughout

This is the classic Whitley Bay walk and probably the one you will do most often. Start at Spanish City and head south along the seafront promenade. The path hugs the coast, passing the sweep of Whitley Sands before rounding the headland into Cullercoats Bay. From Cullercoats, continue south along the clifftop path above Long Sands beach, passing Sharpness Point, until you reach Tynemouth Priory and Castle perched dramatically on the headland.

The whole route is paved and flat, making it suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The recently completed Seafront Sustainable Route has added separate foot and cycle paths along much of this stretch, making it safer and more pleasant than ever.

You can return the same way or catch the Metro back from Tynemouth station, which is just a few minutes' walk from the castle.

Best for: The default walk for residents. Flat, paved, spectacular views, and you can reward yourself with fish and chips at Riley's in Tynemouth before catching the Metro home.

2. Whitley Bay to St Mary's Lighthouse

Distance: 2 miles each way (3.2km) | Time: 1-1.5 hours return | Terrain: Paved paths and gravel, flat

Head north from Spanish City along the promenade and across The Links, the wide stretch of open grassland that runs between the road and the sea. The path follows the coast past Panama Dip gardens and the Rendezvous cafe, with views out to sea the entire way. At the northern end, you arrive at St Mary's Island and its iconic lighthouse.

If the tide is out, you can cross the causeway to the island itself and climb the 137 steps to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views up and down the coast. Keep an eye out for seals, which are regularly spotted in the waters around the island, and the rock pools at low tide are brilliant for children.

Check the tide times before you set off -- the causeway floods at high tide and you can get stranded.

Best for: The most scenic walk in the area. Time it for low tide so you can cross to the lighthouse and explore the rock pools.

3. Whitley Bay to Cullercoats Bay Loop

Distance: 2.3 miles (3.7km) | Time: 45 minutes-1 hour | Terrain: Paved paths and beach, mostly flat

A shorter loop that is perfect for a lunchtime walk or an after-work stretch of the legs. Start at Spanish City and walk south along the promenade to Cullercoats Bay, the pretty horseshoe-shaped cove that sits between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth. The bay has been painted by artists for over a century, and the lifeboat station and harbour walls give it a picturesque character that feels a world away from the main beach.

Drop down onto Cullercoats beach if you fancy getting sand between your toes, then climb the steps on the far side of the bay and take the path along the clifftop. You can loop back inland via the residential streets to return to your starting point, or simply retrace your steps along the promenade.

Best for: A quick, easy loop with a change of scenery. Cullercoats Bay is one of the prettiest spots on the North East coast.

4. The Links and Beach Walk

Distance: 2-3 miles (3.2-4.8km) | Time: 45 minutes-1.5 hours | Terrain: Grass, gravel paths and sand, flat

This walk makes the most of the open green space right in the heart of Whitley Bay. The Links is a broad stretch of common land that runs along the seafront, and it is where the weekly Whitley Bay parkrun takes place every Saturday morning. The mix of tarmac paths, gravel tracks and open grass gives you flexibility to choose your own route.

Start at the Spanish City car park and head north across The Links, following the paths that wind through the grassland. When you reach the northern end, drop down onto the beach and walk back south along the sand, returning to your starting point via the promenade. The beach section is best at low tide when the sand is firm and wide. At high tide, you can stay on the promenade path instead.

This is a particularly good walk for families with young children, as the beach provides entertainment along the way and The Links has plenty of space for running around.

Best for: Combine open grassland with a beach walk. The Saturday parkrun route covers The Links if you want a 5km loop to follow.

Practical Tips

All four walks start from or near Spanish City, which has car parking, cafes, and public toilets. Whitley Bay Metro station is a five-minute walk from the seafront. The coastal paths are exposed to the wind, so bring an extra layer even on sunny days.

For a longer expedition, combine routes 1 and 2 to walk the full stretch from St Mary's Lighthouse to Tynemouth Priory -- roughly 5 miles. This section forms part of the England Coast Path and is one of the finest coastal walks in the North East.