Running in Gosforth: Routes, Parkrun, and Clubs

Gosforth is one of the best-connected areas for running in Newcastle. Within minutes of the High Street you have over a thousand acres of open moorland, a wooded valley with trails and waterfalls, flat tarmac paths for speedwork, and two free weekly parkrun events. Add several friendly running clubs and you have everything a runner needs — whether you're training for a marathon or just starting out.

Town Moor

The Town Moor is the centrepiece. With around 1,000 acres of open grassland, it offers almost unlimited running — flat, exposed, and with a genuine sense of space that's rare in any city. The main tarmac paths loop around the southern edge and are well-suited to longer runs, while the grass offers softer ground for those wanting to go off-path.

A popular loop from the Exhibition Park entrance runs anti-clockwise around the southern Moor and back — roughly 5km on tarmac or up to 8km if you extend through Exhibition Park. For longer runs, you can connect north towards Gosforth or south towards the city centre. The Moor is open, so wind can be a factor — but on a calm morning it's hard to beat.

Best for: Long runs, tempo runs, open-air training with no traffic.

Jesmond Dene

Jesmond Dene stretches over three kilometres along the River Ouseburn, from South Gosforth down to Jesmond Vale. The trails are a mix of tarmac, gravel, and natural paths running through a wooded valley with bridges, waterfalls, and mature trees. It's a completely different running experience from the Moor — sheltered, scenic, and with some gentle hills.

A popular out-and-back from Paddy Freeman's Park to the bottom of the Dene and back is around 5–6km with some elevation change. You can extend it by looping into Heaton Park or connecting to the coast-to-coast cycle path. The paths can be muddy after rain, so trail shoes help in winter.

Best for: Trail running, scenic runs, hill work, shelter from wind.

Town Moor Parkrun (Saturdays)

Town Moor parkrun is a free, timed 5K every Saturday at 9am. The course is a single loop on gravel and tarmac paths starting behind Wylam Brewery, near the northern boundary of Exhibition Park. It's one of the most scenic parkruns in the North East — flat, fast, and with open Moor views throughout.

Since launching, over 27,000 runners have completed more than 209,000 parkruns here. All abilities are welcome — walk, jog, or race. Just register once on the parkrun website and bring your barcode. Children under 11 must be accompanied by a running adult.

Best for: Free weekly 5K, all abilities, building a Saturday running habit.

Town Moor Junior Parkrun (Sundays)

Town Moor junior parkrun is a free 2km event for children aged 4–14, every Sunday at 9am on tarmac paths to the west of Exhibition Park. Children under 11 must be accompanied to and from the event by a responsible adult (who stays for the duration).

Afterwards, the newly redeveloped playground in Exhibition Park, the pond, and the Cafe in the Park make it a natural extension of the morning. A brilliant free weekly routine for active families.

Best for: Children aged 4–14, family Sunday mornings, building running confidence.

The Moor and Dene Loop

For a longer run that combines both landscapes, the Moor and Dene loop is a local favourite. Start on the Town Moor, run south along the tarmac paths, then head east along the Great North Road before dropping down into Jesmond Dene. Follow the Dene trails north back towards Paddy Freeman's Park and loop back to the Moor. The full route is roughly 8–10km depending on your exact path, and gives you open moorland, urban roads, and woodland trails in a single run.

Best for: A varied long run, combining Moor and Dene.

Running Clubs

If you want structure, coaching, or just company, there are several clubs within easy reach:

[Gosforth Harriers & AC](https://gosforthharriers.com/) — a competitive and successful club based at Great Park Community Centre, with around 140 active members. Good for runners who want to race and train seriously.

[Jesmond Joggers](http://jesmondjoggers.co.uk/) — a friendly, inclusive club based at Jesmond Pool, established in 2006. They welcome all abilities from near-beginners to marathoners, with different pace groups and routes through Jesmond Dene, the Town Moor, and Little Moor. Training on Mondays and Wednesdays. £2 per session for non-members — email jesmondjoggers2006@gmail.com to arrange your first visit.

[Tyne Bridge Harriers](https://www.tynebridgeharriers.com/) — a large club (400+ members) based at East End Pool, Byker. Training Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm, plus Saturday morning track sessions. Ages 8 to 80.

[Newcastle Frontrunners](https://www.newcastlefrontrunners.co.uk/) — an inclusive LGBTQ+ running group welcoming runners of all backgrounds and abilities.

Races

Gosforth's location makes it a natural base for Newcastle's major races. The Great North Run (half marathon, September) passes through Jesmond. The Newcastle-Gateshead Marathon runs in May. And RunThrough organises regular 5K and 10K events on the Town Moor and through Exhibition Park.

Know of another running route or club near Gosforth? Get in touch via our contact page.