England Coast Path - North East Section Durham, Hartlepool and Sunderland

This section of the England Coast Path includes some of the most spectacular and varied coastline in the North East. Heavily industrialised in the past, the coastline is slowly being reclaimed by nature and includes busy marinas, seaside resorts and wild clifftops supporting a range of flora and fauna. The area also has many denes, steep wooded ravines, which can be explored as side trips from the main England Coast Path. This section utilises the Durham Heritage Coast Path.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   England Coast Path - Souter Lighthouse to Roker

   7.87 km 10 m 11 m

   This section begins at Souter Lighthouse and follows the England Coast Path through Whitburn and Seaburn to Roker. The England Coast Path itself runs along the cliff tops and is a narrow footpath from Souter Lighthouse to South Bents where it joins the main public footpath. From there, the promenade can be followed to Roker. The end of this section overlaps with the Weardale Way allowing walkers who have arrived from Weardale to continue their walk.

   View the route
2. 2
   

   England Coast Path - Roker to Sunderland City Centre

   5.33 km 47 m 26 m

   This riverside section of the England Coast Path follows the mouth of the Wear from Roker to Hendon finishing at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens in the city centre. The Wear was famous for its shipbuilding, all now long gone, but its religious past and glass making industry are still present. Alongside new developments the changing face of Sunderland is very evident in this walk.

   View the route
3. 3

   England Coast Path - Sunderland City Centre to Ryhope

   5.56 km 46 m 40 m

   This England Coast Path section starts in Sunderland City Centre and picks up the route in Hendon following a mostly urban route for the first half of the walk which then turns down to the cliff tops for the remainder of the walk to Ryhope. On this route you will see many new developments, including the A1018 which the route follows

   View the route
4. 4

   England Coast Path - Ryhope to Seaham

   6.59 km 23 m 32 m

   This section starts along the cliff tops at Ryhope and then drops down to Ryhope Dene eventually arriving at Seaham Hall Beach. The section then continues along Seaham Promenade to the National Trust managed land at Noses Point. This walk gives a good contrast between the rugged cliff tops and traditional seaside town.

   View the route
5. 5

   England Coast Path - Seaham to Easington Colliery

   5.34 km 42 m 20 m

   This section follows the Durham Heritage Coast path along the cliff tops from Seaham to Easington Colliery. This is a rural section passing Hawthorn Dene and Beacon Hill providing stunning views out to sea and finishing with a visit to the Pit Cage Monument at Easington Colliery.

   View the route
6. 6

   England Coast Path - Easington Colliery to Horden

   5.66 km 91 m 111 m

   This section of the England Coast Path/Durham Heritage Coast Path is another rural section which covers several denes creating an undulating walk along dirt footpaths.

   View the route
7. 7

   England Coast Path - Horden to Crimdon

   6.88 km 51 m 52 m

   This section of the England Coast Path continues down the rural areas of County Durham ending at Crimdon passing through Castle Eden Dene and Crimdon Dene finishing at a popular holiday park. There are nature reserves and rock formations to explore along with long sandy beaches and sand dunes. This section has some steep inclines and steps and is therefore not accessible.

   View the route
8. 8

   England Coast Path - Crimdon to Hartlepool Headland

   7.64 km 5 m 30 m

   This section of the England Coast Path begins at the popular holiday park at Crimdon and follows a more urban route to the historic Hartlepool Headland finishing at the old town walls.

   View the route
9. 9

   England Coast Path - Hartlepool Headland to Seaton Carew

   8.12 km 7 m 12 m

   This section of the England Coast Path is a varied section, starting on the historic headland, it then follows main roads through modern developments to the marina and on to the seafront at Seaton Carew. The route passes some of the highlights of Hartlepool which are well worth slight diversions.

   View the route
10. 10

    England Coast Path - Seaton Carew to Teesmouth

    5.79 km 7 m 7 m

    This walk starts at the Clock Tower in Seaton Carew and follows a rural path around Seaton Snook. It follows the Hartlepool Borough Council suggested walk Seaton Snook Stroll, but if combined with other sections of the England Coast Path continue West at (5)

    View the route
11. 11

    England Coast Path - Teesmouth to Transporter Bridge

    8.12 km 8 m 4 m

    This section of the path winds its way through the industrial Teesmouth area which surprisingly is littered with marshes and nature reserves including RSPB Salthome. A relatively easy path, mostly paved and flat with opportunities to stop and view seals from the specially built hides.

    View the route
12. E

    England Coast Path - Transporter Bridge to Newport Bridge

    6.00 km 7 m 8 m

    This section of the walk is urban and winds its way through industrial areas along the Tees and the villages which served them. The walk links two of the most iconic bridges in the area, the Transporter Bridge and the Newport Bridge. Along the walk you can see evidence of heavy industry both past and present. Most of the walk footpaths along the main roads so do be aware of traffic.

    View the route