Seaham to South Hetton - Durham Round Trail (Alternative Route)

Start: Tommy World War One Solider Statue, opposite 22 North Terrace, Seaham SR7 7EU.

(S) From the Tommy Statue, walk north along North Terrace for 100m then turn left into Tempest Road. Pass underneath the railway and keep left at the roundabout.

(1) Cross over the first exit and then look to your left for a squeeze gate, go through the gate and keep left walking down into Deneside Park. Keep left exiting the park on Dene Road. Follow Dene Road south for 500m.

(2) Cross the road to visit the ruins of Dalden Tower then continue south on Dene Road. This will turn west as it enters Dalton-le-Dale.

(3) Pass the Parish Hall and continue along Dene Road for 400m.

(4) then take the path to the left alongside the St Andrew's Church. Keep left and exit onto the B1285. Turn left and follow the B1285 for 1km.

Alternative Route: Continue along Dene Road and then turn left onto the B1285.

(5) At the road junction keep right and continue to follow the B1285 until you reach the A19. Cross over the A19 continuing west towards Dalton Park Retail Outlet. At the time of writing there were roadworks here so there may be some footpath diversions.

(6) You may stop off at Dalton Park for refreshments, otherwise continue along the B1285 towards Murton. Continue until you reach the petrol station.

(7) Turn left at the petrol station into Hawthorn Close. Continue down the lane passing through a gate and passing buildings on the left.

(8) When the road swings to the right, take either the path to your left and then turn right at the end or follow the road around and then take the next left towards Jade Business Park. There may be building work around here so be prepared to follow any diversions.

(9) At the roundabout, take the cycle path heading southwest on the same line as the access road to Jade Park.

(10) Keep to the tarmac cycle path ignoring all other paths. Continue heading southwest (straight over).

(11) The cycle path will turn left (south) and pass over a bridge, pass a sculpture and continue to the Grey House Convenience Store (E)

Transport: There is a public car park right next to the Tommy statue and along further along the sea front in Seaham. To return to Seaham, either take the X1 towards Newcastle changing in Houghton-le-Spring onto the 71 to Seaham. Alternatively take the X1 towards Middlesbrough, changing at Peterlee onto the X6 or 60 to Seaham. A further option is to park in Peterlee and take a single bus to Seaham and then a single bus back to Peterlee at the end of the walk.

Alternatively, you could consider following the original route back to Seaham for an extended walk.

Facilities: There are plenty of cafes along the seafront at Seaham opposite the Tommy Statue. There are many cafes, restaurants and public toilets in Dalton Park. Public toilets are located on Front Street in South Hetton, turn right at the Grey House Shop.

Accessibiity: This walk is accessible as it is along paved footpaths and cycle paths for the entire duration.

• Tommy World War One Soldier Statue - Ray Lonsdale sculpture to commemorate the centenary of the First World War
• Dalden Tower - Ruins of a manor house which stand by the roadside.
• Dalton Park - Shopping and leisure complex with plenty of restaurants and cafes.