Coastal Footpath

About the Path

This 11 mile Coastal Footpath passes through an area that has been affected by constant change, both natural and man-made. The geology is Magnesian Limestone, overlain by boulder clay, which supports a variety of uncommon habitats and species. The Northern Brown Argus butterfly, a rare species only found on the Magnesian Limestone grasslands of County Durham, feeds on the rockrose and can be seen during the summer months. Along the route, cliff top views provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching, particularly in October, when onshore winds with mist and rain can drive large numbers of migrants inland.

The northern end of the footpath is at Seaham Hall beach car park. The trail leads along the Seaham promenade and past the Londonderry offices, where a statue of the Third Marquis of Londonderry, Charles Vane-Tempest-Stewart, stands. A series of signposts guide the walker through the southern end of Seaham to Dawdon.

At Dawdon the Coastal Footpath runs close by the site of Dawdon Colliery, which ceased production in 1991, after which the site was reclaimed. After passing Noses Point the path skirts Blast Beach, a popular spot for sea angling, which is thought to be named after a 19th Century ironworks. Next to the footpath, interpretive boards explain how the coal industry in the area blighted the beaches, and how the natural action of the sea has continued the process of cleaning them. The action of the sea erodes the limestone cliffs, and ironically the tipping of mine waste on the beaches has protected them and reduced the effects of salt seawater spray on the cliff top plant life. The natural rate of erosion along the coastline here is now being carefully monitored.

The coastline at Dawdon is an excellent spot for watching passing migrants, particularly in autumn when the right conditions can bring large numbers of birds to the beach. Offshore, there are often red-throated divers and a variety of sea duck including common scoter.

Leaving the beach, the footpath follows the coastal railway to Hawthorn. Near the north end of Hawthorn viaduct is Hawthorn Dene and Meadow and Beacon Hill, an excellent example of Magnesian Limestone grassland with wild flowers such as betony, cowslip, rockrose, vetch and orchids. Hawthorn Dene, to the right of the path has contained woodland for 400 years, and is home to a variety of tree and shrub species including ash, oak, yew and gooseberry. At ground level, hart’s tongue fern and the fragrant orchid can be found in abundance.

The footpath passes through an attractive limestone gorge and gives good views of the Railway viaduct, which was opened to carry the Coastal Railway line over the Dene.

Once at the heart of the East Durham coalfield, the next section, from Beacon Hill to Easington Colliery is now an exceptionally attractive part of the Durham Coastal Footpath. Beacon Hill is formed from an outcrop of what was originally a barrier reef laid down in a tropical sea, which existed in this area thousands of millions of years ago. The name suggests that a beacon site may well have existed here since Roman times. The barn that can be seen on the top of the hill is a local landmark owned by the National Trust. It is well worth a visit for the excellent views of the coastline which can be seen from there.

Easington Colliery was one of the last Durham collieries to close. Workings extended for over five miles under the sea. Since closure of the colliery the land has been reclaimed and the pit cage, which contains a Time Capsule has been erected to form a lasting monument, commemorating an industry that once shaped the whole of the landscape on this coast.

On leaving the colliery, the Footpath bisects Foxholes Dene. Thought to be named after "the fox", a hermit who reputedly lived in the caves, Foxholes Dene is one of the steepest and deepest of the denes along this stretch of coast. Approaching Horden, a section of coast which was badly scarred by tipping of colliery spoil, the footpath passes Warren House Gill, Whitesides Gill and Blackhills Gill. Here an area of Magnesian Limestone grassland has been recreated with red fescue, sea plantain and sea thrift now present.

Denemouth is the home of Castle Eden Dene, one of the most important natural areas in the North East. This four mile long, steep sided valley cut into Magnesian Limestone is valued, among other things for its yew trees, insects and plant life. Colonies of Northern Brown Argus butterflies inhabit the south facing cliffs at Denemouth. These butterflies stay close to their own colonies and do not mix with others elsewhere along the coast.

Approaching the southerly limit of the Durham Coastal Footpath, the sight and sound of skylarks rising above the short grassland is very noticeable. This section of the path circumnavigates Blue House Gill, a sheltered site, which is home to eight species of orchid. It then follows the seaward boundary of the Blackhall Reserve, the only established wetland site along the coast. At the southern end of this site Blackhall Rocks, a series of Magnesian Limestone caves, cliffs and stacks, provide an excellent vantage point for viewing wading birds such as the turnstone and purple sandpiper.

At the Southern end of the footpath, the wide flat sandy beaches of Crimdon were once a popular holiday destination. The footpath finishes at Crimdon Dene, where a very pleasant walk can be taken under the dramatic arches of the viaduct.

Coastal Footpath

Location

At the northern end of the footpath, Seaham Hall Car Park is situated off the B1287, just north of Seaham.
At Crimdon, parking for the southern end of the path is available by following a track off the A1086 leading towards North Sands Beach to the Crimdon Park car park.

Facilities

Car parking is also available at Seaham Harbour, Noses Point, Easington Colliery, Foxholes Dene, Warren House Gill, Denemouth and Blackhall Rocks.

Tourist Information points can be found at Seaham Hall Beach, Old Seaham, Seaham Harbour, Noses Point, Blast Beach, Hawthorn Hive, Easington Colliery, Foxholes Dene, Warren House Gill, Blackhall Rocks, Crimdon Park and Crimdon Dene.

Enquiries

Durham County Council
Environment
County Hall
Durham
DH1 5UQ
Tel: 0191 3833741