Seaton Sluice and Blyth history walk
Explore the centuries of history in and around Seaton Sluice and Blyth on this circular trail. Seaton Delaval was granted to the Delaval family in the 11th century and the earliest record of a building here is a defensive 'tower'. Discover how for more than 900 years, the family has played its part in protecting the area from civil conflicts, wars against the French and attacks during the First and Second World Wars.
A shorter route
There's an alternative route that cuts the trail down to 5 miles (8km). See Step 8.
Total steps: 17
Total steps: 17
Start point
Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, NE26 4QR. Grid ref: NZ322765
Step 1
Leave the grounds by the main gate and turn right to head downhill towards Seaton Sluice.
Step 2
Keep going down the hill, passing Lookout Farm on your left.
Step 3
Continue straight until, towards the bottom of the hill, you reach a path and opening in the wall on your right.
Step 4
Turn right onto the path and go through the gap to enter a housing estate. Turn left and then around to the right onto Easedale road. Turn left and then right onto Parkfield road, before immediately turning left and walking straight to reach a T-junction. Turn left up Cresswell Avenue and then quickly right up a path between two houses. This will bring you out by a road and a large grass area.
Step 5
Turn right and where the road forks, take the footpath in the middle towards the Seaton Sluice Upper Harbour and Seaton Burn. Keep on the path that follows the stream under the road bridge. At the lower harbour, make a sharp left to climb the steps up to the main road. Cross the track and follow the path running north-west, parallel to the beach on your right.
Step 6
Continue along Eve Black Way for just over 1 mile (1.6km) until you reach Gloucester Lodge Farm on your left. Alternatively, at low tide, you can walk along the beach instead.
Step 7
Continue on the path, passing Gloucester Lodge Farm on your left.
Step 8
Keep straight on the Eve Black Way.
Step 9
Continue along Eve Black Way, until you reach its end at Blyth Battery.
Step 10
From Blyth Battery, head towards the sea and then turn left to walk along the promenade. You'll pass beach huts and a playground on your left before reaching some cafés and paved area.
Step 11
Cross the car park and walk between the garage and farm buildings to reach the road, just below the roundabout. Carefully cross the main road and turn right towards the roundabout.
Step 12
At the roundabout, keep on the footpath as it turns left into South Newsham Road. Continue on this path for about ½ mile (0.8km), passing two bus shelters on your left.
Step 13
Turn left to follow a public footpath down South Farm driveway, keeping right as the track forks. Head through a gate and follow the footpath, marked by yellow arrows, to the right and around farm buildings. Just before a cottage, turn right to follow the path as it bears right. Continue at the pedestrian gate and walk beside the hedge. At the corner of the field, join the path going left, heading down the left-hand side of the field.
Step 14
Continue down the side of the field until you reach a sign about Meggie's Burn Reservoir. If you'd like to explore the reservoir then go up the slope behind the sign and walk the perimeter path. (To skip the reservoir, simply turn right at the sign and skip ahead to Step 15).
Step 15
Retrace your steps back down the slope. With the reservoir sign behind you, head west on the path with the hedge on your left. Where the hedge ends, turn left to follow the yellow arrows down the edge of the field and through a kissing gate into a wood. Carry straight on to go through another kissing gate into a field. Head down the fence to reach a gate on the far side of the field. Go through this gate and then head towards and through a final metal gate.
Step 16
At Lysdon Farm, turn left to go around the end of the stone wall and cart shed, then head down the main drive. This takes you to a metal gate by some houses. Go over the stile, pass in front of the houses, and follow the drive bending to the right. Follow this track for almost ½ mile (0.8km) to reach Red House Farm. Keep left on the road to pass the farm and carry on to join the main road. Head in the same direction on the pavement until you reach The Avenue.
Step 17
Turn left onto The Avenue and, when it's safe to do so, cross the road. Follow the pavement along the road back to the front of Seaton Delaval Hall and the end of the trail.
End point
Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, NE26 4QR. Grid ref: NZ322765
Trail map
More near here
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Explore the villages, farmland and coast surrounding Seaton Delaval Hall and learn about a Second World War battery as well as a Victorian coal mining accident on this gentle circular trail.
Holywell and Sluice walk at Seaton Delaval Hall
Explore Seaton Delaval Hall's estate on a circular walk in Northumberland, and discover a Norman church, a ruined castle, a nature reserve and Sluice Harbour.
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This gentle trail starts from Seaton Delaval Hall and takes in much of the wider estate, incorporating local points of interest and historical facts about the Delaval family.
Get in touch
The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, NE26 4QR
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