Two visitors walk towards Souter Lighthouse, silhouetted against the sky at dusk — Souter makes the ideal starting point for a walk | © National Trust Images / John Millar

North East

Souter Lighthouse trail

This trail is an easy stroll for all the family on well-established footpaths following the coastal path. Start and finish your walk at Souter Lighthouse, in Sunderland, spotting wildlife along the way.

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Total steps: 5

Start point

Souter Lighthouse, grid ref: NZ407641

Step 1

Start at the lighthouse and make your way toward the foghorn at the bottom of Foghorn Field. Exit through the green gate behind the foghorn.

Step 2

Follow the coastal path nearest to the cliffs southwards with the sea on your left.

Wildlife in Whitburn Coastal Park

Keep your eye out for wildlife as you walk, especially migratory birds. Redwings and fieldfares, members of the thrush family, may arrive in large numbers for the winter. They particularly like to feed on elder and rowan berries. Wheatears, named for their white rump, on their way to Africa and pale snow buntings from Scandinavia can be seen along the cliff tops. On a calm day look out to sea, where you might be lucky enough to see a porpoise or dolphins swim by.

A redwing bird sits on snowy branches — A redwing (Turdus iliacus) in the snow | © National Trust Images/Richard Bradshaw

Step 3

Go down to the wherry. Here you can take a look at the sea views, search rock pools for coastal creatures if the tide is out and maybe skim a few stones.

Step 4

Here you will find a bird hide overlooking Whitburn Nature Reserve. If you stop a while, there will likely be several species visiting the feeders. Just after the car park, follow the tarmacked track to head back towards the lighthouse.

Whitburn Nature Reserve

Whitburn Nature Reserve is reclaimed colliery land and includes tree planting, a bird observatory, viewing screens and wetland habitats. It was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2003 and a Big Lottery-funded project in 2011 allowed the installation of ponds by the local Coastal Conservation Group. In 2017–18 an artificial sand martin colony was built, hoping to attract nesting birds away from nearby cliffs where their nest holes are often lost to collapses following wet weather.

Step 5

Cut right off the track at this point to find another bird hide. From here, it is only a few minutes' walk back to the lighthouse and the café.

Tree sparrow | © National Trust Images/Dougie Holden

End point

Souter Lighthouse, grid ref: NZ407641

Trail map

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

Trail

The Souter saunter

Discover more than just a lighthouse on this circular walking trail. Starting and ending at Foghorn Field, you'll take in views over Lizard Point, stop to watch the birds at Whitburn Nature Reserve and discover lots of history on the way.

Coast Road, Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, SR6 7NH

01915293161

souter@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Souter Lighthouse trail

Total steps: 5