North East

Souter Lighthouse Ranger Run

Cliffs bathed in golden early morning sunlight with Souter Lighthouse in the distance — Looking north along the cliffs of Whitburn Coastal Park towards Souter Lighthouse | © National Trust Images / Paul Harris

A scenic trail run route around the site of the former Whitburn Colliery, now home to grasslands, wildflowers and a variety of birds. This short but interesting and enjoyable run takes in a full lap of Whitburn Coastal Park nature reserve. We suggest running it in both directions – you'll be surprised how much more you see.

Near to

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas

Start point

Souter Lighthouse car park, NZ 407640

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Easy

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1.24 (km: 1.98)

Duration 10 mins to 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*The route follows a well-maintained but naturally uneven coastal path. For more details, please see Terrain section.
**Mostly level paths, many are hard-surfaced. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome. For more details, please see Facilities section.

Ranger Run Series

This route has been created in collaboration with expert trail runners and adventurers Jen and Sim Benson as part of our Ranger Run Series. If you're after a longer run, the coast path is a great run in either direction.

Total stages: 3
Total stages: 3
Start point
Souter Lighthouse car park, NZ 407640
Stage 1
Leave the car park and pass the lighthouse on a track towards the sea. Trend slightly left to join the coast path at Lizard Point.
Souter Lighthouse
Opened in 1871, Souter was the world's first lighthouse purpose built to be powered by electricity. Look out for the Foghorn House at the end of the white walled field. During its working life, when visibility fell below two miles and the lights of the Tyne and Wear could not be seen, the horn gave a four second blast at 45 second intervals. Nowadays you might hear the foghorn being given a blast for old time's sake, usually on a Sunday. Please check for warning signage and be aware if you are out running nearby, it's extremely loud!
Stage 2
Turn right onto the coast path and follow it south along the edge of Whitburn Coastal Park to a path junction at its southern end. Fork right here and run past the southern car park.
Stage 3
Follow the track around the southern end of the coastal park and up the western edge back to the start. We highly recommend turning around and also running this route in reverse; you'll be surprised how much more you see running in the opposite direction.
Nature thriving
Our rangers work closely with the Whitburn Coastal Conservation Group to ensure that the coastal park is a haven for wildlife. The neighbouring Nature Reserve is designated a human-free zone, except by special arrangement, in order to give nature space to thrive undisturbed in the ponds, wetland areas and a manmade sand martin nest bank. On your way back towards the lighthouse you'll pass bird hides: see if you can spot the rare tree sparrows.
End point
Souter Lighthouse car park, NZ 407640
Trail map
Map of Souter Ranger Run route | © Crown Copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear

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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.

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Discover this trail along the coastal path at Souter Lighthouse in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, ideal for wildlife and especially bird enthusiasts.

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

01915293161

souter@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Souter Lighthouse Ranger Run

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