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Old stone church half hidden by spreading tree and bush covered in pink flowers
Church of Our Lady at Seaton Sluice, Northumberland | © National Trust/Maureen Ritson
North East

Seaton Delaval crops and coal trail

The Seaton Delaval estate and surrounding countryside has a deep history of coal mining, which can be discovered on this walk. Starting at Seaton Delaval Hall, the circular trail explores nearby farmland and woodland while uncovering stories of the local mining companies, how the industry impacted everyday people's lives, and Victorian mining disasters. You'll also learn about the Delaval family's long history in the area.

A shorter route

For an alternative route that cuts the trail down to 6 miles (9.7km) see Step 7.

Total steps: 14

Total steps: 14

Start point

Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, NE26 4QR. Grid ref: NZ322765

Step 1

Leave Seaton Delaval Hall by the main gates, turn left onto the pavement and follow the estate wall around the bend to enter and explore the grounds of the Church of Our Lady. Then, retrace your steps to the main road and turn left up The Avenue towards Seaton Delaval village.

Step 2

Cross the road carefully and turn right at the junction, following the sign to New Hartley. Follow this road all the way up and around to the left. Carefully head over the level crossing and then cross the road to reach the Hester Pit Memorial Garden.

Step 3

After exploring the Hester Pit Memorial Garden, cross the road and retrace your steps along the pavement and over the level crossing until you reach the bend in the road.

Step 4

At the bend, turn left onto the farm road towards Seaton Red House Farm. Following the blue arrows, carry on along the track, heading between the farm buildings and past a pair of houses, to reach Lysdon Farm.

Step 5

Pass to the right of the five-arched barn. Then, following the blue arrows, bear to the left to go behind the barn, under the railway arch, and follow the track between two hedges.

Step 6

Where the path splits, turn left. Then, at the edge of the wooded area, follow the blue arrows to the right. Continue on this track as it heads west with woodland on its left and then on its right. It then curves to the left and carries on between fields before reaching a wooded area where a path crosses your way.

Step 7

At the crossroads, carry straight on until you reach the road (A192) beside The Keel Row pub.

Step 8

At the main road, turn left to walk on the pavement beside the road towards Seaton Delaval village. After about 520yd (475m), having passed the Seaton Delaval sign, turn left onto a footpath through a gap in the hedgerow.

Step 9

Head through the trees and, following yellow arrows, keep to the left of a fence and walk along the edge of the field towards and then into more woodland.

Step 10

In the wood, follow the tarmac footpath as it bends to the right. Follow this through the trees until you reach the road.

Step 11

Carefully cross the road and turn right to walk on the pavement along Double Row road. Continue on this road until you reach a bus shelter on your left with a roundabout in the distance.

Step 12

Immediately after passing the bus shelter, turn left onto a footpath that runs alongside a small park. At the top of the steps, turn left onto the pavement along the A192. Continue on this path for about ½ mile (0.8km).

Step 13

Carry on along the road until you reach the Avenue Head roundabout. Here, stay on the pavement to turn left onto The Avenue.

Step 14

Walk the full length of The Avenue until it eventually bears to the left and returns to the main entrance 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

Seaton Delaval crops and coal trail map
Seaton Delaval crops and coal trail map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland, NE26 4QR

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