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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
North East

Souter Lighthouse Ranger Run

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.

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 steps: 3

Total steps: 3

Start point

Souter Lighthouse car park, NZ 407640

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

End point

Souter Lighthouse car park, NZ 407640

Trail map

Map of Souter Ranger Run route
Map of Souter Ranger Run route | © Crown Copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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More near here

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear
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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.

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Souter Lighthouse trail 

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

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Get in touch

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

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