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North East

The Souter saunter

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear
Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

On this two mile walking trail, you'll discover much more than a lighthouse standing alone on the coast. Follow coastal footpaths to discover a lost village, a nature reserve on the site of a former colliery, interesting rock formations and a beautiful bay.

Start point

Foghorn Field, grid ref: NZ407641

Total stages: 9

Total stages: 9

Start point

Foghorn Field, grid ref: NZ407641

Stage 1

Start your journey from the Foghorn House. Make your way through the gate behind the Foghorn and continue straight down to meet the coastal footpath.

Stage 2

Turn left and follow the coastal path along to the fence at the end of the field.

Stage 3

Turn left to follow the fence line until you reach the public footpath by the side of the road.

Stage 4

Turn left again and follow the pavement back towards the Lighthouse. Go past the Lighthouse entrance and turn left into the entrance to the Lighthouse car park - about 550yd (500m).

Stage 5

Turn right this time, following the sign to Whitburn Coastal Park. Follow the road all the way down to the nature reserve car park.

Stage 6

Turn right from the nature reserve car park to take the path around the nature reserve. Stop off at the viewing screens for a spot of bird watching. Follow the path around the nature reserve, turning left and heading all the way back down to the coastal path.

Stage 7

Pick up the coastal path again at the edge of the nature reserve, take a left and start to make your way back towards the Lighthouse.

Kittiwake nest at Souter Lighthouse and the Leas
Kittiwake nest | © Dougie Holden/National Trust

Stage 8

Continue along the coastal path.

Stage 9

Continue along the coastal path until you reach the Lighthouse, taking a left back towards the Foghorn House.

End point

Foghorn Field, grid ref: NZ407641

Trail map

Map showing route and steps of the Souter saunter walk
The Souter saunter | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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

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