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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

Trail information

Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Duration1 hour to 2 hours
Dog friendly**
  1. *Maintained paths, fairly flat, no steep inclines.

  2. **Dogs are welcome under close control.

  • 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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