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

North East

The Souter saunter

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.

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Total steps: 9

Start point

Foghorn Field, grid ref: NZ407641

Step 1

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

Step 2

Turn left and follow the coastal path along to the fence.

Step 3

Follow the fence line until you reach the public footpath.

Step 4

Turn left again and follow the public footpath past the lighthouse and through to the entrance to the car park - about 550yd (500m).

Step 5

Turn right this time follow the road down to the car park. It's signposted Whitburn Coastal Park so it's difficult to get lost.

Step 6

Take the path around the Nature Reserve and stop off at the viewing screens for a spot of bird watching.

Step 7

Pick up the coastal path again at the bird hide, 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

Step 8

Continue along the coastal path.

Step 9

Continue along the coastal path to the fence line and take a left back towards the Foghorn House.

Lizard Point and the odd rock out

Souter lighthouse was originally to be built on Souter Point, but it was later decided that Lizard Point would be a better option, as the cliffs are higher and a shorter tower could be built. They kept the name Souter Lighthouse because there was already a Lizard Lighthouse in Cornwall. As you turn back towards the Foghorn House, can you see the rock that looks different to all others? It’s man made and was used as a ranging marker for the nearby Tyneside batteries during times of conflict. The marker was used so that when aiming south, as long as the artillery was pointed seawards of the marker, the shells would not hit friendly or civilian targets along the coastline.

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

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

01915293161

souter@nationaltrust.org.uk

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The Souter saunter

Total steps: 9