Durham Heritage Coast Walk
Seaham
County Durham
SR7 7EU
Tel: +44 03000 268131
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Accessibility
- Distance: 5-10 Miles
- Grade: Moderate
- Route Surface: Off Road
Provider Features
- Coastal
- Walk Distance - 11 miles.
Things to Do in Durham
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Tel: +44 03000 268131
The Durham Coastal Footpath is a superb 11 mile walking route from Seaham in the north to Crimdon in the south, leading through stunning clifftop scenery with links into coastal villages each with their own special stories to tell.
This coast is one that has been affected by constant change, both natural and manmade, but it has always been a special place for nature lovers. The underlying geology is Magnesian Limestone with boulder clay above it which supports fantastic grassland with wonderful plants and other wildlife, including the very special Durham Argus butterfly that feeds on the rockrose and can be seen during the summer months.
Coal mining was the dominant industry in the area throughout the 20th C but following the closure of the pits in the early 1990s considerable effort has been put into restoring the coastal grasslands leading to a recreated coastal landscape. Along the route you will still see remnants of the colliery spoil that despoiled the beaches for over 100 years.
The walk starts in Seaham where the North Dock, created for the export of coal, is now a smart new marina next to the vibrant working port in South Dock. The path follows the cliffs to Nose’s Point where there are superb views down to Whitby on a clear day. This was the site of the former Dawdon colliery but now a gateway to the most tranquil section of the Heritage Coast. The airy route continues south taking in Hawthorn Dene, passing Beacon Hill and Easington Colliery down into Castle Eden Dene and on to Blackhall, where the final dramatic scenes of Get Carter were played out. Then on past the smugglers caves of Blackhall Rocks, the path runs on through a chicane of small gills to finish at Crimdon and its dunes, where little terns return from Africa every year to breed on the open beach.
Along the way you can detour into the villages and onto the fascinating beaches, with some routes more challenging than others.
Nose’s Point Nature Reserve, SeahamThe sea has played a key role in the way Nose’s Point looks and the plants and animals found here, the magnesian limestone bedrock, laid down in an ancient sea, has given rise to a rare form of grassland with unique populations of plants and animals such as the Northern Brown Argus butterfly and…
Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve, SeahamThe second largest coastal Dene in the county, consisting of relatively unspoilt ancient woodland and species rich limestone hay meadows.
Easington Colliery Nature Reserve, EasingtonThe site of the former Easington Colliery has been designated as a local nature reserve and has good car parking facilities very close to the coastal footpath.
Horden Grasslands Local Nature Reserve, HordenThis coastal site has impressive views to the north and south. On a clear day, you will be able to see all the way to North Yorkshire.
Blackhall Rocks & Cross Gill Nature Reserve, Blackhall CollieryThis coastal site is as important for both its geology and wildlife. The cliffs and coastal area feature natural exposures of reef-limestone, set down 250 million years ago in the waters on the ancient Zechstein Sea, glacial boulder clays and beds of gravel.
Crimdon Dene BeachWith its sandy beaches, Crimdon has been a popular place for holiday makers for many years. From the 1920’s miners came to Crimdon for their annual summer holidays.
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