Durham Coastal Footpath
An 11-mile long-distance footpath along the Durham coast running north to south from Seaham to Crimdon Park, passing the former collieries of Easington and Blackhall. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: NZ 422 507
Distance: 11 miles (18 km)
Time: 4–6 hours
Duration: 1 day
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
306 Middlesbrough and Hartlepool
308 Durham and Sunderland
Summary
The Durham Coastal Footpath is an 11-mile route running north to south from Seaham to Crimdon Park, just outside Hartlepool. The path starts by Seaham Harbour and heads south to Easington Colliery, passing Shippersea Bay and Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve on the way. The reserve is run by the Durham Wildlife Trust. After the nature reserve, the path continues south to Horden and then on to Peterlee. This area of the walk provides some of the best clifftop views to be enjoyed on the walk. Around Peterlee there is another nature reserve to enjoy: Castle Eden Dene National Nature Reserve. It is the largest area of semi-natural woodland in northeast England and a major highlight on the route. The final section of the walk leads from Castle Eden National Nature Reserve to the finish point at Crimdon Park just north of Hartlepool.