9.64 miles
Explorer Map 308, - Durham and Sunderland
A very pleasant walk, with easy surfaces for most of the
way. Although this walk would be most rewarding in fine weather, in
order to enjoy the views, there is plenty of interest even on a wintery
day.
There are two steep descents into Hawthorn Dene, with corresponding
ascents out of the Dene. However, these descents and ascents are aided
by steps which are part of the footpath.
There should be no navigational difficulties.
If you want to shorten the walk, start from the car park at Noses Point
(NZ436 480). This reduces the walk to about 6 miles.
For a Memory Map overlay of the walk described, please select the above
link.
(Overlay made with Version 5 of Memory Map)
Some new mapping software is now available which you may want to try, - QUO mapping. You can download the software for free from the link below, complete with demonstration maps. Having installed QUO, you can import and export Memory Map overlays. Thus YOU DON'T NEED Memory Map to use any of the overlays provided on the Grey Panthers web site, - just use QUO!!
Start from the car park in Seaham that overlooks the Harbour (NZ43020 49665).
Head South along the road that runs past the Harbour until you comes to the track (that leaves the main road) and leads to Noses Point.
At Noses Point there is a low stone shelter that overlooks the coastline, and nearby are various interpretative boards.
Continue along the clearly defined path until you come to a brick bridge that crosses the main railway line.
Alternatively, take the footpath that follows the edge of the cliff between Nose's Point and the railway bridge. This footpath is slightly longer, but provides some superb sea views.
After crossing the railway line, follow the footpath that is beside the line until you are beside another railway crossing. (At a stile).
Here turn right, and then shortly afterwards take the Path South into Hawthorn Dene.
Cross the Hawthorn Burn by the footbridge then follow the well marked and easy to follow footpath up to the Trig Point on Beacon Hill.
From Beacon Hill take the track to Thorpe Lea West FramFarm.
Here take the field footpath North West, and then North, back to Hawthorn Dene. At the edge of the Dene wodds, head West for a couple of hundred yards to find the footpath into the Dene. Continue down into the Dene, then on to Hawthorn village itself.
Continue through Hawthorn village, and at the cross roads, turn sharp right along the minor road.
(Care on this road as traffic DOES use it!)
At the end of the minor road, take the signposted footpath along a track. Continue along this track until you reach the point near the railway line where you turn left to retrace your steps to Seaham.