The Grey Panthers

Explorer Map 308, - Durham and Sunderland

A very straightforward walk which make suse of the Durham Coast Path between Seaham and Sunderland, returning along the old railway track bed between Ryhope and South Hetton.
However, there is one serious word of warning.
Just North of Seaham the footpath along the top of the cliffs appears to have been closed due to severe erosion.
The footpath now runs along the beck between Seaham and Ryhope Dene. IT IS ESSENTIAL to check on the tides before walking on this stretch of coast, as there is no refuge if you happen to be cut off.
Furthermore, the cliffs are in a very unstable state and there have been some very significant falls of clay. Therefore, you should not walk under the cliffs.
Apart from this word of warning, the walk is thoroughly enjoyable on a sunny day when the visibility is good.

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 availabe 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 website, - just use QUO!!

Start a small car park that overlooks Seaham Harbour (NZ430 496).
Walk Northwards along the road, and then the cliff top path. Descend to the promenade which runs under the cliff.
Follow this promenade to the point where it ends, and ascend to where there is a car park with a sculpture and information boards.
Descend to the beach, then continue along the beach to Ryhope Dene.
At Ryhope Dene, take the footpath (to the right of the small beck) that eventually ascends to the top of the cliff by some steps.
Walk along the top of the cliff to where the path turns inland towards Ryhope.
In Ryhope, turn right on the road and walk a short distance to the Village Green (where there is a War Memorial).
From here, you may choose to head Westwards a short distance to visit the Church of St. Paul.
From the Village Green take the road that heads South, and after about 200 yards there are some stone steps on your right that lead up the bank.
At the top of these steps is the Railway Inn, which is itself close to the start of a walkway that follows the old railway track bed.
Head South Westwards along this walkway. After first crossing the dual carriageway on an old railway bridge, and then passing through a cutting, you come to a footpath marker on your left.
Take the signposted footpath that passes under two main roads and leads to an industrial estate. The path then continues to a minor road (though busy) that runs North-South. Turn right and follow this road for about 300 yards.
On your left take the signposted bridleway beside Lord Byron's Walk.
When this bridleway joins the minor road, follow the road (over the railway crossing) to Seaton Hall.
Just before Seaton Hall, take the clearly marked footpath to St. Mary's Church.
From the church, return along the cliff top path to where you started.