Souter Lighthouse and the Leas
Clifftop grassland and sea stacks between Sunderland and South Shields.
- Distance
- 4.7 km
- Ascent
- 110 m
- Time
- 1–1.5 h
- Grade
- Easy
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 33 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Souter Lighthouse and the Leas is an easy 4.7 km out-and-back walk with 110 m of ascent, taking 1 to 1.5 hours. It starts at Souter Lighthouse (grid reference NZ 407 641). The start can be reached by public transport.
Souter was the first lighthouse in the world built to run on electricity, in 1871, and its red and white tower stands on magnesian limestone cliffs looked after by the National Trust. The Leas are the clifftop grasslands running north to Marsden Bay, where the sea stacks are loud with kittiwakes in summer and the Marsden Grotto pub is built into the cliff.
Return the same way.
Route
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1
The Leas
Follow the clifftops north to Marsden Bay and return.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Souter Lighthouse and the Leas take?
- Most walkers take 1–1.5 hours for the 4.7 km route, which has 110 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Souter Lighthouse (grid reference NZ 407 641). National Trust car park (charge for non-members).
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Buses along the coast road between Sunderland and South Shields. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded easy. Flat clifftop grass and paths.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Keep well back from the cliff edge, and keep dogs on a lead.
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