Leaving the urban fringe of Sunderland behind, this scenic 6-mile stretch of the Durham Heritage Coast quickly reclaims its wild, natural beauty.
Undulating grass clifftops open up to vast, uninterrupted North Sea horizons, leading you past hidden coves, dramatic geological stone arches, and the world-famous sea glass treasure trove of Seaham Beach.
Part of the Tyne to Tees Coastal Path Master Series This article is Stage 2 of a 5-part definitive guide to walking the entire Tyne to Tees coast.
- Previous Step: Stage 1: South Shields to Roker Guide
- View the Full Route: The Tyne to Tees Coastal Path Master Guide
- Next Up: Stage 3: Seaham to Easington Colliery Guide
⏱️ Essential Trail Logistics & Planning
Distance:
6 miles (9.6 km) | Linear route.
Time:
2.5 – 3 hours at a comfortable exploring pace.
Terrain:
Grassy clifftop trails, packed dirt singletrack, and optional sand and pebble beach walking.
Public Transport:
Flawless. Direct Northern Rail trains link Seaham Station back to Sunderland in just 6 minutes. Alternatively, regular local bus routes connect the two hubs.
Dog Friendliness:
High. Wide-open clifftop fells give plenty of space, but look out for coastal erosion gaps.
🥾 The Route Breakdown: Step-by-Step Milestones
Out of the City to Ryhope Cliffs
Miles 0 – 2.5
Start on the southern edge of Sunderland’s seafront trails.
Heading south, the path bypasses the village of Hendon and hits the open clifftops. The hustle of the city fades instantly, replaced by sweeping views looking back at the Sunderland coast line.
The track here is largely flat, tracking high above the water through wide, peaceful meadows where you are likely to only encounter local dog walkers.
Hidden Coves to Seaham Beach
Miles 2.5 – 5
As you approach Ryhope and march toward Seaham, the landscape gets beautifully rugged.
Keep your eyes peeled for striking natural limestone rock formations and stone archways carved out by centuries of raw sea erosion.
The trail descends gently toward the shore. Drop down directly onto Seaham Beach—a spectacular expanses of sand and smooth pebbles perfectly framed by towering cliffs.
The Lighthouse to Terrace Green Finish
Miles 5 – 6
Climb back to the promenade as the path approaches the town of Seaham.
Pass the iconic Seaham Lighthouse standing guard on the harbor pier.
Follow the waterfront track as it guides you straight onto Terrace Green, the grand finish line for Stage 2, home to the world-famous ‘Tommy’ wartime sculpture.
🏛️ Deep Dives & Local Lore: Shimmering Stones & Steel Sentinels
The Shimmering History of Seaham Sea Glass
As you walk across Seaham Beach, you will notice people walking slowly with their heads down, carefully scanning the pebbles.
They are hunting for Seaham’s famous sea glass. During the peak of the industrial age, this coast was home to the massive Londonderry Bottleworks and numerous glass factories turning out millions of hand-blown bottles every year.
At the end of every operating day, spent or imperfect glass was simply dumped straight into the North Sea.
Over a century later, the relentless, churning power of the waves has shaped those jagged waste shards into smooth, frosted, gemstone-like pebbles.
High tide brings a fresh batch to the surface every day, making it an international hotspot for collectors and jewellry makers. Taking a slow walk across the stones to collect a handful is an essential part of the trail experience.
‘Tommy’ (1101): A Moving Tribute to Peace
As you finish the walk on Terrace Green, it is impossible to miss the towering, rust-patinated steel statue of a World War I soldier.
Officially titled 1101 (representing the first minute of peace after the November 11th Armistice took effect at 11:00 AM), this masterpiece by local sculptor Ray Lonsdale stands an imposing 9 feet 5 inches tall.
The detail captured in the weathered steel is breathtaking—from the fabric folds of his uniform to his bowed head, capturing the profound exhaustion and heavy reflection of a soldier in the immediate aftermath of the ceasefire.
Initially intended as a temporary installation, the local community fell in love with ‘Tommy’ and raised the funds to purchase him permanently for the town.
🍽️ The Hospitality Stop: Where to Refuel
Seaham’s rejuvenated marina and harbor front have turned it into a fantastic food destination.
The Café Stop: The Marina Food Bars. The harbor area is packed with independent coffee shops, ice cream parlors, and bistro bars looking straight out over the boats. It’s the perfect spot for a post-walk flat white or a hot lunch.
The Culture Fix: Art Block. Located directly across the main road from the harbor, this wonderful creative gallery showcases and supports local North East artists. Drop in to view the local talent or pick up a unique handcrafted souvenir.
The Heritage Stop: Seaham Lifeboat Centre. Take a brief detour to explore the historic lifeboat building, home to the beautifully restored George Elmy lifeboat and a wealth of fascinating local maritime history.
🐾 The Four-Legged Team Dispatch
Malc & Pete’s Trail Notes
This leg of the coast path is pure bliss for four legs. The long, open clifftop fells between Hendon and Ryhope are wide enough for plenty of free-roaming exploration.
However, because the sea views are so vast, it is easy to forget how close the drop-offs can be. Keep a sharp eye out for sections where the cliff path has narrowed due to natural erosion.
Sea Glass Safety: Seaham Beach is a massive playground for dogs, but if your pack loves chasing tennis balls, keep a close eye on their paws.
The mixture of heavy shingles and small shards of sea glass is generally worn smooth, but rougher stones can sometimes hide among the pebbles.
After a good run on the sand, treat them to a bowl of fresh water at the marina—almost every outdoor seating area here is incredibly dog-friendly.
Ready for the Next Milestone?
You’ve hunted for world-famous sea glass on Seaham Beach and stood before the moving tribute of the ‘Tommy’ statue.
Now, the trail dives headfirst into the wildest, most dramatic section of the Durham Heritage Coastline, leading you over ancient clifftops toward a spectacular nature reserve.
👉 Advance to Tyne to Tees Stage 3: Seaham to Easington Colliery
