- Play Hard
- 28th Aug 2024
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- 3 minutes
Go Smarter Go Active is a fun way to explore the North East – check out this ‘Bit of the Sea’ trail for your next day out
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If you’re looking to explore the North East in a fun, sustainable way, Go Smarter Go Active is here to inspire your next adventure.
The campaign by North East Combined Authority helps us make smarter, more active, travel choices – encouraging walking and cycling with interactive maps, curated fun day trip itineraries, and regionwide cycling events.
Today, we’re bringing you one of their trails, A Bit of the Sea, which showcases our beautiful Northumberland coastline.
Starting in Whitley Bay and ending in Blyth, this trail takes you through a mix of sandy beaches, historical landmarks, and the seaside village of Seaton Sluice.
What you need to know
Distance: 4.9 miles
Terrain: Mostly flat with some mild rises
Accessibility: Suitable for everyone – walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The 308 bus follows the same route, meaning you can hop on or off if you get tired, and can catch it back to your car from Blyth if you’ve parked at St Mary’s Lighthouse.
Parking: St Mary’s Island Car Park, Whitley Bay, NE26 4RS.
THE ROUTE
Begin your journey at St. Mary’s Lighthouse, a historic beacon linked to the mainland by a short causeway. Built in 1898, this lighthouse was once maintained by monks to warn ships of the treacherous rocks below.
Head North on the trail towards Crag Point and its dramatic sandstone cliffs.
When you reach Seaton Sluice, hug the coastal path down Collywell Bay Road to see Charlie’s Island, a sandstone pinnacle once connected to the mainland. Local legend has it that Charles Dockwray turned this isolated rock into a small garden.
Further along, you’ll find Tower House Gallery, a building with roots dating back to 1720. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, who also created Delaval Hall, this structure has served as everything from a Revenue Office to a harbour master’s house and is now an art gallery.
This is a great spot to stop to refuel. For a small village, Seaton Sluice has five pubs to choose from. Our favourites for food are The Delaval Arms or The Kings Arms, where you can sit outside overlooking the harbour.
Following the England Coast Path signs, you’ll navigate through sand dunes on Eve Black Way – a path named after a beloved local humanitarian. This long stretch takes you all the way along the sands and dunes of Blyth Beach, a golden expanse popular with surfers, bathers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
For history buffs, check out Blyth Battery which offers a fascinating glimpse into World War I and II coastal defences. As one of the most intact coastal artillery batteries on the North East coast, it’s well worth a visit.
Finally, stroll along the promenade past Blyth’s iconic colourful beach huts and through the town to Ridley Park, where you can end your journey on the Quayside.
Catch the 308 bus back to your car.
PLAN MORE ADVENTURES…
Go Smarter Go Active offers a variety of walking and cycling maps, each highlighting the best of what the North East has to offer. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these pre-planned routes are a great way to experience the region’s scenery and history—all while staying active and eco-friendly.
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