Hawthorn Dene: a leisurely 5000m walk to the coast
Starts at Hawthorn Dene, Hawthorn Village
1 hours 30 minutes | 3.0miles 4.9km | Leisurely
ID: 0.1338 | Developed by: Roger Carpenter |
A pleasant walk through Hawthorn Dene to the coastal cliffs with lovely sea views. This route is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Main Route
Alternative Route
Point of Interest
Waypoint
*move mouse over graph to see points on route

Walk Durham in 2012 is a London 2012 inspired routes project

Starts at

Cul de sac to the North East of Hawthorn Village The low point in the road just beyond Denehurst Close to Keepers Cottage SR7 8SH NZ423459

Getting there

Parking is available in Hawthorn Village (off-street parking) and near the beginning of the route. This route is also accessible via public transport. From Sunderland, take Arriva bus no. 24 or 31. From Durham, take Arriva bus no. 24. From Seaham, take Go North East bus no. 203. All the busses pass on the old Sunderland road at the west end of Hawthorn Village. From there follow the road into Hawthorn Village and follow it further along the village which leads you to the coastal Footpath and Hawthorn Dene.

Route instructions
[1] Continue up the road away from Hawthorn Village to its end. Continue straight ahead on a footpath down the left hand side of the woods, passing a small stream course with metal railings.
 
[2] Where the path bears right into the woods, follow it and then follow the path as it bears slightly left. Follow the path along the right hand edge of the woods with a field on your right. Continue past the field's end until a clear path crosses with a gate to the left.
 
[3] Turn left and follow the track past the gate and continue to the left parallel with the railway to your right. Veer right and cross the brick railway bridge.
 
[4] Go straight ahead from the bridge across a grassy area to the edge of the coastal cliffs with lovely views up and down the coast.
 
[5] Turn right and follow the edge of the cliffs back to the railway fence. Turn left and follow the fence through some trees to a pedestrian crossing of the railway. (A continuation on the path will take you to a fine view of Hawthorn Hive Beach and there are a flight of steep steps to the beach).
 
[6] Cross the railway, taking great care that there are no trains approaching, and continue straight ahead into a grassy area.  Go straight ahead over this area, passing a footpath crossing, and follow the track back up the side of the Dene with a field on your right hand side.
 
[7] At the end of this field, continue on the track with a field now on your left and then bear right on the track as it continues back to the road at your starting point.
 
The Hawthorn Community Centre offers sporting activities, e.g Pilates, to people from Hawthorn but also people living close by! But being outdoors is probably the best thing to do in Hawthorn! Hawthorn Dene is the second largest coastal Dene in the county and offers a rich selection of species as well as unspoilt nature. Furthermore Hawthorn is connected to the coastal footpath. The footpath offers 11 miles of beautiful landscape and impressive coastal scenery. Get active and walk! For brave ones: you can also swim in the North Sea!
Additional 'Point of Interest' information

A. Hawthorn Dene Nature Reserve

B. Hawthorn Hive Beach

Acknowledgements
Developed by: Roger Carpenter
Lovely view of the coast from Hawthorn DeneLovely view of the coast from Hawthorn Dene
Photo taken by: Roger Carpenter
Walking through the woods in Hawthorn DeneWalking through the woods in Hawthorn Dene
Photo taken by: Roger Carpenter