Blackhall Rocks Walk

2.5 miles (4 km)

This circular walk explores the Blackhall Rocks Nature Reserve on the Durham coast.
It takes in a stretch of dramatic sea cliffs and coastal grassland, with views across the North Sea and the sweeping sands of Blackhall Beach below. The reserve is known for its limestone cliffs, maritime wildflowers in summer, and occasional sightings of seabirds and marine life just offshore....
The route follows clifftop paths and grassy tracks through open ground shaped by centuries of coastal weather. As you walk you can enjoy the contrast between rugged rock formations, exposed headlands and quieter pockets of scrub and meadow. The coastline here was once scarred by industry, but the area has been restored into a valuable habitat and now forms part of the wider Durham Heritage Coast.
Further along, the path gives changing views back over the bay and towards Hartlepool in one direction and Seaham in the other. The return leg usually follows quiet inland tracks, offering a different feel with farmland and pockets of woodland providing shelter from the sea breeze.
You can continue your walking along the Durham Coastal Footpath. Castle Eden Dene is also located just to the north west.