Chemical Beach to Nose's Point, Seaham
County Durham
Chemical Beach lies just south of Seaham in County Durham, named for the chemical works that once stood nearby and now part of the Durham Heritage Coast, an eleven mile stretch of magnesian limestone cliffs reclaimed after a century of coal mining and spoil dumping. There is no livestock on this stretch of coast, so a dog can enjoy good off-lead freedom on the wide, open clifftop grassland, though a lead is sensible near the cliff edge and on the steep, sometimes slippery steps down to Blast Beach. This 4.3km walk follows grassy clifftop paths above the old colliery railway line, with views along the coast towards the sea stacks and low cliffs near Nose's Point, before dropping down stone steps to Blast Beach and its pebbled shore. A short, steep climb back up to the clifftop completes the loop. The cliffs and grassland here support the nationally scarce Durham Argus butterfly and nesting skylarks, and the remains of a Second World War lookout post can still be seen along the way.
This is a dog friendly stretch of coast with good off-lead potential on the wide clifftop paths, which have no stiles and no road walking. Take care near the cliff edge itself, and keep dogs on a lead on the steep, sometimes slippery steps down to Blast Beach. There is no livestock on this route. Seaham town is a short walk or drive away for a coffee afterwards, including dog-friendly cafes, and the free car park at Chemical Beach makes a straightforward start and end point.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.3 km (2.7 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- None at the car park; dog-friendly cafes in Seaham a short drive away.
- Parking
- Free roadside parking at Chemical Beach, off the A182, south of Seaham.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Chemical Beach to Nose's Point, Seaham, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Sycamore Cottage - Backworth
Sleeps 9 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £935 / 7 nights
The Stables At Lintz Green House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £598 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in County DurhamDog Friendly Hotels Nearby
The closest dog friendly hotels to Chemical Beach to Nose's Point, Seaham. Every dog fact comes from the hotel's own website.
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All dog friendly hotels in County DurhamFrequently Asked Questions
Is Chemical Beach to Nose's Point, Seaham dog friendly?
Yes, this is a solid choice for a dog walk, earning a 7 out of 10 on our dog-friendly rating. The clifftop paths are wide and open with no stiles and no road walking, and there's no livestock on this stretch of coast. Free parking at Chemical Beach makes it an easy start, and Seaham is just a short walk or drive away if you fancy a coffee at one of its dog-friendly cafes afterwards.
Can dogs be off lead at Chemical Beach to Nose's Point, Seaham?
There's good off-lead potential here, particularly on the wide, grassy clifftop paths where there's no livestock to worry about. That said, it's worth keeping dogs on a lead near the cliff edge itself, and definitely on the steep, sometimes slippery stone steps down to Blast Beach, where you'll want full control.
What should I know before visiting Chemical Beach to Nose's Point, Seaham with my dog?
This is a 4.3km loop with a short, steep descent on stone steps to Blast Beach, which can be slippery, so confident footing — yours and your dog's — is helpful. The clifftops support nesting skylarks, so it's worth being mindful of ground-nesting birds if you're visiting in spring or summer. There are no facilities at the car park itself, so bring water for your dog, and note that the nearest dog-friendly cafes are back in Seaham town.
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