Horden Coastal Path and Dene Walk

At a Glance

Distance

5.5 km (3.4 miles)

Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

1 hr 40 min

Walk Type

Coastal, Woodland

Route Type

Circular

Off Lead Potential

Moderate

Livestock Risk

Low

Facilities

Seasonal cafe and toilets at Horden Beach car park; Peterlee town centre a short drive for year round amenities.

Parking

Free car park at Horden Beach off Sunderland Road, plus smaller laybys along the cliff road.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Horden Coastal Path and Dene Walk dog friendly?

  Yes, Horden Coastal Path and Dene Walk is a well-suited outing for dogs, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The route combines a cliff top path along the Durham Heritage Coast with a drop into a wooded dene, giving your dog a varied and stimulating walk with sea air and woodland scents in one circuit.

• Can dogs be off lead at Horden Coastal Path and Dene Walk?

  There are sections where off-lead time is possible, but leads are essential in certain areas. Dogs should be kept on the lead along the cliff edges and near the railway line, and kept under close control in the dene, where deer and ground nesting birds are present. The grasslands above can also have grazing at times, so it's worth checking conditions on the day.

• What should I know before visiting Horden Coastal Path and Dene Walk with my dog?

  The terrain varies across the walk — the cliff path is grass and compacted stone, while the dene involves softer earth, stepped sections, and a short climb back out, so it's worth having sure-footed dogs in mind. There is a free car park at Horden Beach off Sunderland Road, and a seasonal cafe and toilets are available there in summer. For year-round amenities, Peterlee town centre is a short drive away.

Horden Beach Car Park, Sunderland Road

54.7674, -1.3115