Seaton Sluice to Cresswell Coastal Walk
Northumberland
This linear walk is a classic introduction to the southern Northumberland coast and it's dog friendly almost end to end. From the picturesque harbour at Seaton Sluice, the route heads north past the magnificent ruin of Seaton Delaval Hall's gatehouse, along the wide sands of Blyth beach, through the dunes at Cambois, and on past Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and Lynemouth before reaching the quiet village of Cresswell where the official Northumberland Coast Path begins. Sweeping sandy beaches are the real star, linked by clifftop paths and dune sections.
Dogs can be off lead on most of the beaches and open dune sections, but some stretches have seasonal restrictions around ground nesting birds (April to August) and a lead is required when livestock are grazing the dune pasture. Busy urban seafronts at Blyth and Newbiggin also call for a lead. The walk is long at around twenty kilometres and there's no easy transport return except by pre-arranged taxi or the Arriva X20/X21 buses. Expect wind: the coast here is exposed and conditions change quickly. Toilets, cafes and pubs are spaced along the route in each village.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 20.0 km (12.4 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 5 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal
- Route Type
- Point to Point
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets, cafes and pubs in Seaton Sluice, Blyth, Newbiggin and Cresswell; public toilets at harbour and promenade points along the way.
- Parking
- Free parking at Seaton Sluice harbour (NE26 4RH); further free parking at Cresswell for a one way end; bus connections via Arriva X20/X21.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seaton Sluice to Cresswell Coastal Walk dog friendly?
This walk scores 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness, and it earns that rating — dogs are welcome almost the entire length of the route. Sweeping sandy beaches, open dunes and clifftop paths make up the majority of the walk, giving plenty of space for dogs to enjoy themselves. Facilities including cafes and pubs are dotted through the villages along the way, so you won't be far from a rest stop.
Can dogs be off lead at Seaton Sluice to Cresswell Coastal Walk?
Dogs can be off lead on most of the beaches and open dune sections, which makes up a good portion of this twenty-kilometre route. There are a few exceptions to keep in mind: leads are required on the urban seafronts at Blyth and Newbiggin, when livestock are grazing the dune pasture, and on some stretches between April and August to protect ground-nesting birds. As long as you're aware of those seasonal and local restrictions, there's still plenty of room for a good off-lead run.
What should I know before visiting Seaton Sluice to Cresswell Coastal Walk with my dog?
This is a long walk at around twenty kilometres, so it's worth planning ahead — particularly for the return leg, as you'll need either a pre-arranged taxi or the Arriva X20/X21 bus service, since there's no straightforward transport loop. The Northumberland coast here is exposed, so conditions can change quickly and wind is par for the course. Toilets, cafes and pubs are available in Seaton Sluice, Blyth, Newbiggin and Cresswell, and there's free parking at Seaton Sluice harbour (NE26 4RH) or at Cresswell if you're planning a one-way trip.
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What’s Nearby?
Beach0.2 mi awaySeaton Sluice Beach
Northumberland
A sandy beach adjacent to the historic 17th-century Seaton Sluice harbour on the Northumberland coast, with year-round dog access and excellent walking north toward Blyth or south toward Whitley Bay.
Beach3.1 mi awayWhitley Bay Beach
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Whitley Bay's Blue Flag beach with the restored Spanish City dome, offering year-round dog access north of Panama Gardens and a seasonal ban on the southern section from 1 May to 30 September.
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A wide, open sandy beach south of Blyth Harbour with a partial central ban from 1 May to 30 September between Beachway and the Links Road car park; sections north and south are dog friendly year-round.
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A popular Blue Flag surf beach at Tynemouth with a seasonal ban on the southern section from 1 May to 30 September; the northern end toward Cullercoats remains dog friendly year-round.
Beach5.1 mi awayKing Edwards Bay
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A sheltered, picturesque sandy bay below Tynemouth Priory and Castle with a complete seasonal ban from 1 May to 30 September, and a calm, intimate character when dogs are permitted outside the season.
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A priory and castle sharing a headland at the mouth of the Tyne, with King Edward's Bay directly below and Longsands minutes north for your dog.