3/20/2022 0 Comments Walk 2 - Souter to South ShieldsIt's been a while since the first walk from Roker to South Shields. This is in part due to storms Malik, Corrie, Dudley, Eunice and Franklin which barrelled through one after the other causing yet more damage, this time my fence. I also took a trip to London and clocked up almost 20 miles over 4 days, mostly in tube stations if seemed, but we took in Regent's Park, London Zoo, Kew Gardens and Kensington Gardens so much of it was pretty. I hurt my back last week but felt fine on what was a beautiful Saturday morning so I choose a gentle 3-mile stretch of coast I know well from Souter Lighthouse to the bustling resort of South Shields. As with my previous walk, despite the chill wind, many people were out walking, cycling and kite flying. Souter Lightouse and Lizard Point I began this walk at Souter Lighthouse where my previous one finished. I walked down past the lighthouse to the coastal path. This stack, just of Lizard Point, was the first of many. As I walked along the path, I noticed an old sign for the Coastal Footpath. This was next to a fence which forced a diversion around some coastal erosion. Here the path heads towards the road, but gives a good view of the old Marsden Lime Kilns which is now a scheduled monument. They date back to the 1870s producing lime for industries in the surrounding area. They were removed from the Historic England at Risk Register in 2021 following work to conserve them for future generations. Marsden I have many happy memories of afternoons on the beach at Marsden Rock as a child and in the Marsden Grotto as a student at Sunderland University. A great place for a game of pool and a beer after lectures. Marsden Rock was (and still is) an impressive sea stack. It used to have a great arch which fell into the sea shortly after I graduated and subsequently the unsafe stack was demolished. The remaining rock however is still impressive. The Marsden Grotto is a pub with accommodation built into the cliffs, so great if you want to sleep in a cave. The lift takes you down straight into the grotto, however there are a lot of steps if you just wish to visit the beach. I had tea and a scone here before continuing. Marsden to Frenchman's Cove Continuing the walk, the path snakes around the top of the cliffs then dips to the entrance of Marsden beach. There are less steps here than at the grotto but the beach is just as rocky. There were a few steps down from the path, across the access road and then back up the otherside which contained puddles so do be careful. The path then reaches Frenchman's Cove which gives spectacular views towards Tynemouth and the pier at South Shields. There are plenty of benches along the route to rest and take in the view. Trow Point to South Shields There are some spectacular views along the coast here including the pier and lighthouse at South Shields and Tynemouth and the priory at Tynemouth is also clear to see even on a hazy day such as this. The path continues to wind around the coast giving views of the rocky coastline and the beautiful sandy beaches beyond. At Trow Point there is a gun battery. The gun here today is a replica, the orignal 1887 gun being replaced in 1987. It is known as a disappearing gun as it can be lowered into a recess below the gun. However this was never used and a second gun battery was built in Frenchman's Cove in 1903, this no long exists. Below the gun emplacement is the only ECP sign on this section of the walk. Beyond the gun the path continues on the promenade passing a number of restaurants and the surf school. I finished this section of the walk at Sandhaven beach just in time to catch the bus back to the car park. Practicalities
It was a beautiful day, but there was a chill wind even for late March. There is a fence along the cliff tops and many signs reminding you not to cross. It is tempting to get a good photo but please don't as the coast here is prone to landslip. I parked at Souter Lighthouse. There are car parks here and at the end of the walk at South Shields. It can be difficult to work out the car parking charges at South Shields, it is 1p a minute for the first 60 minutes, then £1 per hour after that or £5 all day, therefore 3 hours would cost £2.60. Souter Lighthouse is free for National Trust Members, just scan your card. The E1 bus connects South Shields seafront with Souter Lighthouse. I can recommend Marsden Grotto for refreshements on the way. There is also a cafe and toilets at Souter Lighthouse. There are many restaurants, cafes and kiosks and toilets at South Shields. I highly recommend ice-cream from Minchella's. This is next to the bus stop at the end of the walk.
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AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. CategoriesAll England Coast Path North Gare To South Bents South Bents To Amble
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