![Two visitors walk towards Souter Lighthouse, silhouetted against the sky at dusk](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas/library/souterwalkersduskwideshotjohnmillarnti977844webresized.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
Souter Lighthouse trail
This trail is an easy stroll for all the family on well-established footpaths following the coastal path. Start and finish your walk at Souter Lighthouse, in Sunderland, spotting wildlife along the way.
Total steps: 5
Total steps: 5
Start point
Souter Lighthouse, grid ref: NZ407641
Step 1
Start at the lighthouse and make your way toward the foghorn at the bottom of Foghorn Field. Exit through the green gate behind the foghorn.
Step 2
Follow the coastal path nearest to the cliffs southwards with the sea on your left.
![A redwing bird sits on snowy branches](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/library/discover-and-learn/nature/fauna/redwing-snow-turdus-iliacus-1372796.jpg?auto=webp&width=684&dpr=2 2x)
Step 3
Go down to the wherry. Here you can take a look at the sea views, search rock pools for coastal creatures if the tide is out and maybe skim a few stones.
Step 4
Here you will find a bird hide overlooking Whitburn Nature Reserve. If you stop a while, there will likely be several species visiting the feeders. Just after the car park, follow the tarmacked track to head back towards the lighthouse.
Step 5
Cut right off the track at this point to find another bird hide. From here, it is only a few minutes' walk back to the lighthouse and the café.
![Tree sparrow](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/library/discover-and-learn/nature/fauna/tree-sparrow-souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas-north-east-1143951.jpg?auto=webp&width=684&dpr=2 2x)
End point
Souter Lighthouse, grid ref: NZ407641
Trail map
![Souter Lighthouse autumn trail map](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas/library/souter-lighthouse-autumn-trail-map.jpg?auto=webp&width=767&dpr=2 2x)
More near here
![Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/regions/north-east/places/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas/library/souter-lighthouse-and-the-leas-north-east-1344875.jpg?auto=webp&width=733&crop=16:9&dpr=2 2x)
The Souter saunter
Discover more than just a lighthouse on this circular walking trail. Starting and ending at Foghorn Field, you'll take in views over Lizard Point, stop to watch the birds at Whitburn Nature Reserve and discover lots of history on the way.
Get in touch
Our partners
![Cotswold Outdoor](http://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/binaries/content/gallery/website/national/partners/cotswold-outdoor-logo.jpg?auto=webp&width=156&crop=1:1&dpr=2 2x)
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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