Blackhall Rocks Local Nature Reserve Walk

About

Blackhall Rocks is a Local Nature Reserve and picnic area within Durham Heritage Coast and is UK Woodland Assurance Scheme certified. Part Site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Area of Conservation.

Habitats include neutral grassland, coastal magnesian limestone, grassland, scrub and ponds.

The coastal views are stunning and every day is varied; wind, sunshine and sea fret alter the mood and can make it feel like a completely different place.

The underlying geology at Blackhall Rocks is Magnesian Limestone. The thin soil on top is of poor quality with a high lime content. A rich and unique group of wildflowers and grasses, known as Magnesian Limestone grassland, grows on this type of soil. Plants found on the coastal grassland include cowslip, thrift and common rock-rose.

These vast areas of wildflower rich meadows and grasslands are ideal for bird- watching. The coast has one of the highest densities of breeding skylarks in Durham.

Blackhall Rocks is suitable for walkers and wheelchair users and has a circular Easy Access route which is gently undulating with one short steep section. This route has a 2m wide, sealed surface and has seats at regular intervals. Paths and tracks throughout the rest of the site can be narrow and are made of a mixture of hardened surface with some large stones, pot holes and bare earth. There are various slopes but only those which are particularly steep are marked. There are numerous steps down to the beach which are steep and uneven. A section of the coastal footpath runs through this site, this is an 11 mile linear route between Seaham and Crimdon. Take care near cliff edges.

Route supplied by Durham County Council’s Countryside Service.