Whitley Bay Coastal Walk

An easy, mostly flat and well-signposted four (4) mile circular walk from Spanish City in Whitley Bay to St Mary’s Island.

Meeting Point - Near Spanish City (What3Words: ///locate.talent.lights)

Fingers crossed for good weather but depending on that we can choose whether to walk along the beach, promenade or the paths.

Once on St Mary’s island those that are interested are able to take the 137- step climb to the top of the lighthouse where you will be rewarded by superb views. If we’re lucky, we might also be able to spot some seals hanging around. Please see points below some tips on how to behave around the seals. We’ll post updates on this event page on tide times to avoid getting stuck on the island, but no issues anticipated. Walking around the island is free but there is a small admission charge for the lighthouse.

Journey (Driving & Parking) - If driving, there are options for car parks around the area.

Journey (Public Transport) - There is a Metro Station stop at Monkseaton and Whitley Bay which are then a short 13min walk to our meeting point.

Toilets - Public toilets in the Lighthouse car park.

Refreshments - We can stop for a coffee or ice cream at Rendezvous Cafe cafe or Briardene Ice Cream Van along the route.

Food - for those that are interested in joining for a meal at the end we can head over to somewhere. Some options are:
Fishermans Bay
The Beach House
Spanish City
Tavern & Galley
Links Art Gallery Cafe
Rendezvous Cafe

How To Behave Around Seals

• Most of the Seals found around the island are juvenile Grey Seals. Their numbers are at their highest in spring and early summer.
• Seals need to rest on the rocks to stay healthy. Always leave at least 50m distance (on land and in sea)
• Keep dogs on leads
• Seals may look docile but they are wild and strong. Their bites are infectious in dogs and humans
• If the Seal repeatedly looks at you, you are already too close and should move away
• If the Seal moves towards the sea you need to back away immediately
• If the Seal moves into the sea it is too late and their energy budget will have been compromised :-(
• If a Seal follows you along the coastline it sees you as a predator and wants to keep you in its sight. Move back and allow the Seal to have the space it needs. The Seal is NOT being friendly.
• Seals have incredibly good senses and will smell, hear or see you approach, perhaps even before you see them