Walk this way... Whitley Bay to Cullercoats

The highlight of this easy-going stroll along the Northeast coast is the view from St Mary's lighthouse, followed by a traditional ice cream on the prom

  Photo: Visit Britain The route: Start on the headland at Curry's Point and set off south along the promenade. Once the prom ends, walk across the beach to the footbridge over Brierdene Burn. Cross the bridge and follow the path to join the northern promenade. When the path branches to the right, look for the four points of the compass on the paving stones. Head south and leave the prom by the stairs. Walk straight on, then turn right at the facing wall for the cenotaph. Keep going straight, then cut across the road to view the giant sandcastles by artist Richard Broderick. Continue along the prom, then take the path up Southcliffe to the headland until you see some steps. Go down the stairs, across a prom, and up more steps to explore Cullercoats.

Why go? This walk begins in the North Tyneside resort of Whitley Bay, and affords great views of St Mary's Island and lighthouse. En route, you'll pass St Mary's Wetland and the seaside architecture of Whitley Bay, with its ice-cream parlours and Spanish City amusement arcades (now undergoing redevelopment). The stroll finishes in the fishing village of Cullercoats, home to a colony of artists in the 19th century.

How long will it take? Allow two hours to complete the three-and-a-half- to four-mile linear route, allowing for tea breaks and a scoot across to St Mary's Island. For more walks in the area visit www.northtynesidewalks.co.uk, run by local writer Geoff Holland (author of The Cheviot Hills, from www.trailguides.co.uk, £6.99 plus p&p)

Stamina required? A flat easy-going stroll, so no special equipment is needed.

Refuelling options Stop at the classic Rendezvous Café on the prom (0191 252 5548).

What else can I see? At low tide, cross the causeway to St Mary's Island to climb the 137 steps of its 19th-century lighthouse. The visitor centre is open daily April to September, plus winter weekends and school holidays, depending on tidal conditions (0191 200 8652, www.northtyneside.gov.uk/lighthouse.htm).

Wildlife highlights Pack your binoculars: in the wetland area of Whitley Bay, you may catch sight of migratory and resident birds such as terns, curlews and oystercatchers.

And for kids? Whitley Bay's sandy beach is ideal for sandcastles. And in school holdays the St Mary's Lighthouse staff run Rockpool Rambles.

Getting there There is a Metro station in Whitley Bay, linkng with Newcastle upon Tyne's mainline railway services. Walk from here to Whitley Road and take the 308 or 309 bus to Whitley Bay Cemetery for the start point.

Where to stay The family-run Martineau House in nearby Tynemouth has views of the coast and priory. From £70 double (0191 296 0746, www.martineau-house.co.uk).

Whitley Bay TIC 0191 200 8535, www.visitnorthtyneside.com.

OS maps Landranger Map 88: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Durham & Sunderland; Explorer Map 316: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, gateshead, South Shields, Prudhoe, Cramlington & Whitley Bay. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get-a-map Service