NEHL - "Bladyll's Railway", named after the first owner Colonel Bradyll, was opened in 1833 to facilitate the movement of coal from South Hetton to Seaham Harbour. Work commenced on it straight after the main section of the Rainton & Seaham line, and for parts utilised gravity working.

It first only served South Hetton, though within the next decade short branches were added to Haswell Colliery, Murton and Shotton Collieries with Murton also owned by Bradyll. Haswell closed at the eve of the 19th century, so for the next 6 decades Murton and South Hetton were the only beneficiaries of the line.

From the late 50s the Hawthorn Combined Mine, i.e coals from other collieries raised here, used the South Hetton Line for onwards shipment, though predominantly to Sunderland. Sadly the pits closed one by one until the 80s, when Murton became the last stalwart of the South Hetton Railway. The Miners Strike was its last hammer blow.

WALKABILITY: ★★★★★

The walk today is an incredibly peaceful and calming route from Seaham to South Hetton, with most of the original route traversable by foot. The route is a fairly even sloping gradient, and shouldn't cause too much issues with inexperienced walkers if you're off for an ice cream at Seaham. I would recommend taking in Dalton Pumping Station on the way.