January 26th 2011
We returned to Craster this morning and parked the car at the quarry. The wind had dropped the sky was blue a grand day for walking as long as you are well wrapped up against the cold. We left the harbour heading along the turf path towards the imposing Dunstanburgh Castle built on an outcrop of the Great Whin Sill; basalt found throughout Northumbria, High Force tumbles over it; Hadrian’s Wall strides along it and the castles of Bamburgh and Dunstanburgh perch on top of it, resulting in no walls on the northern side.
We kept to the edge of the golf course ( there seems to be a lot of these in this area) as directed and soon returned to the coast with some very unusual rock formations that gave way again to the beautiful golden sandy beach and dunes. According to the guide book The Skaith may be difficult to cross at high tide or after rain, fortunately it was low tide !
After this a lovely sheltered spot was found for refreshments were we could enjoy the vista accompanied by the constant song of the sea when the creamy white waves relentlessly pounded the shore. Continuing along Embelton Bay arrived at Low Newton by the sea, well known locally for good food at the local pub and a centre for sailing and wind surfing. This is another area I would like to return and visit the pub (naturally) for a meal then explore the nature reserve, rock pools and bird hides. As we rounded Newton Point we lost the dramatic view of
Dunstanburgh Castle but were rewarded with the 3 miles of glorious golden beach and a turquoise sea that make up beautiful Beadnell Bay. Unfortunately our path did not take us into Beadnell so we had no opportunity to see the tiny harbour, famous for being the only west facing harbour on the east coast, the lime kilns and St. Ebba's chapel. Our course went through the caravan park and onto the drab main road, with the clock ticking and a bus to catch our pace had to be stepped up. We arrived at Seahouses with 15 minutes to spare. No celebratory meal this time but a cup of coffee and corned beef pasty back at the car in Craster.
Dunstanburgh Castle but were rewarded with the 3 miles of glorious golden beach and a turquoise sea that make up beautiful Beadnell Bay. Unfortunately our path did not take us into Beadnell so we had no opportunity to see the tiny harbour, famous for being the only west facing harbour on the east coast, the lime kilns and St. Ebba's chapel. Our course went through the caravan park and onto the drab main road, with the clock ticking and a bus to catch our pace had to be stepped up. We arrived at Seahouses with 15 minutes to spare. No celebratory meal this time but a cup of coffee and corned beef pasty back at the car in Craster.
