Tuesday 1^st March

Seahouses to Belford 10.5 miles

Itching to be out walking again we decided to have one night away and complete two sections. Accommodation was chosen, phone call made but no one around so a message was left. Still no reply the next day but on checking the weather forecast Monday was unsuitable for walking although the rest of the week was fine. Unfortunately with work commitments Tuesday was the only day for it, meaning an early start driving to Belford for the 9.35 bus to Seahouses. The prospect of a good walk in very favourable conditions compensated for the frustrations of sitting in the slow “rush hour” traffic that congests the Western bypass.

 It was a glorious day bright clear blue sky but more importantly no wind. A decision had to be made immediately; did we follow the original route or take the alternative beach path? The latter won the vote and we were instantly rewarded with wonderful views of the Farne Islands, the eastern most outcrop of the whinsill, and numerous sea birds along the waters edge among them very appropriately our local “Cuddy duck”     (Eiders to everyone else)

 A mile and half out of Seahouses was Monks house as the name suggests this used to belong to Lindsfarne Priory. From here the brothers operated a ferry to their cell on Inner Farne; obviously this was before the days of Billy Sheil!

Soon the massive edifice of Bamburgh Castle appeared above the dunes perched on its dolerite mound but there was no time to visit it or the village made famous by the heroism of Grace Darling, we rounded the dunes and followed the edge of yet another golf course always being wary of the perennial flying balls   

We stopped at Black Rock for a well earned lunch taking in the extensive views over the glistering expanse of Budle Bay, watching the antics of an energetic puppy frolicking in the water and reflecting on the happiness that comes from simple pleasures.

The path continued west along the nature reserve Budle Bay towards Warren Mill well known as a caravan park but in a previous life used to supply flour to the Admiralty.
From her to Belford it was less inspiring although it was unusual having to phone the signalman at Tweedmouth for permission to walk across the Northeastern main railway line. This safely negotiated we then had to cross the busy A1 road before completing our day at Belford. Another good day’s walk!