North Shields to Monkseaton via Seaton Sluice

23^rd July 2013 13miles Camino -60 days

The coast was calling today so we travelled by car, boat and train to accomplish our goal. As we were walking more a of a Camino distance the project manager decided to walk in a more Camino fashion, not clothing you understand but longer refreshment stops to ensure better hydration and glucose levels. There was no disagreement from me I am all for more coffee and cream cakes!

No! not that boat

It was a grey, damp, misty morning as we travelled by car, parked at South Shields to board the ferry crossing the Tyne to North Shields; then through the fish quay with its numerous shops displaying the daily catch. Another place to return to and purchase the wonderful local fresh produce but for today we had to continue on along the river side passing the infamous Black Midden rocks exposed on the ebb tide.

It did not take us long to reach our first planned stop Woods coffee shop in Tynemouth (a review for this can be found on http://theicingonourcake.blogspot.co.uk/)

Suitably refreshed we walked along the coast line through Tynemouth, Cullercoats and Whitley Bay enjoying the historic information on the interpretation panels along the way.

On the approach to St Mary’s Island the sun burnt off the mist leaving a radiant azure sky and a very warm day but rounding Curry’s Point our next stop was visible, the thought of fish and chips give us a spring in our step and spurred us on. 

After walking 8 miles it was lovely to sit in the shady Kings Arms pub at Seaton Sluice having a long, cool, refreshing drink eating wonderful freshly cooked local food at a leisurely pace and a friendly chat with visitors.

After lunch the character of the walk changed as we left heading towards Seaton Burn then entering into Holywell Dene and the welcome shade of mature verdant deciduous trees. The most prolific flower along this stretch was the blue cranesbill, these deep lavender-blue, saucer-shaped flowers formed pockets of dense foliage among the deep green leaves of the trees.

This was ours!

Leaving the Dene we joined the disused Wagon way a long dry dusty path skirting farmland and a month without rain has resulted in colour  beening bleached from the fields. It was a relief to eventually arrive at the Metro station, purchase out tickets and head back to North Shields ferry.

Blue Cranesbill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hardy sufers of the North

Six spotted Burnet. The red spots act as a warning colour that alerts potential enemies that the moths taste awful