January 26^th 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.

Northumbrian Coastal Walk

   Oct 14^th 2010

The weather was not so promising today so not the day for seeing our beautiful Northumberland coast line at its best and most photogenic. An alternative walk was called for which avoided the new Tyne Tunnel construction work and congested Western bypass.

We headed south to Castle Eden Dene, reputedly the largest area of semi natural woodland in the north east also one of the oldest surviving woodland which once covered most of Britain.

Parking at the visitors centre with its good stock of leaflets we set of down towards a very step gorge passing magnificent imposing trees, oak, yews, ash, wych elm and beech there were also skeletal reminders of the invasion of Dutch elm disease.

It was a contrasting walk at one point quite romantic with the golden leaves of autumn showering us like confetti at a wedding. Further along the contorted trunks and branches of the ancient yews could be the dormant spirits awaiting the call of the Lord of the Rings to rouse them from their slumber and that was before we even arrived at the huge Devil’s Lapstone! And what was that noise and shaking of the branches in this very still valley, some might say a squirrel but you never know in a place of such history.

Squirrels were sighted on the forest floor having no problem gathering fodder for the winter. A busy yellow wagtail entertained us  feeding along the small stream.

 

We left the circular walk to head through the meadow towards the coast were we had our refreshments. Suitably sustained we returned to the original path returning to the car park where the seemed to be an impromptu work meeting concerned about the recent government cut back with the quangos their employers Natural England being one under threat. What ever happens I hope their good work continues.