English Coastal Path
Beadnell to Bamburgh and return
Northumberland
Distance 25.7km Climb 150m
Thursday 22 October 2020
Following our walk South to
Craster on Sunday today we are walking North to Bamburgh. As on Sunday w
e left the cottage and walked down Kennedy Green, Then followed the footpath south east across an open field. Today a number of workmen were in the field laying pipes and erecting a fence. Straight across the caravan park. which looks deserted, we were on a path that led across the dunes onto the beach at Beadnell Bay, Today we turned left and headed across the beach towards the disused Lime Kilns.
The light was fantastic as it shined off the wet sand, we could see the tide was going out.
Beadnell is recorded as the only westward facing harbour on the east coast and we could see Dunstanburgh Castle just to our right.
After a few photos we followed the path inland and walked a narrow path beside some houses. This led to a narrow spit of land.
A sign shows this is Ebb's Nook and the remains of a Medieval chapel.
The view north from Ebb's Nook.
We saw this chap in the rock pools below Ebb's Nook.
Walking back we took the path passed the first house onto the road and turned right. Passing a few more houses we were back at the water's edge, following as close as we could the shore line.
Following a footpath sign we dropped into a small bay. On returning home I checked the map which shows the word Cists in old script, I know this must be an historical site. The only thing I have found looking this up is, cist is a small stone built coffin like box. I am not sure if this is correct, but we didn't notice any.
We crossed the small beach and took what looked like a footpath on the far side. This led us to the edge of a field. I don't think this is a proper footpath but the ground shows signs that we were following a number of other people who had walked this way.
Following around the edge of the field we returned to the road. It was not long before we followed another footpath sign down onto another beach.
As the tide was heading out it was easy walking on the firm sand. We spotted sandpipers and I think plovers at the waters edge. From below the last house we saw they had a search light.
A little cooler than Sunday it was still pleasant walking along the sands. The wind was brisk and blowing from behind us. Helping to push us along the beach. We could hear the cars on the B1340 over the dunes on the Annstead Links.
After a couple of km we reached Annstead Burn and crossed it thinking we would see a sign for a footpath up to and across the golf course. The only signs were one saying watch out for the currents and another on a gate saying no entry. So we turned left and walked by the Burn inland.
Again it was a path well trod, in parts we were walking across the tops of old defence blocks. Eventually we reached the road B1340 and turned right towards Seahouses.
After a few hundred meters we saw a sign of the Northumbrian Coast Path and followed it down towards the golf club.
Following the footpath sign we saw a notice showing footpath routes across the golf course. So instead of turning left at Annstead Burn we could have turned right and found a way across. Never mind it was all part of the adventure.
Footpath signs led us across the golf course.
Coming out at the coast again, the map shows we were near Braidcarr Rocks.
It was walking along here the wind changed and was now blowing directly into our faces. It had increased a little and brought what started as a shower then heavy rain.
We saw the lifeboat and a pleasure cruise trip boat coming in between the piers as we walked along
By the time we reached the harbour we could see something was happening as there was a lot of activity. So we stood in the wind and rain watching.
It was interesting watching what they were doing.
Leaving the harbour we walked up into Seahouses and had a quick look at a few shops. Before heading out of the town. The rain had eased a little but it was still very windy, in our faces.
At the first opportunity we dropped down onto the beach. The rain was blowing straight into our faces again, as we passed what looks like of couple of house low down amongst the dunes. The maps shows this as Monks House.
We could see for miles when the rain lifted a little The Farne Islands were to our right and occasionally we could see Holy Island in the distance. Sometimes no sooner could we see them then they were hidden in squalls of rain that hit us. So it was heads down and plod on.
We came to a large area of rock, which looked slippery in places so we took our time and took care in crossing.
Then back to large wide expanses of sand for a few km.
Then Bamburgh Castle came into view. As the rain stopped and the wind helped our trousers to dry.
As The Castle grew larger we saw more people walking on the beach.
Bamburgh Castle is very large and imposing. Most people will know it has been used in so many films. Walking passed The Castle on the sands, we turned up a path and headed inland.
High walls of Ivy grew beside the path, as the path climbs from the beach.
At the top we came out near the cricket pitch.
Walking around the cricket pitch we reached the B1340 again. Which we crossed and walked up the hill in search of a cup of coffee.
After our coffee we headed back down towards The Castle which looked impressive.
Crossing the road we walked to the War Memorial.
Before walking below The Castle back through the Ivy covered wall maze back to the beach.
It was stunning walking along here. Now with the wind behind us walking was easier and we made good time walking back.
It had stopped raining and we could see patches of sunlight. This was on the Farne Islands as we passed.
As we approached the large area of rock I noticed how smooth it was on this side as it slopped up. The other side was steps of rock like it was cut away.
Then we were back on the sand. We could see that the tide was coming in but it was still so far out, as we passed Monks House.
Then Seahouses came into view.
Our path to the top was just passed a row of defensive blocks.
A number of people were walking along here.
Soon we were in Seahouses.
I did have a quick look at the harbour, which was quite, before joining Anne in looking for a Fish and Chip shop. So many too choose from.
Rested and chips eaten we walked up Main Street.
A left turn and we were heading back towards Beadnell on the B1340 King Street.
We could have stayed on the road B1340 back to Beadnell, but there was a little footpath passed the golf course that took us through Annstead Dunes.
It was quieter a lot more peaceful than walking on the road. As we were walking we could see that the light was fading. Not to worry we would soon be back at the cottage.
We took the path that turned down to our right from the Dunes and this took us back to the road near Link House.
After a few hundred meters and we were in Beadnell.
In a few more minutes we were back in the cottage just as the light faded completely. It had been a lovely walk, along some stunning beaches, loved it. We had covered 25.7km with a 150m climb.
More to follow
Boz North
Details correct at time of walking.
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