On the coast again

 On the coast again. November 21st

Today's walk was meant to be in the hills of North Durham but poor conditions, namely a scattering of snow and freezing rain, persuaded us to avoid narrow country roads and head for the milder Northumberland coast.

Driving to Widdrington we then caught the X18 bus to Warkworth and headed south, mostly on the coastal path now named for Charles III.

A map is not essential but the walk is covered BY OS Explorer 332 Alnwick and OS Explorer 325 Morpeth. Keep the sea on your left, simple rule.

Well thar was the plan. The bus did not arrive. After a brief discussion on an alternative walk we made use of two of the three cars available and drove to Amble, planning  to walk back to Widdrington from there, use the remaining car to retrieve the ones left in Amble. Well to take the two drivers to get their cars.

             I cropped this car park picture to cut out the rubbish bin, just visible on the right edge though.

We started off walking round the cemetery wall and joined the coastal path dedicated to the king. After a few hundred yards on the path we headed down to the beach, the sand was firm and, unlike the footpath through the dunes there were no slippery ice patches.

We left the beach at mile 2 and took the slightly muddy footpath to the visitor centre in Hauxley Nature Reserve for a late breakfast. So late the bacon sandwiches were no longer available.

                                

Coquet Island. Nature Reserve and once weekend retreat for St. Cuthbert.                                                              Back on the beach for a while before heading for the visitor centre at Druridge Bay reserve (milke 5) where we made use of a bench for the day's Herbie. (Apple pies, cookies, ginger cake and, of course, sweet and savoury from Mrs A)

Thye visitor centre at Druridge Bay Reserve has a good cafe . Views across the lake too.

After lunch we were back on the sandy beach all the way to mile six. here we took the road behind the dunes. At mile seven on previous occasions we have left the road and crossed the fields, passing the ruined chapel marked on the map but we considered that route would be very soggy today so continued on the road to the entrance to the Druridge Bay area, turned right and walked the road back to Widdrington.

The cars were retrieved, some of us enjoyed TTL and some enjoyed tea in the Widdrington Arms.

Contains OS data, copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2025

The walk is just under nine miles, easy going but a bit icy in places today. Take a stick!