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Saturday, 9 February 2019

Erik the Wet (Northumberland) February 8th
It's the turn of the Irish to name the storm approaching the British Isles and they have gone for Erik. Erik is very wet and very windy and is causing havoc.
There are only three of us out braving the elements today, Harry, John Ha. and me. We are off for a familiar coastal walk from Craster.




However, on the way I suggested we go to Hulne Park, the Duke of Northumberland’s playground and farm, as John had never been there. So we headed for Alnwick only to find the park closed. Off we went to Craster on the Northumberland coast,  to walk from there to Beadnell further up the coast. The walk is on the Northumberland Coastal Path/St Oswald’s way.
Craster is easily reached, go north on the A1 to Alnwick and head east, following signs. There is a large car park on the right as you enter the village, a bargain at £2 for a whole day. As there were few other people around we parked near the entrance.
Today's entry for my book on Car Parks of the North

The Jolly Fisherman, famous for Crab sandwiches

This is a linear walk so it requires either cars at each end or a careful study of the Arriva/Travelsure  X18 bus. It is not a very regular service.
Erik had brought rain so we were soon kitted out in waterproofs and boots and headed off  down the footpath on the seaward side of the park and coming to the Jolly Fisherman pub. 
We turned left and walked past the famous Craster Kipper Smokehouse where herrings are changed into breakfasts, or teas.
Round the small harbour and along the short road to the gate that opens to thje footpath across fields to the magnificent ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle.
Thomas, Earl of Lancaster started to build this in1314. Doesn't look finished

Beyond the castle is a golf course but perhaps it was too windy, there was nobody out. We left the path and  descended to the sandy beach, walking round Embleton Bay to Low Newton by the sea.
Behind the tiny square of houses is a footpath that leads to the Newton Pond Nature reserve so we decided that would make a relatively warm and certainly dry Herbie Spot.
Low Newton. The Ship is much loved by the quality papers in their "where to eat guides" And why not

Exmoor ponies at Newton Pond. Not much on the water; mallard, teal and a heron

Today's Herbie Spot. We shared Titans and Ringtons Chocolate Gingers

Lunch over we walked back to the village and about a hundred yards up the road towards High Newton to the footpath that passes the Coast Guard Station, rounds Snook Point and then offers a choice; dunes or beach.
We chose the beach and walked on the sand until we reached the inlet called Long Nanny, what a name. Too deep to walk across we went inland a short distance to the footbridge, crossed it and made the decision to follow the Northumberland Coastal Path and not return to the beach. On reflection the beach is a better walk as the path goes across a field and then through a caravan park which, being winter, was deserted The village of Beadnell was also deserted when we reached it, perhaps the majority of houses are holiday homes.
Long Nanny 

Long Nanny Footbridge

After a short walk on the road by the sea we turned down towards the church and headed for the Saltwater cafĂ©. We had half an hour to wait for the bus which took us back to Craster 
In Craster we stopped at the Kipper Shop to buy John's tea before heading back to the car and home. (No pub? is this a record? Nobody was bothered)
Contains OS data copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2019




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