A mini ramble

 A mini ramble with MBB and the bairn.

(Northumberland) September 21st.

   The bairn had suggested a shortish family walk on what was promised to be a lovely sunny September day so off we went to Craster, that well known and well visited place on the coast. 

(A1 north, turn off just after Alnwick at the road sign for Denwick and follow signs to Craster. There is a large car park on the right as you enter the village. It's in an old quarry and costs £4 for a full day.

A map is not necessary but the walk is on OS Explorer 332 Alnwick and Amble

This is the first time I have appeared in a car park photo. Perhaps it should go on the cover of my book of northern car parks. The place was full, difficult to find an empty slot. Good for the local businesses, there is a coffee stall at the entrance and toilets too.

We walked past the harbour, noting that the tide was out and the few boats in it were high and dry.

                         Craster Harbour                                                                                                             Along with a large number of other people we headed across the fields towards Dunstanburgh Castle, my favourite ruin.

                    Dunstanburgh Castle, built by the Earl of Lancaster, starting in 1314 and greatly added to by John of Gaunt. The title Duke of Lancaster is held by the sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II

       Still holding hands after 55 years. Not walking into the sunset though, heading north.

Unlike the majority of people we did not head up to the castle but took St. Oswald's Way below the building, passing close to the Lilburn tower and the famous anticline.

                     The famous anticline, beloved of geologists.

  The saint's way leaves the dunes beyond the castle and continues on the edge of the Dunstanburgh Castle golf course. At Dunstan Steads there is a small car park, full today. We headed down to the beautiful sandy beach of Embleton Bay and in place of a full Herbie we had a can of lemonade, an apple and a flap jack. Healthy but not filling.

We walked back from the beach to Dunstansteads and headed through the farm yard to the concrete strip that goes to Dunstan Square.

                Along the way we passed a lime kiln.............

.................................and a WW2 bunker made of concrete sand bags.

At Dunstan Square we turned left and walked through the field to the Heughs. Through two gates and then along the footpath behind the heughs until we were back in Craster. 

Then we went home and feasted on sourdough bread, homemade chocolate cake and crisps.

 A short but very pleasant walk of about 4.5 miles, good company and a sunny day.

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