Gadgie Walks: From Seahouses to Seahouse

Seahouses to Seahouses. (Northumberland) June24th

I missed the walk last week because of family commitments. Back this week for a coastal walk in Northumberland with five other members of the gang:Harry, Dave, John H., Brian and Margaret.

Initially we drove to Seahouses Farm, near Howick, a couple of miles south of Craster. Limited parking on the side of the road near the farm.

Parking at Seahouses Farm south of Craster. Fine looking animals too, those Limousins
We then walked the short distance to the village of Howick where we caught a bus to the seaside town of Seahouses, turned south and walked back. The walk stretches over two OS maps:332 Alnwick and Amble and 340 Holy Island and Bamburgh. (The bus is a joint operation with Travelsure and Arriva, X18 or 418. If you want to use it check times first.)

Actually we only went as far as Beadnell, about 1.5 miles south of the town of Seahouses but the title appealed to me. The bus stopped near the church, outside the Salt Water Cafe , some of the team purchased takeaway coffee, we live well.

Walking west away from the cafe we then turned left, went through a field and caravan park to the beach on Beadnell Bay.

Lime kilns on Beadnell Harbour, used as storage for fishing gear.

Beadnell Bay, like so many other Northumberland bays has a fine stretch of sandy shore, popular with wind surfers, boating and generally splashing about or sunbathing. After a short distance however we had to leave the beach, using a temporary staircase, and follow what in different places is England Coastal Path, Northumberland Coast Path or St. Oswald's Way. On the shore here there is a colony of Little Terns, their breeding area is roped off during the breeding season. We crossed the wonderfully named Long Nanny Burn by the footbridge and then diverted to the National Trust shack where several rangers, whose job is to protect the birds mainly from humans, showed us the nesting site.

A couple of Little Terns, different from Arctic Terns but there is a season for all terns.

Moving on we returned to the beach at the first opportunity and although we had not walked far we settled down on the sand for a Herbie.

We watched this family of Eider ducklings as we shared apple pies, almond slices, flapjacks and sweet and sour offerings from Mrs A.

Herbie over we continued along the beach for a while before climbing over the dunes to rejoin St Oswald until we reached Low Newton by the Sea.

The square of fishermen's cottages at Low Newton by the Sea. The Ship in the corner is a popular pub/restaurant, frequently mentioned in newspaper supplements.

The footpath goes behind the square and passes the Low Newton Pool Nature Reserve, so naturally we stopped to see what was on the water.

Bloody Cranesbill, Northumberland's county flower, lots about today

Life on the pool.

Leaving the bird hide we continued with St Oswald, noticing however many new signposts for the England Coastal Path. The path crosses the golf course, watch out for spliced drives. Eventually St O reaches the famous anticline and the magnificent ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle.

My favourite anticline and my favourite ruin.

Having crossed the fields we were soon in the old fishing of Craster, famous for kippers.

Craster harbour and some lobster pots.

The footpath goes through the village, passing the pub, the cafe and a small art gallery before joining the trail along the cliff tops. At one point there is a cliff side home to Kittiwakes, Guillemots and fulmars, plus an occasional crow.

Very quiet day at Kittiwake house.

soon we were at the bathing house, constructed for the use of the gentile ladies of nearby Howick Hall but now a holiday let. Turning right beyond the house we were on the short footpath across fields and back to the cars.