Beach, Dunes and a golf course

 Beach, Dunes and a golf course. May 5th

Northumberland

The planned walk for today was intended to be a birthday celebration for one of the team, a glass of brandy on Windy Gyle, a point in the Cheviots on the English/ Scottish border.

However the local weather forecast said it would be wet, breezy and cold up there so six of us opted for a leisurely stroll from Warkworth.

Warkworth is a pretty village some 20 miles north of Newcastle, easily found by following the Northumberland Coast route, starting on the A189.

It has a ruined castle, several pubs and cafes and a car park alongside the River Coquet, free too. The name comes from Old English Werce-worthe. Werce's settlement. Some had breakfast in Barnards cafe. Well worth a visit.

A map is not necessary but the walk is covered by OS Explorer 332 Alnwick and Amble.

The riverside car park, worthy of the calendar this year.

Leaving the car park we walked east along the river bank passing the church and arriving at the old bridge.

              St Lawrence's church. An almost complete Norman church.

The medieval road bridge, closed to traffic. A modern bridge lies behind.

We  crossed the bridge and immediately but carefully crossed the road and walked uphill for a short distance before taking the footpath on the right to avoid the few cars heading to and from the car parks. (Also free)

There are toilets at the car park. We took the path down towards the beach but before crossing the dunes turned south and walked the path along the river bank. At mile 2 we turned north and hit the beach heading north. Easy to follow, keep the sea to your right.

Top: rotting hulks near Amble

Bottom Buildings on quay at Amble. They don't seem to fit but what do I know.

The tide was out, the sand was firm as we walked on. The beach was empty, not surprising as it was cold and misty.

Few walkers on the beach on this misty, moisty morning.

At Birling Carrs two of us climbed the short bank to the caravan site to escape the rocks which are sometimes slippy. The others, much braver continued over the rocks and back on to sand. We joined them at the other side of the camp. and continued on our way in a light rain to the River Aln.

Alnmouth across the river. Once a small but thriving port it is now a holiday village. In 1806 a storm caused a diversion of the river. What would have been an almost perfect Oxbow lake for Geographers washed a way, the river straightened out and the village church was toppled . It was a 12th century place of worship.

In 1779 John Paul Jones American naval captain fired his cannon at the church.

WE climbed up to the cross on Church Hill, site of the old church, and walked to the remains of an19th century lying in chapel where we stopped for lunch. (mile 6 or there abouts)

                    Herbie time: apple pies back on the menu with cookies, chocolate. Savoury buns and chocolate cake from Mrs A.

The rain had stopped and we set off on St. Oswald's Way/ England Coast Path/ Northumberland Coast path. Not far from the chapel are the remains of the guano shed, built before the great storm to store guano, used as fertilizer and built away from the village because of the smell.

                  Ruins of the guano shed.

We followed the path through the dunes and the caravan site. After 7.5 miles the path goes round the edge of Warkworth golf course. At the path leading back to the town we turned right and headed for the cars.

                Bridge tower at the end of Warkworth's ancient river crossing 

Warkworth Castle, a Percy stronghold.

On the way home we called at the Widdrington Inn. The pub had Timothy Taylor's Landlord and it was good. The innkeeper was busy decorating the place for the coronation of Charles III to be held on May 6th.

Nature notes

Blue bells, cowslips, a few remaining daffodils and a lone avocet. And sadly, a dead seal.

Contains OS data, copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2023

The walk is just over 9 easy going miles.