Walking backwards to Craster

 Walking backwards to Craster. March 29th

It's  Good Friday, a bank holiday, and four of us are out on a familiar coastal walk. The recent heavy rain has persuaded us to avoid the countryside, keep to firm tracks and the beach. 

The walk starts at Seahouses Farm, south of Craster. A two map job, OS 332 Holy Island and OS 340 Alnwick and Amble.

We famous four are: Margaret, Janice, Brian,  and me. On previous occasions we have started by walking up the coast to Low Newton, but, rebels that we are, today we walk clockwise.

parking near Seahouses Farm. Room for a dozen or so, and free.

We walked back down the road to the entrance to Howick Hall car park and took the lane to the right, walking alongside the wood. A couple who were exercising their two collies  told us, for future reference, that there is a path through the trees to Howick village. It's not on maps. Their friendly collies encouraged to play throw the stick before we moved on, crossing fields to South Craster Farm and on to Craster itself.

                                    Ladder stile, I like these

                                        Feeding time in the fields.

We arrived at the official Craster car park (£6) and visitor centre. In the centre grounds there is a tea, coffee and sandwich van. Eat at tables outside but it was a sunny day. Five star bacon sandwich.

                         The Piper's Pitch. Well worth stopping.

Crossing the road we took the damp footpath behind the Heughs to Dalton Square Farm then headed north on the concrete strip to Dunstan Steads Farm.

                             WW2 pillbox

                            And a Lime Kiln.

At Dunstan Steads we took the track down to the golf course, walked the perimeter like good boys and girls before heading for the beach (mile5). Being a holiday there were plenty of people walking on the sands, a bit too chilly for sun bathing. 

At Low Newton by the Sea we found a couple of benches in the square and paused for a Herbie. (Apple pies, easter eggs and cake and savoury from Mrs A)

 The Ship at Low Newton. I think most of the cottages are now holiday lets.

We went round the back of the square and walked to the Low Newton Nature Reserve, watching the geese from the bird hide.

Life near the pond at Low Newton. Grey Lags

Moving on through the chalets we were back at the golf course but headed for the beach.

                              Distant Dunstanburgh

                                         Embleton Bay.

Reaching the boulder strewn section of beach we climbed to the footpath through the dunes  and headed for Thomas Gaunt's ruined castle, passing the famous anticline.

                                 The famous anticline

                        and Thomas's ruin.

Thge skies darkened as we crossed the fields to Craster  and the rain started. However the short storm produced a fine rainbow admired by everybody walking the fields.

                      I can see a rainbow.

At Craster we walked past the harbour and the empty Seashore cafe to take the footpath along the cliffs, passing the bathing house and up the track toi the car.

                             The bathing house built for the ladies of Howick Hall.

On the way home we stopped at The Ridley Arms in Stannington. Several hand pumped beers and a super birthday present from Brian and Margaret.

                        What a great present, it shall be hung in a prominent position.

             Contains OS data, copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2024.

The walk is about 12 miles, easy going.

                    Now called the King Charles III coast path

                                          Canada Goose

Hulne Park

 Welcome to Percy's Park. March 22nd.

Hulne Park in Alnwick is owned by Percy, Duke of Northumberland. Open to the public on most days but check by going to www.northumberlandestates.co.uk.

The estate is covered by OS332 Alnwick and Amble But there is a downloadable map from the above website showing all walks.

North up A1, turn off to go through the town of Alnwick, pass the castle gate and turn left on the drive to the park. There is limited roadside parking.

Not  a prize winner, but a great number plate.

This time of year the park is open from 11am to 4pm. Today there are several groups in for a stroll. There are several walks explained on the park map. I would download it and add here but not being happy about copyright and not wanting to finish up in the Dukes dungeon or be a "Gong Farmer"* for his grace I've left it off.

Once through the gate follow the metalled road  for about 1.5 miles, admiring the park farm, the fields and the woodland.

                  Fine avenue of trees at the start of the walk.

A hemmel, open storage building or animal shelter.

Turn left up the hill to the Brizlee Tower.

Brizlee Tower, designed by Robert Adam and built in 1781 for the Duke. Occasionally it is open to the public, probably a great view from the top.

We followed the path beyond the tower, it circles round and returns to the main road, passing this:

This 18th century statue of a bearded hermit stands in front of a cave at "The Nine Year Aud Hole". No idea either.

The path also passes what is, I think, to be the cemetery for the Percy Family.

               Cemetery gates. The crescent is part of the Duke's badge.

Back on the main route we walked to the farm at East Brizlee, crossed the River Aln and headed for the Hulne Priory.

This Carmelite Priory was founded 1n 1242. Now a ruin but its most recent claim to fame is being the home of Maid Marion in "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves." (The film with Kevin Costner and Sycamore Gap)

It was a windy day, the Duke has not supplied many benches for his visitors so we settled down outside the Priory in the shelter of a wall for A Herbie. Things are getting back to normal, apple pies, ginger biscuits and Snickers.

Lunch over we followed the road as it curves round close to the river, passing Lady's Well which is nothing special really. At a junction two naughty boys ignored the sign saying private and followed the track up past the farm, turned left and walked back to the cars. The good boys walked a little further alongside the river before heading up hill, turning left and returning to the cars.

* Latrine Cleaner

Contains OS data, copyright. Crown copyright and database right 2024

The walk is about 9 miles, easy going, great views.