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