Walk: 10:45 to 4pm - 6.6 miles
A few months ago there was an excellent TV programme called something along the lines of 'Britain at Low Tide', where a small team of archaeology and history types looked at interesting things around the coast of Britain when the sea was all the way out.
One episode in the series was filmed on the Northumberland coast, part in Beadnell where we are staying for the week, and also part at Howick Bay, focusing on the story of the French ship Tradorne which ran aground off the coast in 1913 on it's way to Iceland, much of the wreck has been lost to the sea but the ship's boiler is close to the shore and visible as the tide goes out.
Also, the same area is well known for it's fossils, so we could get in a few miles and enjoy some time amongst the rocks fossil hunting, as well as looking out for the boiler from the Tradorne.
After the short 15 minute drive down the coast we parked up in Craster, famous for Robson's smoked kippers, then headed south along the coastal path; part of St Oswalds Way. Much of this coast is famous for the rocky outcrops which are part of the Whin Sill, a large area of igneous rock that forms the bedrock of much of County Durham and Northumberland. Many of the well knows castles on this coast are built on these outcrops.
We arrived at Howick Bay and the first port of call was down onto the beach looking for the small pieces of glass that Donna is collecting to use to make a picture as and when she has enough to do so, and today's beachcombing didn't disappoint as Donna was able to fill a small bag with pieces of all sizes.
Our search for fossils had also borne fruit, as we came upon a number of rocks with clear patterns in them, ok not exactly T-rex but interesting nonetheless. We continued further down and stopped at Howdiemont Point which would be our furthest point south before heading back up the coast. Our packed lunch was also devoured as we sat amongst the rocks and took in the stunning views.
Today hadn't been as stunning on the weather front as yesterday, in fact it was grey and dull all day: but thankfully no rain. Our route back up the coast and the fact that the tide had now gone a little further out allowed me to get nearer to the Tradorne's boiler, now about half of it was sitting above the waves. Still well out of reach unfortunately, even though I had made my way out as far as I could on the slippy Kelp covered rocks.
By 4pm we were back at the car and ready to head back to Beadnell for tea. So yes, not the lovely sunny weather that we were fortunate to have yesterday, but that didn't take away any enjoyment from what was another lovely coastal walk.
A few months ago there was an excellent TV programme called something along the lines of 'Britain at Low Tide', where a small team of archaeology and history types looked at interesting things around the coast of Britain when the sea was all the way out.
One episode in the series was filmed on the Northumberland coast, part in Beadnell where we are staying for the week, and also part at Howick Bay, focusing on the story of the French ship Tradorne which ran aground off the coast in 1913 on it's way to Iceland, much of the wreck has been lost to the sea but the ship's boiler is close to the shore and visible as the tide goes out.
Also, the same area is well known for it's fossils, so we could get in a few miles and enjoy some time amongst the rocks fossil hunting, as well as looking out for the boiler from the Tradorne.
After the short 15 minute drive down the coast we parked up in Craster, famous for Robson's smoked kippers, then headed south along the coastal path; part of St Oswalds Way. Much of this coast is famous for the rocky outcrops which are part of the Whin Sill, a large area of igneous rock that forms the bedrock of much of County Durham and Northumberland. Many of the well knows castles on this coast are built on these outcrops.
We arrived at Howick Bay and the first port of call was down onto the beach looking for the small pieces of glass that Donna is collecting to use to make a picture as and when she has enough to do so, and today's beachcombing didn't disappoint as Donna was able to fill a small bag with pieces of all sizes.
Our search for fossils had also borne fruit, as we came upon a number of rocks with clear patterns in them, ok not exactly T-rex but interesting nonetheless. We continued further down and stopped at Howdiemont Point which would be our furthest point south before heading back up the coast. Our packed lunch was also devoured as we sat amongst the rocks and took in the stunning views.
Today hadn't been as stunning on the weather front as yesterday, in fact it was grey and dull all day: but thankfully no rain. Our route back up the coast and the fact that the tide had now gone a little further out allowed me to get nearer to the Tradorne's boiler, now about half of it was sitting above the waves. Still well out of reach unfortunately, even though I had made my way out as far as I could on the slippy Kelp covered rocks.
By 4pm we were back at the car and ready to head back to Beadnell for tea. So yes, not the lovely sunny weather that we were fortunate to have yesterday, but that didn't take away any enjoyment from what was another lovely coastal walk.
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