Day 3 - Saturday 2 November 2024
Craster to Seahouses (12 miles)
The War Memorial in Craster at the harbour
We had caught the bus to Craster from Belford and would walk to Seahouses today. On arrival we would then catch the bus back to Belford - at the time this was at £2 a fare which is an absolute bargain.
We had caught the bus to Craster from Belford and would walk to Seahouses today. On arrival we would then catch the bus back to Belford - at the time this was at £2 a fare which is an absolute bargain.
The slipway at Craster
Craster Lifeboat Station
It was a bit of a dreary outlook today as we left Craster heading for Dunstanburgh. However, whilst it would remain that way all day, at least it didn't rain.
The small island is called Little Carr. Along with the larger Muckle Carr the islet was the only form of sea protection for Craster until the harbour walls were constructed in 1906.
From Craster, the route heads along a wide grassy path towards Dunstanburgh Castle
A Dunstanburgh Castle panorama
The Great Gatehouse of Dunstanburgh Castle
The castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313, and the latest archaeological research indicates that he built it on a far grander scale than was originally recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the king than as a military stronghold. Unfortunately the earl failed to reach Dunstanburgh when his rebellion was defeated, and was taken and executed in 1322. Thereafter the castle passed eventually to John of Gaunt, who strengthened it against the Scots by converting the great twin towered gatehouse into a keep. The focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses, it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, but subsequently fell into decay.
The castle was built at a time when relations between King Edward II and his most powerful baron, Earl Thomas of Lancaster, had become openly hostile. Lancaster began the fortress in 1313, and the latest archaeological research indicates that he built it on a far grander scale than was originally recognised, perhaps more as a symbol of his opposition to the king than as a military stronghold. Unfortunately the earl failed to reach Dunstanburgh when his rebellion was defeated, and was taken and executed in 1322. Thereafter the castle passed eventually to John of Gaunt, who strengthened it against the Scots by converting the great twin towered gatehouse into a keep. The focus of fierce fighting during the Wars of the Roses, it was twice besieged and captured by Yorkist forces, but subsequently fell into decay.
The Lilburn Tower of Dunstanburgh Castle
The tower was named after John de Lilburn, who became constable of the castle in 1322. This was probably the residence of an important official as it was provided with fine windows and window seats.
The tower was named after John de Lilburn, who became constable of the castle in 1322. This was probably the residence of an important official as it was provided with fine windows and window seats.
The gate that gives access to Dunstanburgh Golf Course
The 13th green of Dunstanburgh Golf Course sits in the shadow of the Castle
The route crosses the golf course and heads along its western edge
Continuing along the golf course perimeter we came across a sign telling us that the clubhouse cafe was open to all. We had not eaten breakfast yet therefore we were hopeful of getting fed - would our luck be in?
As we approached the clubhouse we met Milly & Jan with their dogs Winnie & Skye - they very kindly gave us a donation to Spaniel Aid.
Dunstanburgh Castle Golf Course Clubhouse
Duck peruses the menu whilst Angie & I decide what to have for breakfast
They do an excellent Bacon & Egg Bap - so much so we shared a Sausage & Egg chaser also. It certainly set us up for the day.
Crossing The Skaith and the outflow of Embleton Burn
The Skaith & Embleton Burn (Click Play to view)
A mile or so along the coast from the golf club and we arrived at Low Newton-by-the-Sea
The 18th century Ship Inn, Low Newton-by-the-Sea - we have been to this pub many times
From the village we could easily have taken a short cut over fields and avoid Newton Point but that would be cheating - wouldn't it? Therefore we wandered along the headland.
The headland of Newton Point houses a former LORAN (long range navigation) station from the Cold War era
Beadnell in the distance as we head along Newton Links
A nod in the sand to our chosen charity
Striding out along Newton Links towards Beadnell
The route crosses Tughall Burn by way of a footbridge
The Lime Kilns at Beadnell Harbour
To the east of Beadnell harbour are 3 lime kilns which can be seen here. The earliest lime kiln was built in 1789. Limestone was burnt in lime kilns to make quicklime, which was used as a fertilizer and in building mortar. Much of the lime produced was transported by ship for use in Scotland. The lime kilns are now used by local fishermen to store lobster pots.
To the east of Beadnell harbour are 3 lime kilns which can be seen here. The earliest lime kiln was built in 1789. Limestone was burnt in lime kilns to make quicklime, which was used as a fertilizer and in building mortar. Much of the lime produced was transported by ship for use in Scotland. The lime kilns are now used by local fishermen to store lobster pots.
Beadnell Harbour
Snarf, snarf
In the middle of the village green at Beadnell sits an old ship's anchor complete with chain
The standard of the Royal Marines flies proudly in Beadnell
The route leaves Beadnell via a roadside path...........................
.............. and shortly rejoins the coastline with not long to go now until we reach Seahouses
Surfs up dude - and it's got a keel
Passing through Seahouses Golf Club
The route comes inland to the golf course entrance....................
.......... then heads towards the coast once more via a way marked path
The harbour entrance at Seahouses with the Farne Islands a distant right
Seahouses Harbour
Whale Jaw Bones thought to be from a "Right Whale"
These bones were discovered in a barn early in the 20th Century and originally erected at the site of Seahouses First School in 1938. After the First School site was relocated, the bones were stolen and damaged in the process and are therefore approximately 2ft shorter than they originally were. The term "Right Whale" is thought to originate because they were the "right" whale to kill as once dead, they float making them easier to retrieve.
These bones were discovered in a barn early in the 20th Century and originally erected at the site of Seahouses First School in 1938. After the First School site was relocated, the bones were stolen and damaged in the process and are therefore approximately 2ft shorter than they originally were. The term "Right Whale" is thought to originate because they were the "right" whale to kill as once dead, they float making them easier to retrieve.
Vessels in the harbour at Seahouses. Most of these boats are used to provide day trips out to the nearby Farne Islands.
The War Memorial at Seahouses - slap bang in the middle of a roundabout
Situated just over the road from the RNLI Station "The Rescue" statue was presented to the Parish of North Sunderland and Seahouses by Countrylife Homes and Seafield Caravan Park
With time to kill before our bus back to Belford we decided to have a traditional Fish Supper in one of Seahouses many Chippys
Scampi for me and Moby Dick for Angie - and very nice it was too
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Day 3 Data
Mileage
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
Cumulative Mileage
Time
Total Ascent
12 miles
39.4 miles
5hrs 35mins
666ft (203m)
39.4 miles
5hrs 35mins
666ft (203m)