Month: September 2017

Day 35 – Lowestoft to Ipswich

So we’ve managed to complete thirty-five days of continuous travel, as we drove from Cardiff to Ipswich. Yay!  That’s the first and main leg of our coastal road trip completed, and what a great day to spend this milestone, as we travel the beautiful Suffolk coastline….

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Sunset, Dusk, Boats, Reflection
Calm reflective waters as the sunset at Felixtowe Ferry.

 

Lowestoft

Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, Lowestoft Lighthouse
Bam!  Our first stop of the day and it’s a lighthouse.  The bright white Lowestoft Lighthouse looking great against the fresh blue morning sky.
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, Ness Point, Euroscope, John Wylson, Most Easterly Point of Britain
On this trip we have traveled to the most westerly point of Britain at Ardnamurchan (day 17), the most northerly point at Dunnet Head (day 24), and now we have reached the most easterly point at Ness Point!  Not the most exciting view, to be honest…
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, Ness Point, Euroscope, John Wylson, Most Easterly Point of Britain, Julian
Julian sitting on the Euroscope at Ness Point, designed by John Wylson.
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, South Beach, Houses, Green
A handsome row of houses along Lowestoft’s South Beach Promenade.
Coastal Road Trip, Lowestoft, South Beach, Lifeguard
The Lowestoft South Beach lifeguard keeping an eye on a lone swimmer (that just swam out of the photo).

 

Benachre

Coastal Road Trip, Benachre, Waveney, Suffolk, Sunflower, Fields
Driving past glorious meadows as we meandered along the small country lanes near Benachre.
Coastal Road Trip, Benachre, Waveney, Suffolk, Fields
Such rich colours in the mid morning sunshine.

 

Southwold

Coastal Road Trip, Southwold, Lighthouse, Waveney, Suffolk
The grade II listed Southwold Lighthouse towering over Southwold’s seafront houses.
Coastal Road Trip, Southwold, Pier, Beach, Huts, Waveney, Suffolk
Southwold Pier, extending 190m in to the North Sea.

 

Walberswick

Coastal Road Trip, Southwold, Walberswick, River Blyth, Harbour, Ferry, Rowing Boat, Waveney, Suffolk
The small ferry being rowed from Southwold across the fast moving River Blyth to Walberswick.  He was doing a busy trade this sunny Saturday lunchtime.

 

Blythburgh

Coastal Road Trip, Blythburgh, Holy Trinity Church, Suffolk, Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Nave, Interior
A short detour inland to view the Holy Trinity Church in the small village of Blythburgh.  Also know as The Cathedral of the Marshes, it was surprisingly light inside.

 

Dunwich

Coastal Road Trip, Dunwich Beach, Sizewell, Saxmundham
Children playing in the waves at Dunwich Beach, silhouetted against the sea.  Sizewell nuclear power station lurking in the distance.

 

Leiston Abbey

Coastal Road Trip, Leiston Abbey House, Theberton, Leiston, Suffolk, English Heritage
The remains of the Augustinian Leiston Abbey, originally home to the strict Premonstratensian order, who favoured remote locations.
Coastal Road Trip, Leiston Abbey House, Theberton, Leiston, Suffolk, English Heritage
A farmhouse had been built into the remains of the nave after the suppression.

 

Thorpeness

Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, Sign, Leiston, Suffolk
The Thorpeness village sign with its iconic House in the Clouds and windmill.
Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, Meare, House in the Clouds, Leiston, Suffolk
The large meare that had been dug out by hand in the early 20th century, with the bright red House in the Clouds living up to its name.
Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, House in the Clouds, Julian, Jarno, Leiston, Suffolk
The House in the Clouds, originally built as a water tower, and now a pretty cool holiday house.
Coastal Road Trip, Thorpeness, Windmill, Leiston, Suffolk
In the 1920s and 30s Thorpeness Windmill had been used to pump water into the tank at the top of the House in the Clouds.

 

Aldeburgh

Coastal Road Trip, Aldeburgh, Beach, RSPB North Warren, Scallop, Sculpture, Benjamin Britten, Maggi Hambling
The Scallop sculpture at RSPB North Warren, designed by Maggi Hambling as a tribute to Benjamin Britten, the Aldeburgh born composer.
Coastal Road Trip, Aldeburgh, Beach, Boats
Boats on the beach behind the upmarket Aldeburgh high street.

 

Snape Maltings

Coastal Road Trip, Snape Maltings, Sculpture, Metal, Mirrors, Snape, Suffolk
One of the many sculptures at our next stop at Snape Maltings.  A fascinating place, with an amazing music venue, shops, artist workshops, sculptures and nature walks.  Quite a curious mix, but done so well, we were really impressed.
Coastal Road Trip, Snape Maltings, Barbara Hepworth, Family of Man (1970), Sculpture, Rainbow, Snape, Suffolk
A rainbow forming over Barbara Hepworth’s Family of Man sculpture.
Coastal Road Trip, Snape Maltings, Dovecote Studio, Snape, Suffolk
Anther dovecote, we haven’t seen one of these since leaving Scotland.  But this one had a modern take, and had been converted into a studio.

 

Orford

Coastal Road Trip, Orford, Orford Castle, English Heritage, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Orford Castle, Henry II’s splendid keep.
Coastal Road Trip, Orford, Orfordness Lighthouse, Quay, River Alde, Nature Reserve, Suffolk, Boats
Just down the road from Orford Castle, views from the quay across the River Alde to the Nature Reserve and Orfordness Lighthouse.

 

Felixtowe

Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe, John Bradfield Viewing Area, Container Ship, Port, Docks
The view of Felixtowe’s busy container port from the John Bradfield Viewing Area.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe, John Bradfield Viewing Area, Sunset, Fishing
Fishing in the UK’s largest container port.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe, John Bradfield Viewing Area, Sunset
A beautiful golden sunset across the water to Harwich.

 

Felixtowe Ferry

Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Beach Huts, Sunset, Dusk
Beach huts along the coast to Felixtowe Ferry.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Sunset, Dusk, Boats, Reflection
A final stop on our way to Ipswich for the night.   We looped a short way back north east to Felixtowe Ferry, and had stunning views over the calm River Deben, reflecting the yachts in the dusk light.
Coastal Road Trip, Felixtowe Ferry, Sunset, Dusk, Boats, Reflection
Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight…. let’s see in the morning.

 

Daily video

 

 

Day 34 – King’s Lynn to Lowestoft

On day thirty-four, after a walk around King’s Lynn, we got back on the road and headed for The Queen’s home at Sandringham (our third royal location on our trip).  We then continued along the Norfolk coastline to Lowestoft, with plenty of windmills and lighthouses along our journey.  We packed a lot into today.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Sheringham, The Mo Museum, Mural, RNLI, Coast Guard
Amazing street art at Sheringham.

 

Sandringham

Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, Queen, Julian, Jarno
Popping in for tea with the Queen at her Sandringham Estate.  We were the first to finish the house tour that morning… speedy!  Mind you, we halved the average visitor age 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, Racing Horse, Estimate, Sculpture
Some of The Queens’s favorite things, starting with racing horses.  Estimate, who won the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot.
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, Queen's Dog, Black Labrador, Sandringham Brae, A Gentleman Amongst Dogs,
A whole series of stones set in the garden walls, remembering The Queen’s dogs, with lovely little messages.
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, Rolls Royce, Queen's Car, The Spirit of Ecstasy, Flying Lady
The stunning ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ adorning one of the Rolls Royce bonnets.
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Lychgate, Gate, Jarno
Jarno giving a royal wave in the Lychgate of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, where The Royal Family normally attend the Christmas Day service.
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Ceiling
The beautiful ceiling of the 16th century church.
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, Main Gates, Diana Tribute, Flowers
It was the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana.
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, Main Gates, Diana Tribute, Flowers
Many tributes had been left at the Sandringham gates.
Coastal Road Trip, Sandringham, Woodland, Country Park
Driving through the tranquil Sandringham Country Park.

 

Heacham

Coastal Road Trip, Norfolk Lavender, Flowers
We made a quick stop at Norfolk Lavender set among 100 acres of lavender fields (yes, we know this isn’t lavender).  However, we’d just missed the lavender blooming season (June to August), so made do with a quick walk around their cottage garden.

 

Hunstanton

Coastal Road Trip, Hunstanton, Beach
Hunstanton Beach, the only holiday town beach in Norfolk that faces west, so great for viewing the sunset (if we’d been later in the day).
Coastal Road Trip, Hunstanton, Lighthouse
The Old Hunstanton Lighthouse built in 1840.  Its predecessor had the world’s first parabolic reflector in 1776.

 

Burnham Overy Staithe

Coastal Road Trip, Burnham Overy Staithe, The Tower Windmill, National Trust
Windmills became a common sight as we drove along the Norfolk coastline.  The Tower Windmill at Burnham Overy Staithe, a pretty cool National Trust holiday let.

 

Holkham

Coastal Road Trip, Holkham Hall, North Gate
We decided not to visit Holkham Hall, as we’d already spent quite some time in the morning at the Sandringham Estate.  So we made do with just viewing Holkham Hall’s North Gate instead.

 

Wells-next-the-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Wells-next-the-Sea, The Quay. East Fleet
The very busy (with tourists) and picturesque Wells-next-the-Sea, with its impressive granary malting building and huge canter-levered gantry.

 

Blakeney

Coastal Road Trip, Blakeney, Blakeney National Nature Reserve, National Trust, Boats
More picturesque villages as we drove along the coast to Blakeney, where we stopped for a coffee at the National Trust run Blakeney National Nature Reserve.  The largest seal colony in England, and a very important breeding ground for grey seal pups in the winter months.

 

Cley next the Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Cley next the Sea, Cley Windmill, Julian, Jarno
We almost gate-crashed a wedding party staying in Cley Windmill.

 

Sheringham

Coastal Road Trip, Sheringham, Sheringham Beach
As we stopped to take photos in Sheringham several locals asked if they could help us.  Very friendly, or we just looked lost.
Coastal Road Trip, Sheringham, The Mo Museum, Mural, RNLI, Coast Guard
Amazing street art murals on the walls outside the local Mo Museum.
Coastal Road Trip, Sheringham, The Mo Museum, Mural, Fishermen
Fishermen posing for street art.
Coastal Road Trip, Sheringham, Street Art, Tony Nelson, Town Criar
In memory of the local town crier.

 

Cromer

Coastal Road Trip, Cromer, Pier
The Victorian Cromer Pier, famous for its end of the pier variety show, the last remaining one in the UK.

 

Trimingham

Coastal Road Trip, Trimingham, Remote Radar Head Trimingham
The radar station at  Trimingham (AKA Trimingham Golf Ball).  This location was established in the early 1940s to detect low flying German aircraft and E-boats.

 

Mundesley

Coastal Road Trip, Mundesley, Beach Huts
More colorful beach huts along Mundesley Beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Mundesley, Stow Mill, Windmill
Stow Mill, the local corn windmill, just outside of Mundesley village, now another holiday let.

 

Happisburgh Lighthouse

Coastal Road Trip, Happisburgh, Happisburgh Lighthouse
After driving through yet another lovely Norfolk village, we arrived at the very handsome Happisburgh Lighthouse across the fields.  It’s the only independent lighthouse (run by local volunteers) in Great Britain, and the oldest working one in East Anglia.

 

Horsey

Coastal Road Trip, Horsey, Horsey Windpump, National Trust
Eerie lighting as the dark rain clouds passed over us at the National Trust’s Horsey Windpump.

 

Winterton-on-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Winterton-on-Sea, Winterton Lighthouse
As we drove past Winterton-on-Sea, we noticed this lighthouse protruding above the coastal houses.  As we got close we realised it was also now a private home (holiday rental), so just took a quick photo from a neighbour’s drive and continued on our way.

 

Caister-on-sea

Coastal Road Trip, Caister-on-Sea, Beach, Pink Tractor
Whilst hunting down a fish & chip shop for our dinner, we came across brightly painted fishermen’s tractors behind the beach at Caister-on-Sea.

 

Great Yarmouth

Coastal Road Trip, Great Yarmouth, Pirates, Rainbow
Great Yarmouth pirates on the lookout for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Coastal Road Trip, Great Yarmouth, Caesars Palace
No, we are not in Las Vegas.  It’s the other Caesars Palace, the one in Great Yarmouth.
Coastal Road Trip, Peel Ports, Wind Turbine, Wing, Blade
Finally, as the night closed in, we drove south along Great Yarmouth’s promenade reaching Peel Ports.  Giant wind turbine blades were sitting ready to be shipped to an off-shore wind farm.  Next stop, down the road at Lowestoft for the night.

 

Daily video

 

 

 

Day 33 – Hull to King’s Lynn

Despite a bright start to the morning, the weather was pretty miserable for the rest of the day,  so maybe we didn’t see the coast from Hull to King’s Lynn in its best light.  However, as usual we made the most of the day, rain or shine!

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Cleethorpes, Rollercoaster, Green Dragon
A dragon in its natural habitat on the beach at Cleethorpes.

 

New Holland

Coastal Road Trip, New Holland, Station, Railway, Jarno
After leaving Hull, we found New Holland on the map just south of the River Humber.  Perfect for a quick Dutch photo opportunity at the local (very quiet) station in the middle of the docks.

 

Thornton Abbey

Coastal Road Trip, Thornton Abbey
After a short ten minutes drive through the North Lincolnshire countryside we arrived at the remains of the Augustinian Thornton Abbey.  The fortified gatehouse, considered to be one of the finest in England.

 

Killingholme

Coastal Road Trip, Killingholme, Station Road, Lighthouses
Heading down a bumpy lane alongside the River Humber, trying to find the Killingholme Lighthouses, something told us we probably weren’t meant to be down here…
Coastal Road Trip, Killingholme, Killingholme North Low Lighthouse
Killingholme North Low Lighthouse, looking a little unloved.
Coastal Road Trip, Killingholme, Killingholme South Low Lighthouse
Its sister, the Killingholme South Low Lighthouse, wedged between a waterworks, coal docks and the Humber.
Coastal Road Trip, Killingholme, Killingholme High Lighthouse
And finally its big brother, Killingholme High Lighthouse in the middle of the waterworks.  As we really weren’t sure if we should be here, we took some quick photos, then got back on the road to Grimsby.

 

Grimsby

Coastal Road Trip, Grimsby, View from Cleethorpes
The view back to Grimsby from the north end of the promenade at Cleethorpes.  Not the most inviting view.  Grimsby once had the largest fishing fleet in the world, but lost that crown in the Iceland cod wars.  However, it still has the UK’s largest fish market.

 

Cleethorpes

Coastal Road Trip, Cleethorpes, Rollercoaster, Green Dragon
The view from our car as we sat eating our lunchtime sandwiches.
Coastal Road Trip, Cleethorpes Pier
Cleethorpes Pier, now the largest fish & chip shop in the country!

 

Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes

Coastal Road Trip, Saltfeetby-Theddlethorpe Dunes, MOD Sign
We only stopped briefly at the dunes and mudflats, as the sign put us off a little….

 

Mablethorpe

Coastal Road Trip, Mablethorpe, Beach, Lifeguard
A very quiet day for the lifeguard at Mablethorpe, as we arrived he was already packing up for the day.
Coastal Road Trip, Mablethorpe, House of Terror, Haunted House, Beach, Amusements
Things that go bump in the night at Mablethorpe…
Coastal Road Trip, Mablethorpe Rock
Checking out the local delicacy…

 

Chapel St Leonards

Coastal Road Trip, Chapel St Leonards, Chapel Point
Stripey beach huts at Chapel Point Beach, quite a contrast to the Second World War defences that they had replaced.

 

Skegness

Coastal Road Trip, Skegness, Fantasy Island
We entered Skegness from the north via Fantasy Island…. which was a kind of a surreal place.  Roller-coasters towering above static caravans as far as the eye could see.  We’re big roller-coaster fans, but not today…
Coastal Road Trip, Skegness, Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Driving through Skegness we reached Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve to the south, and its sleek new information centre overlooking the dunes and marshes.  The area couldn’t have felt more different than the more commercial parts of Skegness.  Variety… that’s the great British seaside for you! 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Skegness, Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve, Boats
Boats moored along the very muddy (and slippery) Steeping River.

 

Wainfleet All Saints

Coastal Road Trip, Wainfleet All Saints, Barkham Street
Stopping briefly at the early Victorian Barkham Street in Wainfleet All Saints.  A street you would expect to see in London, and probably not in a small Lincolnshire town.

 

Boston

Coastal Road Trip, Boston, St Botolph's Church
As we drove to King’s Lynn for the evening we decide to make our final stop of the day at Boston.   As we approached through the flat fens we were drawn towards the huge 83m high St Botolph’s Church tower (AKA Boston Stump) sticking out on the horizon.  Considered to be the largest parish church in England (actually we assumed it was a cathedral).
Coastal Road Trip, Boston, Old town streets, Goodbarns Yard, Pub
A lovely cozy market town feel to the cobbled lanes around the church.

 

Daily video

Day 32 – Scarborough to Hull

Another day of varied coastlines as we drove south from Scarborough to Hull on day thirty-two.  As always, some nice little surprises along the way.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Scarborough, Beach Huts, Brightly Coloured
Freshly painted beach huts along the promenade at Scarborough’s north bay.  A nice bright start to the day 🙂

 

Scarborough

Coastal Road Trip, Scarborough, Sea Front, The Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel sitting proud above Scarborough’s south bay promenade and beach.
Coastal Road Trip, Scarborough, Sea Front, Lighthouse, Pier, Lunar Park
The lighthouse along the pier with the Lunar Park funfair in the background.

 

Hunmanby Gap

Coastal Road Trip, Hunmanby Gap, Beach, Dog
Wide open sands at Hunmanby Gap.
Coastal Road Trip, Hunmanby Gap, Berries
Juicy berries on the bushes surrounding the fields above Hunmanby Gap.

 

Bempton Cliffs

Coastal Road Trip, Bempton Cliffs, RSPB, Gannetts, Birds
Great views of Bempton Cliffs at the nature reserve managed by the RSPB.
Coastal Road Trip, Bempton Cliffs, RSPB, Gannetts, Birds
Hundreds of Gannetts clinging to the cliffs.
Coastal Road Trip, Bempton Cliffs, RSPB, Gannetts, Sign, Jarno
Learning about Gannetts.
Coastal Road Trip, Bempton Cliffs, RSPB, Gannetts, Birds
Magnificent cliff views.

 

Flamborough Head

Coastal Road Trip, Flamborough Head, Lighthouse
The current lighthouse, built in 1806.
Coastal Road Trip, Flamborough Head, Cliffs. Coast
The view over Selwicks Bay at Flamborough Head.
Coastal Road Trip, Flamborough Head, Old Lighthouse
The Old Lighthouse at Flamborough Head, constructed from chalk in 1673, considered to be the oldest building of its type in England.

 

Bridlington

Coastal Road Trip, Bridlington, View from Sewerby, Wind Turbines
The view down to Bridlington from Sewerby, and again the now familiar sight of wind turbines along the coast.
Coastal Road Trip, Bridlington, Harbour, Lighthouse in grass
OK OK, not a real lighthouse, but they made an attempt on the grass banks of Bridlington Harbour.

 

Hornsea

Coastal Road Trip, Hornsea, Telescope, Beach, Promenade
Hornsea Beach, not a huge amount to see on this grey afternoon.  So we just had a quick coffee pick-me-up… and got on our way.

 

Tunstall

Coastal Road Trip, Tunstall, All Saints Parish Church
Trying to navigate our way to the coast at Tunstall, we got as far as the All Saints Parish Church.

 

Withernsea

Coastal Road Trip, Withernsea, Castle, Promenade
Withernsea Castle (if you can call it that), previously the entrance to the pier before it got washed away.
Coastal Road Trip, Withernsea, Lighthouse, Museum
Withernsea Lighthouse curiously sitting inland in the middle of a row of houses.

 

Spurn Point

Coastal Road Trip, Spurn Point, Kilnsea
The Holderness coastline is the fastest eroding in Europe, at 2.1m each year!   The beach at Kilnsea was littered with bits of road and buildings that had collapsed into the sea.
Coastal Road Trip, Spurn Point, High Tide, Warning Sign, Julian, Jarno
Another high tide warning, so we decided not to proceed along the road to the tip of Spurn Point….
Coastal Road Trip, Spurn Point, Spurn National Nature Reserve, Lighthouse
… instead we viewed the Lighthouse from a safe distance.

 

Hull

Coastal Road Trip, Hull, Phone Box, Cream, Jarno, Queens Dock Avenue
A quick walk around Hull before dinner, and Jarno got very excited about spotting a cream coloured phone box.
Coastal Road Trip, Hull, Hull City Hall, Queen Victoria Square
The grand Hull City Hall in Queen Victoria Square.   From the little we saw of Hull we were surprisingly impressed.  We’ll have to come back when we have more time.

 

Daily video

Day 31 – Newcastle to Scarborough

It’s day 31 and we are driving down from Newcastle along the Durham Heritage Coast and into the North Yorkshire Moors.  Plenty of lighthouses, and a surprising mixture of coastlines from industrial to picturesque.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Marske-by-the-sea, Cliff House, View to Saltburn, Hunt Cliff
Views towards Saltburn and Hunt Cliff from Marske-by-the-Sea.

 

South Shields

Coastal Road Trip, Littlehaven Beach and Promenade, South Shields, Lighthouse, Tynemouth Priory and Castle
After a small potter around the shops in a very rainy Newcastle city centre, we managed to get lost driving out to South Shields, and ended up driving over the Tyne Bridge three times!  Eventually we arrived at Littlehaven Beach and Promenade, with its views past the bright red lighthouse to Tynemouth Priory and Castle on the north side of the Tyne.
Coastal Road Trip, Littlehaven Beach and Promenade, South Shields, Conversation Piece, Juan Munoz, Sculptures
An intriguing cluster of sculptures by Juan Munoz, called ‘Conversation Piece’ at Littlehaven Beach and Promenade.

 

Souter Lighthouse

Coastal Road Trip, Marsden Bay, Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland
Souter Lighthouse precariously close to the cliffs at Marsden Bay.
Coastal Road Trip, Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland
Another National Trust property, so we made use of our membership.
Coastal Road Trip, Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland, View from top to Marsden Bay & South Shields
Despite the weather we had great views from the top of the lighthouse back towards Marsden Bay & South Shields.
Coastal Road Trip, Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland, Lens, National Trust
The helpful National Trust guide explained about the lighthouse and lens to us, and gave it a little spin.
Coastal Road Trip, Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland, Inside Lens, National Trust
Inside the lens, a very weird feeling as it spun around.
Coastal Road Trip, Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland, May Thy Lot In Life Be Happy, National Trust
Totally agree with this message on the lighthouse keeper’s mantle piece.

 

Seaburn

Coastal Road Trip, Seaburn, The White Lighthouse, Roker Lighthouse, Roker Pier, Sunderland
More lighthouses at Seaburn, Roker Lighthouse on the left and The White Lighthouse on the right.
Coastal Road Trip, Seaburn, The White Lighthouse, Roker Beach, Sunderland
The White Lighthouse at Roker beach looking very smart with its large weather vain on top.
Coastal Road Trip, Seaburn, Roker Lighthouse, Roker Pier, Digger, Sunderland
A bit of a renovation going on at Roker Lighthouse at the end of Roker Pier.

 

Sunderland

Coastal Road Trip, Sunderland, Wearmouth Bridge, A1018, Roof of car
Trying to get a photo crossing the Wearmouth Bridge at Sunderland.

 

Seaham

Coastal Road Trip, Seaham Beach, Seaham Lighthouse
Wow, the sun is finally peeping through the clouds today.  Seaham Beach and Seaham Lighthouse at the end of the north breakwater.
Coastal Road Trip, Seaham, Tommy World War One Soldier Sculpture, Eleven 'O' One, Giant soldier
The rusty steel Tommy sculpture on the Terrace Green at Seaham.  The World War One Soldier was pretty huge at almost three meters tall.  Officially named Eleven ‘O’ One, after the minute of armistice peace at 11am on the 11th November 1918.
Coastal Road Trip, Seaham, Nose's Point, National Trust Durham Coast, Ps in a Pod
And more rusty sculptures at Nose’s Point along the National Trust Durham Coast.  ‘Ps in a Pod’ in cast iron by Louise Plant, expressing human energy and movement.

 

Blackhall Rocks

Coastal Road Trip, Blackhall Rocks, View South East to Hartlepool
Despite a bit of dull road through the Blackhall area, we found these great views by making a short detour down to the coast at Blackhall Rocks.   The view south east to Hartlepool.
Coastal Road Trip, Blackhall Rocks, View North along Durham Heritage Coast
And the views back north along Durham Heritage Coast.

 

Hartlepool

Coastal Road Trip, Hartlepool, Headland, The Heugh Light, Light House
Lots of birds keeping their beady eyes on us at the Heugh Light at Hartlepool Headland.
Coastal Road Trip, Hartlepool, Headland, Heugh Gun Battery, Cannon
The Heugh Gun Battery, the only open air WWI museum in the UK.
Coastal Road Trip, Hartlepool, Headland, Heugh Gun Battery, Well behaved dogs & Cyclists welcome here, Sign
A nice welcome message on the gun battery gates 🙂
Coastal Road Trip, National Museum Royal Navy Hartlepool, H M S Trincomalee, Dutch Houses
The masts of the H M S Trincomalee towering over some rather Dutch looking houses at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

 

Redcar

Coastal Road Trip, Redcar, Coke Ovens, River Tees, Mouth, Seaton Carew
Driving over the River Tees at Middlesbrough we arrived at Redcar surrounded by steel plants and coke ovens (sadly now closed).
Coastal Road Trip, Redcar, Sculpture
Despite the sorry state of the local industry there had been some effort to brighten up Redcar’s seafront with sculptures…
Coastal Road Trip, Redcar, Penguins
…penguins!?…
Coastal Road Trip, Redcar Beacon
…and the pink Redcar Beacon, contrasting against the stormy sky.

 

Marske-by-the-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Marske-by-the-sea, Cliff House, View to Saltburn, Hunt Cliff
As the stormy clouds passed over Marske-by-the-Sea it created really dramatic lighting over the view to Saltburn and Hunt Cliff.
Coastal Road Trip, Marske-by-the-sea, View to Redcar and Off Shore Wind Turbines
The view back to Redcar and the offshore wind turbines.

 

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

Coastal Road Trip, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Cliff Tramway, Pier
The old Cliff Tramway down to the pier at Saltburn-by-the-Sea.  The oldest operating cliff funicular of its type in the world.

 

Whitby

Coastal Road Trip, Whitby, Beach Huts, Coloured
Brightly painted beach huts curving around the beach at Whitby, our first stop along the North Yorkshire Moors coast.
Coastal Road Trip, Whitby, Harbour, East, West, Lighthouse
The East and West Harbour Lighthouses marking the entrance to Whitby.
Coastal Road Trip, Whitby, Abbey, Harbour, Bandstand, River Esk
Whitby Abbey across the River Esk.
Coastal Road Trip, Whitby, Harbour, Bridge, River Esk
Whitby was larger than we had expected, but still kept a small town charm about it, with its quaint houses nestled around the harbour.  Interestingly Whitby inspired Bram Stoker when writing ‘Dracula’ after staying there in 1890… though we didn’t see any vampires on our visit.

 

Robin Hood’s Bay

Coastal Road Trip, Robin Hood's Bay
Before heading to Scarborough for the evening, we made a final stop of the day at the small fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, famous for smugglers!

 

Daily video

 

Day 30 – Berwick-upon-Tweed to Newcastle

We are starting today by heading a few miles north back in to Scotland (they can’t keep us away).  We will then spend most of the day continuing our drive back in England, along the Northumberland coast before ending the day in Newcastle.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Tour of Britain Cycle Race, Bamburgh, Leaders
The Tour of Britain Cycle Race arriving in Bamburgh.

 

St Abbs

Coastal Road Trip, St Abbs, Harbour, Blue Hut, Cliff House
Starting our day just north of the Scottish border at the quiet fishing village of St Abbs.
Coastal Road Trip, St Abbs, Harbour
Rocky views past St Abbs Harbour.

 

English & Scottish border

Coastal Road Trip, Coastal Road Trip, Scotland Border, England Border, Union Jack, Flags
Crossing the border back into England.

 

Berwick-upon-Tweed

Coastal Road Trip, Berwick upon Tweed, Bridge, Royal Border Bridge, Railway
The Royal Border Bridge spanning the River Tweed.  The railway viaduct was opened by Queen Victoria in 1850.
Coastal Road Trip, Berwick upon Tweed, Parking Disc, Northumberland
I remember these parking discs as a kid, and didn’t realise they were still in use.
Coastal Road Trip, Berwick upon Tweed, Berwick Lighthouse
The simple but neat lighthouse at the end of the Berwick-upon-Tweed breakwater.

 

Lindisfarne

Coastal Road Trip, Lindisfarne, The Holy Island, Causeway, Danger Sign, Julian, Jarno
Crossing over the causeway to Lindisfarne (AKA The Holy Island).
Coastal Road Trip, Lindisfarne, The Holy Island, Causeway, Warning, Tide Tables
We better be quick, in fifteen minutes the tide is coming in, and we won’t be able to get back to the mainland until the evening.
Coastal Road Trip, Lindisfarne, The Holy Island, Causeway, Road, Hut, Sea
In case you get stranded as the tide returns, there’s a handy refuge hut to escape the rising tides.  Your car might get a bit wet though.

 

Tour of Britain Cycle Race (coming into Bamburgh)

Coastal Road Trip, Tour of Britain Cycle Race, Bamburgh, Sign, Delays Expected
As we drove along the country lanes towards Bamburgh we suddenly found ourselves on the Tour of Britain Cyle Race route.  A complete surprise.  Perfect timing.
Coastal Road Trip, Tour of Britain Cycle Race, Bamburgh, Police, Race marshals
So we parked up on the verge, a few minutes later the police and race marshals arrived…
Coastal Road Trip, Tour of Britain Cycle Race, Bamburgh, Flying TV, Helicopter, Eye in the sky, Camera, TV Station
…quickly followed by the ‘Eye in the Sky”…
Coastal Road Trip, Tour of Britain Cycle Race, Bamburgh, Leaders
… then the race leaders came charging through….
Coastal Road Trip, Tour of Britain Cycle Race, Bamburgh, Main group
…followed by the main group.  Ten minutes later we were back on the road again after this nice little interlude.

 

Bamburgh Castle

Coastal Road Trip, Bamburgh Castle
Stunning views over the freshly plowed fields to the huge Bamburgh Castle.
Coastal Road Trip, Bamburgh Castle
And even more impressive close up.

 

The Farne Islands

Coastal Road Trip, The Farne Islands, Inner Farne Lighthouse, National Trust
Just passed Bamburgh Castle, the view over to The Farne Islands and Inner Farne Lighthouse.  The islands are famous for their seals and wide variety of seabirds.

 

Beadnell Beach

Coastal Road Trip, Beadnell Beach, Kite Surfing
Kite Surfing on Beadnell Beach.

 

Embleton & Newton Links

Coastal Road Trip, Embleton & Newton Links, National Trust, Beach, Sand Writing, Dunstanburgh Castle, Jarno
Jarno doing some more beach graffiti at the National Trust managed Embleton & Newton Links.  In the distance you can also spot Dunstanburgh Castle.
Coastal Road Trip, Embleton & Newton Links, National Trust, Beach, Sand Writing
Washed away…

 

Craster

Coastal Road Trip, Craster Harbour, Flower, Purple
A little bit of colour as rain clouds rolled in over Craster Harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, Craster, Dunstanburgh Castle, Sheep, Field
Dunstanburgh Castle that we had seen earlier from Embleton & Newton Links.  Now viewed from the south, walking across the fields from Craster.  A bit hazy due to the rain…

 

Alnwick Castle

Coastal Road Trip, Alnwick Castle, English Heritage, Jarno
The seat of the Duke of Northumberland, at our final castle of the day, Alnwick Castle, just outside the picturesque market town of Alnwick.

 

Amble Beach

Coastal Road Trip, Amble Beach, Coquet Island Lighthouse
The tiny Coquet Island and its lighthouse viewed from Amble Beach.

 

Low Hauxley

Coastal Road Trip, Low Hauxley, Beach, Black Rocks
Low Hauxley Beach.  Just a bit further along the beach a two-hundred meter long ancient forest has been uncovered by the sea cutting through the sand dunes.

 

Blyth

Coastal Road Trip, Blyth, Art, Wind Turbine, Industry
An interestingly arty and industrial coastline as the light faded passing through Blyth.

 

St Mary’s Lighthouse

Coastal Road Trip, St Mary's Lighthouse
St Mary’s Lighthouse across another causeway, at Whitley Bay.

 

Tynemouth

Coastal Road Trip, Tynemouth, Riley's Fish Shack, Night time
Ending the day with delicious fish tacos on the beach at Riley’s Fish Shack.  We then headed inland to Newcastle for the night.

 

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Day 29 – Glenrothes to Berwick upon Tweed

We started today by heading back east to the coast at Crail, as we’d run out of sunlight yesterday evening after leaving St Andrews.  From Crail we then looped back west along the coast, crossing the Firth of Forth before continuing along the coastline to Berwick upon Tweed.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, North Berwick, Telescope, Bass Rock
A telescope at North Berwick.

 

Crail

Coastal Road Trip, Crail, Harbour
A quiet Sunday morning on Crail seafront.

 

Pittenweem

Coastal Road Trip, Pittenweem, Harbour, Fishing Boats
Fishing boats gathered in Pittenweem Harbour.

 

Elie Ness

Coastal Road Trip, Elie Ness Lighthouse
A modern lighthouse on the headland at Elie Ness.

 

Lower Largo

Coastal Road Trip, Lower Largo, Alexander Selkirk Statue, Robinson Crusoe
A statue of Alexander Selkirk mounted on a house in Lower Largo, the inspiration behind Robinson Crusoe.
Coastal Road Trip, Lower Largo, Colourful Bollards
Colourful bollards on the Lower Largo seafront.

 

Dysart

Coastal Road Trip, Dysart Harbour, Kirkcaldy
Just outside Kirkcaldy, the quaint Dysart.
Coastal Road Trip, Dysart Harbour, Kirkcaldy, Sea Beams, Donald Urquhart, 9 vertical oak beams, blue, sea different light,
And an interesting coastal art installation by Donald Urquart just by the harbour.  The 9 huge vertical beams painted to represent the colour of the sea under different light.

 

Aberdour Castle

Coastal Road Trip, Aberdour Castle, Julian, Jarno
Yep, no idea either, but we seemed to be enjoying ourselves at Historic Scotland’s Aberdour Castle.
Coastal Road Trip, Aberdove Castle, Beehive shaped Doocot, Dovecote, Pigeon, Dove, House
We weren’t sure what this building was on the terraced gardens that lead down to the castle orchard.  Anyway, it turned out to be an unusual beehive shaped doocot.
Coastal Road Trip, Aberdove Castle, Beehive shaped Doocot, Dovecote, Pigeon, Dove, House, Inside
And inside the doocot, looking to the sky.

 

Firth of Forth Bridges

Coastal Road Trip, Firth of Forth, Crossing, Forth Road Bridge
Crossing over the Forth Road Bridge.  It was really busy, with lots of police and tourists around, then we realised it was the opening week of the new Queensferry Crossing bridge.
Coastal Road Trip, Firth of Forth, Forth Road Bridge, Queensferry Crossing bridge
From South Queensferry, looking back to the Forth Road Bridge, and the new Queensferry Crossing behind.
Coastal Road Trip, Firth of Forth, Queensferry Crossing bridge, Pedestrians
The Queen would be visiting to officially open the new bridge tomorrow.  In the meantime the bridge was open for pedestrians to cross.
Coastal Road Trip, Firth of Forth, Forth Rail Bridge
And the equally impressive Forth Rail Bridge sitting opposite the other two bridges.    OK, enough bridges for the day…

 

Royal Yacht Britannia

Coastal Road Trip, Royal Yacht Britannia
As we skirted around the north of Edinburgh we decided to make a stop at the Royal Yacht Britannia, one of the highlights of our day.
Coastal Road Trip, Royal Yacht Britannia, Dining Room
In service from 1954 to 1997, and now kept as a museum piece.  A fascinating insight into the royal life on the seas.
Coastal Road Trip, Royal Yacht Britannia, Rolls Royce
The Royal Roller kept on board for visits to local Kings and Queens.
Coastal Road Trip, Royal Yacht Britannia, Verge Inn, Royal pub, Corgi, Julian, Jarno, Beer
Having a royal beer in the royal pub with the royal corgi.  Love the bar name 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Royal Yacht Britannia, Games, Operation, Monopoly, Cluedo, Scrabble,
So The Queen likes a game of Operation!   Good for her.
Coastal Road Trip, Royal Yacht Britannia, Washing Machines, Corgi, Launderette
Royal washing machines in the royal launderette.

 

North Berwick

Coastal Road Trip, North Berwick, Law
North Berwick in the shadow of the Law hill.   A lovely little town and harbour.
Coastal Road Trip, North Berwick, Coloured doors, Storage, Harbour
Colourful doors in the harbour boatyard.
Coastal Road Trip, North Berwick, Telescope, Bass Rock
A handy telescope to view Bass Rock, 3 miles out to sea in the outer part of the Firth of Forth.

 

Bass Rock

Coastal Road Trip, Bass Rock, Lighthouse
White from bird life.  Thousands of gannets visit the island every year, and as many as 150,000 in high season!   Poor lighthouse, bet that needs repainting quite a bit!
Coastal Road Trip, Bass Rock, Lighthouse
We tried to zoom in, this is about as close as we could get.  You can just about make out the thousands of gannets hogging every bit of the island and circling in the sky.

 

Tantallon Castle

Coastal Road Trip, Tantallon Castle, Field
The red sandstone Tantallon Castle, as we drove east out of North Berwick.

 

Torness

Coastal Road Trip, Torness Nuclear Power Station
Another regular along our trip, every few days passing a coastal power station.  This time Torness Nuclear Power  Station, peeping over the blurred fields as we drove past along the A1 to the Scottish border and Berwick upon Tweed.

 

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Day 28 – Aberdeen to Glenrothes

Wow, another beautiful day in Scotland.  We will spend the morning in Aberdeen, before following the coastline down to Dundee, then across to St Andrews, before cutting slightly inland for the evening at Glenrothes.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Montrose, Scurdie Ness, South Esk, Lighthouse
Scurdie Ness Lighthouse.

 

Aberdeen

Coastal Road Trip, Aberdeen, The Listener, Sculpture, Trumpet, History, Urban Myth
Exploring some street sculptures in Aberdeen centre, here the trumpet like ‘The Listener’.
Coastal Road Trip, Aberdeen, William Wallace, Statue, Aberdeen St. Mark's Church of Scotland
The Scottish knight Sir William Wallace, with the dome of St. Mark’s Church in the background.
Coastal Road Trip, Aberdeen, St. Mary's Cathedral
St. Mary’s Cathedral, a service was in progress, so we didn’t go in.
Coastal Road Trip, Aberdeen, River Dee, City Scape, Torry Point Battery, Jarno
Jarno viewing his empire.  OK, just checking out the view over Aberdeen and the River Dee from Torry Point Battery.
Coastal Road Trip, Aberdeen, River Dee, Torry Point Battery, South Breakwater, Ship
A ship leaving the bustling Aberdeen Harbour past the South Breakwater.
Coastal Road Trip, Coast Road, Doonies Farm, Cove, Road, Train Track, Path, Bridge
And the same ship in the distance as we drove south along the coast road out towards Cove.  A road, railway line and footpath all following the same coastal route out of Aberdeen.

 

Dunnottar Castle

Coastal Road Trip, Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven
The remains of the medieval Dunnottar Castle perched on near vertical cliffs over the North Sea.  It was super busy this Saturday lunchtime.  As we had a long way to travel still, we didn’t stay long, continuing on towards Stonehaven.

 

Catterline Bay
Coastal Road Trip, Catterline Bay, Todd Head Lighthouse
The almost perfect arc of Catterline Bay, with Todd Head Lighthouse peeking over the headland in the far distance.

 

Scurdie Ness

Coastal Road Trip, Montrose, Scurdie Ness, South Esk, The Beacons
Just past Montrose we parked up at Ferryden, then walked along the South Esk River to the old nautical navigation beacons.
Coastal Road Trip, Montrose, Scurdie Ness, South Esk, Lighthouse
Then around the corner we arrived at Scurdie Ness Lighthouse.
Coastal Road Trip, Montrose, Scurdie Ness, South Esk, Dolphins
As we walked along we were followed by a pod of dolphins playing in the South Esk.
Coastal Road Trip, Montrose, Scurdie Ness, South Esk, Dolphins
They seemed to be having great fun.

 

Arbroath

Coastal Road Trip, Arbroath Abbey, Julian, Jarno
Checking out the remains of Arbroath Abbey.  We’ve really had our fair share of castle, cathedral and abbey remains along this trip 😉
Coastal Road Trip, Arbroath Signal Tower Museum
Arbroath Signal Tower Museum on the sea front.

 

Dundee

Coastal Road Trip, Dundee, The McManus Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum
The McManus, Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum.
Coastal Road Trip, Dundee, Desperate Dan Statue, Jarno
A cartoonish character in a funny hat, and Desperate Dan.

 

St Andrews

Coastal Road Trip, St Andrews, Castle
The evening light on St Andrews’ Castle (yes, another ruin).
Coastal Road Trip, St Andrews, Castle, Entrance, Bridge
As it was late in the day, the castle was now closed, so we wandered around the outside of the castle and the charming St Andrew’s lanes.
Coastal Road Trip, St Andrews, Cobbled Street
All was quiet, now that most of the tourists had left for the day.
Coastal Road Trip, St Andrews, Cobbled Street, Cottage
A typical stone cottage on the way back to our car.  Next stop Glenrothes for the night.

 

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Day 27 – Elgin to Aberdeen

The weather was superb for day twenty-seven of our trip, what a difference a bit of blue sky and sunshine makes (especially for the pictures).   We made full use of our Historic Scotland membership today too, saving quite some cash on the three of their properties we visited.

 

Photo of the day

Coastal Road Trip, Silverford, Fields, Corn fields, Golden, Sea
Rolling fields of golden wheat in the late afternoon Scottish sunlight.

 

Elgin Cathedral

Coastal Road Trip, Elgin Cathedral, Historic Scotland
Our first Historic Scotland visit of the day at the 12th century Elgin Cathedral.  Some great exhibitions in the towers, quite a labyrinth of passageways up steep stone stairs.

 

Spynie Palace

Coastal Road Trip, Spynie Palace, Historic Scotland
Looking down on part of the remains from the lookout at the top of Spynie Palace.

 

Lossiemouth

Coastal Road Trip, Lossiemouth, Covesea Skerries Lighthouse
Yay, more lighthouses today, starting at Covesea Skerries Lighthouse, just west of Lossiemouth.

 

Fochabers

Coastal Road Trip, Fochabers, Baxters, Soup, Factory
Good timing, we were just getting hungry when we spotted Baxters visitors centre on the map!
Coastal Road Trip, Fochabers, Baxters, Shop, Julian
Playing shopkeeper.
Coastal Road Trip, Fochabers, Baxters, Soup, Sandwich, Lunch
A mug of Baxters soup for lunch, despite it being a lovely day (not really soup weather really), we had to try the local delicacy.

 

Findochty

Coastal Road Trip, Findochty, Harbour, Statue, Correna Cowie, The Mannie, These see the works of the lord and his wonders in the deep, psalm 107
The Mannie statue of a fisherman by Correna Cowie….
Coastal Road Trip, Findochty, Harbour, Statue, Correna Cowie, The Mannie, Sunstar, These see the works of the lord and his wonders in the deep, psalm 107
… keeping careful watch over Findochty Harbour.

 

Portknockie

Coastal Road Trip Portknockie, West view
Views west over the rugged coastline from Portknockie.
Coastal Road Trip Portknockie, Bow Fiddle Rock, Canoe
Canoeists dwarfed by Bow Fiddle Rock, which looked more like an elephants head if you ask us.

 

Cullen

Coastal Road Trip, Cullen, Bay, Beach, Seagulls
Hundreds of seagulls picking between the pebbles on Cullen Beach.

 

Portsoy

Coastal Road Trip, Portsoy, Harbour, Lifesaver
The quiet harbour at Portsoy, apparently often used for filming and commercials.
Coastal Road Trip, Portsoy, Harbour, Jumping Dolphin, Statue, Sculpture, Carn Standing
A jumping dolphin sculpture by the artist Carn Standing in the harbour.

 

Duff House

Coastal Road Trip, Banff, Duff House, Historic Scotland, Julian, Jarno
The impressive Duff House at Banff.  Again we seemed to pick a good time to visit.  We were the only visitors this afternoon,  so we had the helpful Historic Scotland guides all to ourselves.
Coastal Road Trip, Banff, Duff House, Historic Scotland, Chandelier
Just a little taste of the restored interiors.  Actually there was a fab Picasso on display (Les Soles, 1940), but sadly no pictures allowed (other than personal use), so Google it 😉

 

Silverford

Coastal Road Trip, Silverford, Fields, Corn fields, Golden, Sea
The views over the golden fields near Silverford (along the B9031), breathtaking in the late afternoon sunlight.
Coastal Road Trip, Silverford, Fields, Corn fields, Golden, Sea
So we ended up taking just a ‘few’ pictures, here are a selection…
Coastal Road Trip, Silverford, Fields, Hey Bales, Golden, Birds
The locales enjoying the fresh hay bales.
Coastal Road Trip, Silverford, Fields, Corn Fields, Golden, Wind Turbine
And a solitary wind turbine, nature and technology in harmony.

 

Crovie

Coastal Road Trip, Crovie, Viewpoint, Fishing village
The tiny fishing village of Crovie clinging to the waters edge.  No space for cars, just a small access path along the front.

 

Pennan

Coastal Road Trip, Pennan, Fishing village, Panoramic
Then just a little further along at Pennan, we could make it down the tiny coastal lane into the village, just.
Coastal Road Trip, Pennan, Fishing village, Table, Chairs
No back gardens, so everything happens on the seafront….
Coastal Road Trip, Pennan, Washing Line
..including hanging out the washing.
Coastal Road Trip, Pennan, Red, Phone Box, Local Hero, Ferness, Film, Julian
The phone box made famous by the film ‘Local Hero’ (staring Burt Lancaster), actually we haven’t seen the film.. but will do now.

 

Mounthooly Doocot
Coastal Road Trip, Mounthooly Doocot
Another dove house, we seem to be making a habit of this.

 

Fraserburgh

Coastal Road Trip, Fraserburgh, Museum of Scottish Lighthouses,
Two lighthouses at Fraserburgh’s Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, one old and one new.
Coastal Road Trip, Fraserburgh, Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Buoy Park, Red Buoy
And a collection of disused brightly painted Buoys.

 

Rattray Head

Coastal Road Trip, Rattray Head, Lighthouse
Our final stop of the day, as we tried to get closer to Rattray Head to view the lighthouse.  However, the track became increasingly narrow and bumpy and we weren’t sure if we were now on someone’s private drive.  So we took some photos, somehow managed a U turn in the tightest of spaces, then continued our drive down to Aberdeen.

 

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