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
Views towards Saltburn and Hunt Cliff from Marske-by-the-Sea.
South Shields
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.An intriguing cluster of sculptures by Juan Munoz, called ‘Conversation Piece’ at Littlehaven Beach and Promenade.
Souter Lighthouse
Souter Lighthouse precariously close to the cliffs at Marsden Bay.Another National Trust property, so we made use of our membership.Despite the weather we had great views from the top of the lighthouse back towards Marsden Bay & South Shields.The helpful National Trust guide explained about the lighthouse and lens to us, and gave it a little spin.Inside the lens, a very weird feeling as it spun around.Totally agree with this message on the lighthouse keeper’s mantle piece.
Seaburn
More lighthouses at Seaburn, Roker Lighthouse on the left and The White Lighthouse on the right.The White Lighthouse at Roker beach looking very smart with its large weather vain on top.A bit of a renovation going on at Roker Lighthouse at the end of Roker Pier.
Sunderland
Trying to get a photo crossing the Wearmouth Bridge at Sunderland.
Seaham
Wow, the sun is finally peeping through the clouds today. Seaham Beach and Seaham Lighthouse at the end of the north breakwater.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.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
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.And the views back north along Durham Heritage Coast.
Hartlepool
Lots of birds keeping their beady eyes on us at the Heugh Light at Hartlepool Headland.The Heugh Gun Battery, the only open air WWI museum in the UK.A nice welcome message on the gun battery gates 🙂The masts of the H M S Trincomalee towering over some rather Dutch looking houses at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Redcar
Driving over the River Tees at Middlesbrough we arrived at Redcar surrounded by steel plants and coke ovens (sadly now closed).Despite the sorry state of the local industry there had been some effort to brighten up Redcar’s seafront with sculptures……penguins!?……and the pink Redcar Beacon, contrasting against the stormy sky.
Marske-by-the-Sea
As the stormy clouds passed over Marske-by-the-Sea it created really dramatic lighting over the view to Saltburn and Hunt Cliff.The view back to Redcar and the offshore wind turbines.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea
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
Brightly painted beach huts curving around the beach at Whitby, our first stop along the North Yorkshire Moors coast.The East and West Harbour Lighthouses marking the entrance to Whitby.Whitby Abbey across the 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
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!
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
The Tour of Britain Cycle Race arriving in Bamburgh.
St Abbs
Starting our day just north of the Scottish border at the quiet fishing village of St Abbs.Rocky views past St Abbs Harbour.
English & Scottish border
Crossing the border back into England.
Berwick-upon-Tweed
The Royal Border Bridge spanning the River Tweed. The railway viaduct was opened by Queen Victoria in 1850.I remember these parking discs as a kid, and didn’t realise they were still in use.The simple but neat lighthouse at the end of the Berwick-upon-Tweed breakwater.
Lindisfarne
Crossing over the causeway to Lindisfarne (AKA The Holy Island).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.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)
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.So we parked up on the verge, a few minutes later the police and race marshals arrived……quickly followed by the ‘Eye in the Sky”…… then the race leaders came charging through….…followed by the main group. Ten minutes later we were back on the road again after this nice little interlude.
Bamburgh Castle
Stunning views over the freshly plowed fields to the huge Bamburgh Castle.And even more impressive close up.
The Farne Islands
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
Kite Surfing on Beadnell Beach.
Embleton & Newton Links
Jarno doing some more beach graffiti at the National Trust managed Embleton & Newton Links. In the distance you can also spot Dunstanburgh Castle.Washed away…
Craster
A little bit of colour as rain clouds rolled in over Craster Harbour.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
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
The tiny Coquet Island and its lighthouse viewed from Amble Beach.
Low Hauxley
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
An interestingly arty and industrial coastline as the light faded passing through Blyth.
St Mary’s Lighthouse
St Mary’s Lighthouse across another causeway, at Whitley Bay.
Tynemouth
Ending the day with delicious fish tacos on the beach at Riley’s Fish Shack. We then headed inland to Newcastle for the night.
