It was 10:30am as we got dropped off in Alnmouth. We climbed up on to the high path running above the golf course. This gave us a good view back down across the village and along the beach where we had walked the previous day.
At Foxton Hall we dropped down on to the beach, and walked along the sand as far as Seaton Point, where we rejoined the cliff top path. Here we lost the view of the sea for a short while as the path passed around a caravan park, sheltered by a large bank.
At Boulmer Haven there were several people windsurfing. The bay looked calm, but there was quite a breeze moving them along swiftly.
15.Fishing Boat Inn, Boulmer - 12:00pm
A very smart bar and restaurant overlooking the sea. We enjoyed a nice coffee in the lounge bar.
We left Boulmer on a good track, passing a series of interesting metal bird sculptures.
We returned once again to the shoreline at Howdiemont Sands. There was no longer an expanse of sand as we had seen with the coastline further south, here the small bays are interrupted by rocky outcrops jutting into the sea. The ruined outline of Dunstanburgh Castle could be seen at the end of the headland in the distance.
Beyond Howick the cliffs became more dark and rugged. The forces from volcanic action millions of years ago have left the rocks twisted into interesting layered formations.
The path became quite busy with people as we rounded Cullernose Point. We reached Craster shortly afterwards and met up with family for a picnic lunch on the harbour wall.
Craster is a pretty fishing village centered around the harbour. It has a great smoke house, and we couldn't resist sampling some of their smoked fish patés.
16.Jolly Fisherman, Craster - 2:45pm
A small cosy pub with a friendly welcome.
We joined the crowds on the approach to Dunstanburgh Castle. This was a popular stretch of path on a Bank Holiday Monday. The castle outline is very impressive, made more dramatic sillhouetted against the darkening sky.
This was the second of our castle visits on the route. Much of Dunstanburgh has decayed, though it is possible to climb the gatehouse tower for a good view all the way back to Boulmer and beyond.
The sky became darker, and we had a heavy shower just before leaving the castle. We sheltered under the entrance archway while it passed.
From Dunstanburgh we rejoined the path along the coast towards Embleton beach. The grassy banks had a mixture of wild flowers, intense purple Cranesbill and bright yellow Ragwort. This bee had obviously been caught out in the shower.
At Embleton bay the tide was out exposing a wide sweeping expanse of sand. It was so quiet here in comparison the crowds of people near Craster. We took off our boots and headed for the water for a very refreshing paddle.
The castle outline gradually became smaller but still provided a great backdrop and a very memorable view back along the beach. We reluctantly left the beach behind and headed for the golf club carpark where our transport was waiting to take us back to Beadnell.
The evening was spent visiting the two pubs in Beadnell .
17.Tower Hotel, Beadnell - 8:00pm
A smart hotel bar and separate restaurant. Excellent food we ate here twice during the week.
18.Craster Arms, Beadnell - 10:30pm
Nice comfortable bar
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