A week on the Northumberland Coast

I spent last week staying at Beadnell on the Northumberland coast. Most of this coastline is designated as an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' and is littered with nature reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Among the areas I visited was 'The Farne Islands' where the summer bird nesting season is just starting.

I also visited the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and managed to see some of the hundreds of seals that haul out along the extensive sandy beaches. Lindisfarne is an important historical site with its ancient priory and defensive castle.

Just along the coast close to the scottish border lies the town of Berwick upon Tweed. I met up with Ollie Jay who runs his own canoe and kayak guiding and coaching business called Active4seasons nearby. Paddling with the flood tide up the River Tweed I learned a great deal about the local history, battles past and present, won and lost. There are plenty of small museums in the town and even one that is dedicated to local fishing history on the scottish side of the river at Paxton House.

I shared my accommodation with Richard and Ron who are two other sea kayakers with excellent local knowledge. We stayed in a good quality basic en-suite room at Farne Diving Sevices 200 metres from the sea in Beadnell Village.

The Northumbrian coast has so much to offer I'll have to return to take more of it in, and not just the coastline. Food and drink here is excellent! Kippers from Craster, Mead from Lindisfarne, and Alnwick Rum along with 'fish and chips and fine local ales all played their part in a week of adventure along the Northumbrian Coast.

There more photos to view here