Mam Tor, Barker Bank & Back Tor (Peak District)

Took a drive out to the peak district. Parked up near Castletown and climbed Mam Tor before continuing along the ridge of Barker Bank towards Back Tor.

I battled through strong winds (nearly got blown over twice), rain and then an ice hail shower (fortunately I was able to shelter under a tree at this point). Oh, and sometimes the sun came out too. Despite the weather (or maybe because of the weather) I enjoyed every minute of the walk.

Bamburgh Castle & Beach

For my last day in Northumberland, I gave the driving a rest and park up overlooking the beach next to Bamburgh Castle. I spent time staring out to sea towards the Farne Islands watching the north sea waves crashing on to the beach. I also took a look around the castle and a walk along the beach.

The lense of my new camera does not produce very sharp pictures in these circumstances but here are some of the pics anyhow...

Craster

Wed 19th

A tiny harbour is the focal point of Caster, a village famous for its smoked kippers (although the Herrings are no longer fished from here but are brought here for smoking from West Scotland).

Dunstanburgh Castle

The oldest parts of this castle date from 1313.

It has a dramatic position on a low headland with large north sea waves crashing onto the rocks.

Embleton Bay

A vast sandy bay backed by rolling sand dunes shows how much of the Northumberland coast looks. My cheap camera (to replace the one I dropped a few days ago) can not show just how huge and dramatic some parts of this coastline is.

I parked at Dunstan steads to take the mile long coast walk to Dunstanburgh Castle.

Beadnell

Wed 19th

A small village with a small harbour next to a vast sandy beach surrounded by sand dunes.

There are old lime kilns next to the harbour wall.

Seahouses

Wed 19th

Just a short drive south from Bamburgh is the town of Seahouses. There is a small harbour hear with several boats offering trips to the Farne islands. I had intended to take a trip out myself, however the strong winds spoilt that plan.

Bamburgh

Took a  short walk around Bamburgh. Started with views looking north over Budle Bay towards Holy Island and followed the coast path around towards and past Bamburgh Castle.

The castle is on an outcrop of rock 150ft above the vast sandy bay and is surrounded by rolling sand dunes.

Holy Island

Holy island is cut off by the tide for about 5 hours in every 12. You can drive onto the island when the tide is low by using the causeway road across the vast sand bay.

The island is home to a small community and even has its own fire engine - but no fireman.

The island is most famous for Lindisfarne castle and Lindisfarne priory.

Sandsend

Whitby