Northumbrian Coastal Day Walk - Warkworth to Craster - 26 Apr 2008

This walk is meant to 'complete' the missing bit of the previous 6-day walk a month ago. It is the beginning section of Day 2 route, which also marks the starting part of the coastal walk up North. The walk will commence from Warkworth till Craster, via Alnmouth. It follows the undulating coastal path along grassy tracks and across low grassy cliffs.

That morning, I took the 0745 bus from Newcastle Haymarket, direct to Warkworth. Was 4.40pounds single...kind of shocked but later understood that Warkworth was not that near either. A warm day, mid spring climate, ideal for walking. Flowers had bloomed: Beautiful, Colourful! However, it was a groomy cloudy day. No sun, fortunately no showers. From Warkworth, I headed towards the coast, overlooking the North Sea. Sand dunes once again welcomed me. Coastal walk was enjoyable, as usual. The waves washed away the sorrows within me and took them far away, beyond the horizon.
















Alnmouth is a small town situated on a peninsula of land at the mouth of River Aln surrounded on 3 sides by water. The river cuts a wide channel to the west and south of the town, providing safe mooring for small boats. This river channel separates the town from Church Hill - a small grassy hill with a large wooden cross, immediately to the south of Alnmouth. I climbed to the top of Church Hill and was rewarded by the best view across the estuary towards the red roof tiles of the town clustered on the peninsula. Had my lunch there, before making my way down and continuing my journey.





Before evening, I was greeted by the familiar town - Craster, where I kicked off my coastal walk a month ago. I felt it looked rather dead. I then found my way to the campsite, where I actually planned to camp overnight before making my way back to Newcastle by bus the following morning. However, there was no feeling for camping, after I found a bus that could take me back to Newcastle that evening. Hence, dined at Cottage Inn while waiting for the bus to arrive. The 2-hour ride back home passed in a flash after I fell deep into sleep till I reached Newcastle. I was very exhausted due to the lack of sleep for the past 2 nights. But really.. I was very glad to be home that night. I still like my bed. :)