Day 1/4 Northumberland Coastal Path 103km - Berwick-upon-Tweed to Belford - 29 May 2009

The Northumberland Coastal Path, part of the North Sea Trail, is a 103km walking route between Cresswell and Berwick-upon-Tweed. The route which passes through seven golf courses follows the coast in most places with an inland detour between Belford and Holy Island. It is generally level with very few steep climbs.

This walk was a last minute decision (occurred to me only 2 days before). It was designed to be a 6-day walk, but I had compressed it to just 4 days because I was still in the midst of my examinations (3 down, 1 last one to go). I had planned to do the coastal walk in the opposite direction from what most people had done, since I had done part of it in the usual direction during last year's Easter. Therefore I would be starting from North to South this time round.

Reasons for embarking on this long-distance walk:
- To force myself to STUDY without internet distraction
- Very good weather forecast for the whole week
- Train up my stamina to prepare for future longer distance walk (Pennine Way: 3 weeks walk <--Upcoming on 28th July 09)

My backpack was considered heavy - carried a tent and sleeping bag in addition to the usual barang barang. Although load was heavier, the walk presented little difficulties, considering the fact that the coastal path was almost flat and the route was well waymarked.

Caught the 0625 train to the historic Berwick, and I was reminded of the SingSoc's trip I've planned a year ago. It was a hot sunny day - 28 degrees celsius!














The route towards Fenwick consisted of a beach walk, passed a golf course and then a campsite. It also passed near the causeway to Holy Island before turning inland. The path to Belford cut through woods and field paths where I managed to get some shades, thankfully.



































The first day's walk covered about 30km of distance and I had taken almost 9 hours. Time was wasted at the last section where I got lost at some plantation farm. Was 'trapped' by the fences and plantation all around and couldn't find a way out. Eventually I had to detour back to the farm and go by the obvious way - the road. Apart from this amusing experience, all went well. I had met some friendly walkers along the way and started short chats.

Arrived at Belford in the evening. A quiet village that sits below the Kyloe Hills on the fringe of the fertile Northumberland coastal plain. I checked in at FarmHouse Guest house B&B. Had only called in to book yesterday as there was no vacancies in the campsite. Super expensive, but I had to say that I was very impressed with the house - Superb facilities, very clean. Had a weird combination of food for dinner: Carling and yohurt. LOL...








Some lessons to learn:
- 1 bottle of half a litre is INSUFFICIENT for a hot day's walk. I had forgotten about the difference in climate, hence did not think that I would need more water this time round.
- Get SUNBLOCK! (I had become very tanned after 1 day!)