This is an area that has probably seen more than 2000 years of comings and goings
by sea and land. The rocky whinsill outcrop was once the site of an iron age fort,
and no doubt used long before that by local tribes. It then became the capital of
Northumbria with King Oswald, who brought Aidan from Iona. Later Cuthbert
arrived. Much more recently we saw buildings from the last war used for lookout and
defence – mirroring the purpose of the Castle.
Our comings and goings took the 14 of us from the Lighthouse above Stag Rock
northwards to Budle Bay by way of the Golf Course and dunes, and back along the
beach. The views across to the Farnes and Holy Island were wonderfully clear, and
the coast was at its best with the colours of sea and sand, clumps of primroses along
the dunes, and always something to look at, even a wonderful rainbow at the end of
a short sharp hail storm.
Both the dogs and the 5 younger walkers took infinitely more exercise than the rest
of us, but we all felt we had been well aired and exercised by the time we returned to
the cars.
We returned to Seahouses for another excellent fish meal at Lewis’ Fish Restaurant
– delicious fresh fish beautifully cooked. Another wonderful walk and meal.