Amble to Lynemouth

 

The section between Newcastle and Berwick-on-Tweed is said to be the most popular part of the Coast and Castles Cycle route that connects Newcastle, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. If that is true, it's for good reason. The 60 miles from Amble to Berwick delivers what it says on the tin. It's full of unspoilt coastline, small fishing ports, the tidal island of Lindisfarne and a choice of castles. The 15 miles between Newcastle and Whitley Bay includes a couple more castles and another five miles of coast. Not as unspoilt as the section further north, but full of interest.

But what about the 30 miles (or so) between Whitley Bay and Amble? That's roughly a third of the distance. It's not as picturesque as the other sections, and it's certainly not unspoilt. But I think it's under-appreciated. It has a complex history. It's full of interest, and I'm now equipped to explore it in some detail. There's no shortage of potential destinations.

Today's ride covers part. At 25 miles it was my longest ride, so far, on the new bike. That was pretty much the point of it. But along the way I enjoyed passing a deer in the woods at Druridge Bay Country park and watching it watching me as I rode past. I found the footpath to Low Chibburn that I missed on a previous attempt. I enjoyed my break at the Drift Cafe in Cresswell. And the late afternoon sun was lovely.