Bamburgh

The plan was to spend the day taking in some of Northumberland's highlights and then head off late afternoon. Started by heading up to Bamburgh, the most northerly point and then work our way down and at the same time make our way closer to home. Didn't quite work out like that. Made it to Bamburgh, as planned though the car parking should've raised alarm bells. The main car park being full was put down to the bizarre decision made to devote half of it to camper vans. No worries - managed to find a verge within walking distance. Compared fish & chips prices on the way down and it would seem £14 is the going rate. Lots of other quirky shops - the one that caught attention was the butcher, baker & sausage roll maker - an eclectic shop window of pasties, pies, cakes married with a whole counter of meat products. Very random. Wandered down to the beach and braved a paddle - this is the North Sea that was expected - icy cold. Pondered having a look round the castle but a combination of entrance fee and imminent lunch dissuaded. Didn't want to be a captive audience and hungry. Decided to push on to Craster for some crab sarnies but just in case picked up some cake and pasties. On getting back to the car, inspected it as there was a dodgy noise when coming into Bamburgh. Front tyres looked a bit soft so headed to Craster, hoping to find a petrol station. There was one in Seahouses along with an infinite number of chippies. The air pump was out of order. Have to wait till Alnwick. While Bamburgh was busy, that was put down to a combination of beach and castle. Surely Craster wouldn't be as bad. We'd never really experienced busy Northumberland. Got to the Quarry car park to discover queuing cars - not having this. Headed back to Alnwick for air and made a sharp exit.Read more