Spurn Point 16th October 2011 (8.5 Miles)
The drive to Kilnsea from Cleethorpes was around 60 miles taking us about 1hr 20 mins. (M180, Humber Bridge - toll now £3 each way, through Hull and past the ferry port, then country roads).
The day was fine with prospect of some sunshine, though cloudier than the previous day at Hubbards Hills.
We arrive at the village of Kilnsea early afternoon, and the car parks were already quite full as no doubt the good weather on a Sunday brought quite a few outdoors. Parking was found on a small car park adjacent to a caravan park and the shore line (along a short dead-end road). This we found to our amazement was Free!
Lunches packed and rucsack on we set off along the shore line heading for the narrower Spurn Point peninsula. No route could be simpler, just follow the roadway in the middle or the beach either side to the end and then come back. (About 4 miles + each way)
We initially followed the grassy bank , which quickly reduces to a narrow single track paved road which you can walk along or choose to take the beach. We tried the roadway for a while, but then found it to be quite busy with cars.
Yes you can drive down the road all the way to the Coastguard station near the end of the point (now you tell us!! -today though we were here to walk). If you do wish to go down in the car there is a fee of £3 entry payable at the entrance near the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust building.
We walked on the beach for a while, but found the sand and stones harder going than the path, so retreated back onto the path once again, dodging cars.
Initially it was a little hazy for views across the estuary, but the sun began to shine as the afternoon passed, and after several miles the views became clearer.
We alternated between walking on the roadway, and found some shorter sections to walk along grassy paths just away from the roadway. These areas were busier with "Twitchers" carrying their expensive spotter scopes and tripods , no doubt having parked at the various small car parks dotted all down the peninsula. The point is a National Nature Reserve and a haven for wildlife, birds in particular. Also please note that dogs are totally banned here and are not allowed in the reserve even if you intend to leave them a short while in the car.
As we approached the end of the peninsula we could see the landmark "black and white" lighthouse getting nearer. We stopped close to this to rest and eat lunch, noticing the guys out on the beach digging up bait (or "treasure?) in the sand.
A little further on we arrived at the old light house. Whilst it is a landmark, it ceased to be used as a navigational light in 1986 and is now more of a ruin but can still be seen for miles around.
After the lighthouse it was not far to the end of the point, and the jetty for the Humber pilots, ABP coastguard tower, several houses and lifeboat station. Here you can park if you are in a car, and go onto the beach, which is quite wide and sandy, and passes all around the end of the point. You can, as we did, go up onto an area of bracken/grass and navigate around various tracks to find your way right ot the end for higher views around (bit of a maze this one).
The views here of the ships sailing up and down the estuary are excellent as they are really nearby.
Some "arty" HDR shots below.....
After about 30 mins or so, we started the 4 mile walk back as time was now marching on.
The light was very good as the watery sun began its descent in the sky, and we took many pictures along the route back showing views back across to the other side of the estuary of Immingham, Grimsby and Cleethorpes.
Note: South Humber Power Station (The Flagship!)
Similar scene above with various HDR effects.
We arrived back at the car around 17:00, having taken almost 4 hours for the 8.5 miles, with plenty of photo stops. We woould recommend this walk, but perhaps it would be quieter during the week rather than the weekend, as the continuous need to move away to the side dodging cars did spoil it a little. Perhaps we will visit again but just take the car to the end, and spend longer watching ships ans walking on the beach around the end of the peninsula.
We still recommend the walk as there would be much to miss if we had not walked the whole route.
Our Walk Score: 7/10
"Rain Dance Maggy" and a strange rendition of "Fascist Groove Thing" (Heaven 17 - Sheffield band!) followed soon after. "Under the Bridge" and "Californication" were expected and we were not dissapointed as both were played perefectly, the band not letting up with their energy throughout.
