The perfect path

Well, who wouldn’t want to walk along here on a sunny morning. Wide grassy sward beside the sea, with waves crashing into the rocks. And the destination in sight all the time – the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle. Just what I like – a walk with a purpose. And this was the view Turner sketched and painted many times.

I love it and being able to just walk out of the door and be there – heaven. A fine forecast got us out early and we had the whole walk virtually to ourselves. We arrived at the castle and wandered the grounds; it’s a while since we were there. Loved watching the birds on the Whin Sill cliffs close by – Kittiwakes, Fulmar and Guillemots. Not yet nesting, but making a lot of fuss coming and going, pairing and claiming nesting spots – as Gordon said: ‘choosing the carpets’.
 
Then we set off back, just as many people were arriving. This is a very popular route and no wonder.
 
Dunstanburgh Castle is interesting, although it was never really lived in, nor did it provide protection for anyone, and it was only attacked a few times. Built in 1313 by the Earl of Lancaster, who had fallen out with the King, Edward II, but then he seemed to fall out with everyone, in the style of the Welsh Castles of the time with the round gatehouse towers (see extra). Owned at one time by John of Gaunt, it was involved in the Wars of the Roses, but was eventually abandoned and what remains today dates from the earliest time.
 
What a site it was built on! Fabulous sea views from the highest points.
   
Lots of visitors in Craster today – it might be a bit quieter tomorrow. But then the weather doesn’t look too good. Never mind – a good day today.