Not the ride we'd planned...

...but we enjoyed it anyway...

Biked down to the fishquay and along to the South Shields ferry this morning, intending to head to Souter lighthouse. Big mistake - it wasn't running today, as they were doing essential maintenance work on both ferries, which over-ran ;(  
We had checked online, btw...

Quick change of plan - back past the fishquay and up Tanner's Bank to join the cycle way, and a ride of many refreshments ;)

Coffee and a scone in Cullercoats, then onwards to Whitley Bay via an awkward route round roadworks for the cycle way. Joined the prom to the Spanish City, then new bits of the cycle way as far as St Mary's lighthouse.

Crossed the causeway there, and had our picnic before ascending the many stairs to the top - see extras. Lots of seals basking on the rocks too ;)

Decided to carry on the couple of miles to Seaton Sluice before turning for home - then we spotted a coffee van selling a Darkwoods blend. Couldn't resist...

Returned via a detour through Cullercoats, and as we had plenty of time we nipped up to Whiptail to see if they had a new saddle for my bike - but they were closed too, and for the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend... Harrumph! 

Another lovely blue-sky day at the coast, which we've made the most of, despite the embuggerance factors ;)