The first decision we had to make was which side of the Heughs we would walk, but as this track was opposite the entrance to the car park, this was the route we took.

The footpath we were on would take us to the left of the Heughs and away from the site of the old quarries.

This area is known as the Heughs and was a very pleasant location for our lunch.

Leaving the Heughs behind we headed uphill to Dunstan Square Farm.

At the farm we turn right along the clear track that will take us to Dunstan Steads.

As we walked along the path the top of Dunstanburgh Castle came into view.

My research has suggested that we would see some unusual structures as we did the walk and one was just about to come into view.

The World War Two pillbox was made by filling sandbags with concrete and even though the sandbags have long since rotted away you can still clearly see how the pillbox was constructed.

Having passed the pillbox Dunstan Steads came into view. A few weeks later we would recognise it and the huts overlooking Embleton Bay in an old episode of Vera.

Looking across Embleton Bay to Low Newton and the old Coastguard Lookout station.

As we approached Dunstan Steads we had a much clearer view of Dunstanburgh Castle.

Having walked through Dunstan Steads we crossed the golf course to the beach, which despite the lovely weather was very quiet.

From the beach we had a clear view across to the castle.

We could also look across Embleton Bay to the stretch of the beach we walked along last year.

We couldn't stay on the beach for long as we were directed back onto the path next to the golf course due to nesting birds. The track we were now on was another section of St Oswald's Way.

Approaching Dunstanburgh Castle.

We debated doing as someone just before us had done and
climbing up the steep hill to go below Lilburn Tower but opted
for the easier path below the castle.

We arrived too late to go into the castle, not that we had planned on doing so.

From the front of the castle we have a view across the bay to Craster.

As we walked towards Craster every time we looked back we found the view of the castle had improved again.

We found a spot below the castle where we could sit and admire both the castle and the view out to sea.

As we get closer to Craster I can't but help wonder why there is so much smoke on such a lovely evening.

As we walk around the harbour people are making the most of the warm evening. Now if we could just find a pub that is open we could make the most of the last of the sunshine as well.

We found a pub opposite the traditional smoke house, which was the source of all the smoke we could see as we walked towards Craster.

 

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