9th April
On 9th April, we walked past the old lifeboat station down in the bay, and continued uphill on the coast path. It was windy, raining and muddy underfoot. June was excited to see a dark fin shape in the water which she soon realised was a dolphin – then several dolphins. We also saw Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Gulls; we passed gorse, scurvy grass, coltsfoot, celandines, daffodils, primroses and campion. Near the end of the walk we climbed steps to reach the top and the Headlands Café. Luckily, we could sit inside as the weather was turning wet again.
The group split up for the return journey. Some walked along the road back to Flamborough, while the others viewed the seals in the bay before walking back on the cliff path. The cliff top walk was approximately three miles, the road walk was 3.8 miles.
On the roadside path saw the New Lighthouse, the famous Chalk Tower Old Lighthouse, and the old Lookout Station, which is currently being renovated and made into accommodation. The Chalk Tower at Flamborough Head was built in 1674 as a lighthouse. It was constructed of brilliant white chalk and was a visible beacon from afar, both at sea and on land. Since 1952 the tower has been listed Grade II* as a beacon tower, and in 1996 received a major restoration.
That evening we enjoyed a meal at the North Star pub. The sweet trolley was a welcome sight!
10th April
The next day, we took a 3.5mile walk in fine weather along the cliff top and coastal paths from the hotel to the viewing platforms and the Nature Reserve at Bempton Cliffs. Gannets, Fulmars and Guillemots were plentiful.
We stopped for a cup of tea at the RSPB visitors’ centre, before heading home (in rain!)