We are staying in a guest-house in Bridlington and in the hunt for dinner last night we walked past this little chap. I am yet to see a puffin, or maybe I did see ONE in the Faroe Islands but I can’t be sure – still there’s plenty of time left.

it’s a grey morning but no rain and in order to make this a decent walk, we’ve decided to drive to Fraisthorpe Sands, which is three miles south of Bridlington and then walk north to North Landing. The surprisingly large carpark at Fraisthorpe Sands is practically empty but we have started early.

The beach is littered with the usual concrete debris – coastal defences from the 2nd World War but we soon leave them behind.

….and it doesn’t take long before we reach the seafront at Bridlington.

Behind the sea wall stands the Bridlington Spa which has never actually been a spa. Built in 1896 as a theatre and pavilion, it has been through several refurbishments, and now functions as a music venue, theatre, art gallery and meeting space. It was here that Oasis played their last indoor concert in the large Art Deco ballroom. Another claim to fame for the town is the shellfish industry – it is apparently the largest lobster port in Europe.

We pass a father and son indulging in the age old activity of sandcastle construction. It strikes me that Dad is a bit more enthusiastic than his son.

Moving up away from the beach we walk past some very neat municipal gardens to drop down onto the Promenade which is vey busy. The sun has now come out and we’ve a brilliant blue sky above us.

At one point I stop to read a plaque with information about the dawn of surfing in the UK. I’m not sure I believe it but it’s a good story.

Soon the crowds disperse and we have now come far enough to be able to see the chalky white cliffs of Flamborough Head in the distance.

The path now takes us up onto the top of the cliffs and past a cricket pitch – a ring of empty benches wait expectantly for the next match. I have no interest or understanding of cricket and as such I regularly choose the recitation of its rules on my Calm app to help me fall asleep.

There is now a proper path along the top of the cliffs with views over the beach. We come across several of these structures which on closer inspection turn out to be the equivalent of a tripod but for smartphones: There is a slot in the metal ring at the top in which you can stand your phone – it is a little awkward so I don’t bother.

The path now enters a patch of woodland which forms part of the Danes Dyke Nature Reserve. We walk down some steep steps to the beach at the bottom of the ravine – there is road access not far away so there are quite a few people on the beach.

I am sure I read that there was a cafe here but we see no sign of it………….

Up we go again – the white chalk of the cliffs dazzles in the bright sunshine and even though the headland looks close we still have another three miles to go.

Down again to another small beach at the base of a ravine…..

With its own lifeboat station – I make an attempt to borrow their toilet but no way……..bit miserable methinks.

From here it looks like we’ve stumbled upon a sculpture trail………….

It is a straight run now for two miles before we can see the Flamborough Head lighthouse in the distance. To our left is a massive field of broad beans – I’m not sure I’ve ever seen them growing before. I have noticed that broad beans are very much on the agenda at the moment. Packed with vitamins and minerals, they are an important source of plant based protein and contain a chemical compound that is used to treat Parkinsons. In healthy adults this chemical can also lift mood and boost positive emotions. Unfortunately they are difficult to find fresh in Denmark, otherwise I would be eating more of them.

But read all about it………………………

https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/jul/28/broad-beans-could-be-the-cure-to-britains-blues-says-cambridge-research-scientist

And here is the lighthouse…………….

Built in 1806 it is fully operational and apart from marking the headland, it also acts as a waypoint for ships heading for Scarborough and Bridlington.

There are shops and a cafe but we press on for the last mile and a half.

The sheer chalky cliffs here are spectacular – we walk past caves and sea stacks with their resident seabird colonies.

And before long we are back to overlooking the beach at North Landing and a very welcome pint in the cafe. This has been a lovely walk.

Distance: 11 miles