Since we last tried to get down the cliffs at Aldbrough, I have been quite apprehensive about coming back here, so despite Damian’s quiet protests I have made an executive decision. For better or worse we are going to walk along the top of the cliffs and if we have to climb over drains or trespass on farmland, so be it.

The bus from Hornsea drops us off at the caravan site where the road falls into the sea. Concrete foundation pads have been broken up, leaving patches of mud which bear witness to the removal of caravans back from the edge. A digger waits for the next one.

We set off through the deserted caravan site towards a clearly marked path along the cliff edge – this is encouraging as it is not marked on the map.

Deep cracks in the soil do not inspire confidence – I always wonder when exactly the cliff falls happen – does one get a warning? A low rumble maybe? Or am i thinking of an earthquake?

At one point we stop to chat to a local dog walker who assures us that there is easy access to the beach after the next farm we can see ahead – we’ll see.

And sure enough, at a place called East Newton, a wide, very mucky track has been gouged into the cliff face.

It is at this point that I reluctantly agree to a call to the coastguards as all the tide tables I find on the phone seem to differ. Finally, Damian gets through to a dippy young woman from the coastguard watch who doesn’t seem to know! But she knows enough to say that the tide is on its way out. I do not believe her, and am vindicated later on by the sight of the waves licking the base of the cliffs. Some people 🙄

So – on we go along the top until we come to what I thought was going to be an obstacle but proves not to be – East Newton Drain, fenced in and easily avoided.

We carry on walking along the edge of vast ploughed fields until we reach an actual obstacle that requires some thought.

A deep ditch appears and there is no way round it – the only way forward is through, I think someone said, so here goes. Damian scrambles down first to test the resistance of the soggy ground. My rucksack is thrown over onto the far bank so there’s no way back as I gingerly creep down the slippery bank of the ditch, to be unceremoniously shoved up the other side.

The curious young bullocks in the field beside us are undoubtedly having a good laugh.

After this bit of excitement there are no more physical barriers to our progress but then it does decide to rain – heavily. We walk head down, along the perimeter of the Grimston Garth parklands which are not open to the public and on to Monkwith, where we leave the coast and head inland to Tunstall. It is time for lunch but we need somewhere dry with a bench if possible. Tunstall Church comes into view and we make for the porch but some bright spark has thought it necessary to remove the benches so we are assigned to the cold floor. Oh well……

An unfortunate close up of Damian with his mouth full……..

As we are finishing up we see a man and a woman approaching the church entrance so we scramble to our feet, although the door is firmly locked. They are a little apprehensive at first having mistaking us for a couple of vagrants but we quickly put them straight and wish them well.

Here is the church from the outside…………………………….

And just down the road from the church are some farm buildings with the most beautiful pebble stone walls.

Our route is now through the village and down to the holiday park known as Sand-le- Mere, where I know there is an easy way down to the beach. We find the back entrance and ignoring the sign, climb over the gate to find ourselves in a pleasant caravan site with its own fruit trees.

Apples and plums…………………………..

Following instructions from the few holidaymakers that are braving the weather, we are directed down to the fishing ponds where there is access to the beach.

Here the cliffs are insignificant but we still don’t know what the tide’s doing. The people we ask are almost sure it is going out but whether the cliffs up ahead will be clear remains a mystery.

We do however hop down on to the sand and walk a while before heading up onto the cliff path which will take us in to Withernsea.

Tricia happy now………………

And soon the houses on the outskirts of Withernsea come into view.

And a little later the northern end of the promenade where I am pleased to see that the waves would still have still been too close for comfort if we had tried to walk along the beach from Sand Le Mere. And yes it is Le Mere rather than La Mer – the “e” makes all the difference.

Closer to town we receive our welcome graciously……………………

Distance: 10 miles