Dunstanburgh Castle
Embleton Bay, Craster, Northumberland
As well as a sunrise at Bamburgh, I was hoping to capture this castle from the beach and do one of those eerily long exposure shots with the tide sweeping in over those wonderful black boulders to turn the scene in to spooky mystical medieval castle by the sea type of image... you get the picture!
But first, getting there... the cheapskates and lazy will head for the dead end lane at Dunstan Steads north of the castle, whereas us energetic, pay through the nose, will park at the extortionate £2 a day car park just outside Craster and take the long walk route. I'm only moaning for what's about to follow. The castle is north of the village of Craster and can be seen on the cliff top the moment you start the walk north along the coastal path. It's an impressive sight, a real fortress of defence that dominates the skyline, but you quickly sense you're not getting anywhere... just like a donkey chasing the carrot on a stick! I suppose I could blame the headwind for it took well over an hour to this point.
The castle is fenced off and a large National Trust sign displays the prices for entry - £6 per adult put free to NT members. Bargain I thought as it was too early to head to the boulder beach so we went in for a look around.
Does anyone remember P.T. Barnum and the odd quotes he may have said like "This way to the Egress" and "There's a sucker born every minute"... both apply! Once you pass through this impressive gateway... that's yer lot. Admittedly, there is a nice NT ticket office just beyond in the forecourt, but after that it's just open fields and the remains of the ruined perimeter wall. What you see from the boulder beach is just a solitary tower on the north side. Even at free admission, I still felt cheated!
It gets worse... but you'll have to wait for the next posting.
Dunstanburgh Castle
Embleton Bay, Craster, Northumberland
As well as a sunrise at Bamburgh, I was hoping to capture this castle from the beach and do one of those eerily long exposure shots with the tide sweeping in over those wonderful black boulders to turn the scene in to spooky mystical medieval castle by the sea type of image... you get the picture!
But first, getting there... the cheapskates and lazy will head for the dead end lane at Dunstan Steads north of the castle, whereas us energetic, pay through the nose, will park at the extortionate £2 a day car park just outside Craster and take the long walk route. I'm only moaning for what's about to follow. The castle is north of the village of Craster and can be seen on the cliff top the moment you start the walk north along the coastal path. It's an impressive sight, a real fortress of defence that dominates the skyline, but you quickly sense you're not getting anywhere... just like a donkey chasing the carrot on a stick! I suppose I could blame the headwind for it took well over an hour to this point.
The castle is fenced off and a large National Trust sign displays the prices for entry - £6 per adult put free to NT members. Bargain I thought as it was too early to head to the boulder beach so we went in for a look around.
Does anyone remember P.T. Barnum and the odd quotes he may have said like "This way to the Egress" and "There's a sucker born every minute"... both apply! Once you pass through this impressive gateway... that's yer lot. Admittedly, there is a nice NT ticket office just beyond in the forecourt, but after that it's just open fields and the remains of the ruined perimeter wall. What you see from the boulder beach is just a solitary tower on the north side. Even at free admission, I still felt cheated!
It gets worse... but you'll have to wait for the next posting.