St. Bee's Head

[alanjns]

I'd heard about St. Bees Head a year or two ago when I first started to get serious about birdwatching and decided that I would definitely pay a visit.

Many excuses and various obstacles later, I finally went today and felt compelled to write a little about the place.

It's great, in a nutshell!

Not for the feint hearted, in some places. I was amused that there was a fence running along most of the cliff top path, but that the path was on the wrong side - the cliff edge!!

It is relatively safe, however, you just need to be careful and watch where you step. Not so good if your engrossed in watching the skies for birdies!!

The walk is disected by an inlet/outlet, that you have to descend into, cross over and then ascend on the other side. In effect you end up climbing the cliff twice!!

The path is narrow and can be awkward. It is very steep in places, not just on the ascent.

I was a little concerned at times that I was on my own (just in case I slipped or who knows what), you cannot get a mobile phone signal on the cliffs. I did encounter, however, about 3 dog walkers, 4 ramblers and even a couple jogging!! (I tried my best to stop panting as we exchanged pleasantaries!!)

It's a beautiful part of the world, but this walk is only notable for it's stunning cliff faces, and the birds off course.

The walk is obviously very exposed, so check the weather forecast before you go. Also take plenty of supplies - once you leave St. Bees village, there are no other facilities/amenities until you get back. Plenty of water is essential, especially on a hot day.

I'm not in great shape, but that's enough about that! Including time to stop and stare, take photo's and have my packed lunch, it took me 3 hours to walk from St Bees village to the 3rd (and final) RSPB viewing platform.

On the way back, I was concerned about missing my train home, so I did no further bird watching and walked straight back to the village - apart from a couple of 5 minute stops to catch my breath now and again - and did it in just over and hour and a half.

I was plagued by wind on the day of my visit - erm, weather wise that is!! My scope was useless, like trying to look through bins whilst leaning on the washing machine on full spin!! I'd recommend using a scope on a calm day only - common sense I suppose, but the wind is always stronger at coastal sites and this was my first time up a cliff, I could have lightened my load and left it at home. I have the weather forecasters to thank for that who said it would be a gorgeous day!! It was cloudy, wet to begin with and very, very windy all day - I reckon about 25mph or there abouts.

Here are a few links to whet your apetites further:

St. Bees Head Heritage Coast

The RSPB: St Bees Head

[Winterkoning]

Hi Alan

a great Day out...........so glad that at last you were able to visit.....sounds stunning
Glad you enjoyed your day here

Regards Mike

[Little Sparrow]

A great read, thanks for sharing your day Alan.

St. Bees head sounds a wonderful place if not a bit scary.lol!!
A pity with the windy weather and using a scope...well trying to, annnoying, as you say you could have lightened your load. S**s law you would have needed it if you had left it at home though. All the same you had what sounds a great day and that's always pleasing especially when visiting a new area for the first time!

Off to view your pics in your Album now!

Hope you are having a rest day today after all that walking yesterday!