Goswick to Berwick

After the causeway, go through Beal before turning right immediately after crossing the railway line. The path is often muddy and continues for 2km before you re-cross the line. This takes you down to Goswick, to the edge of the vast Goswick Sands, which thrust out into the sea as far across as Holy Island.

If you fancy a night under canvas, nestling amongst the dunes, Beachcomber Campsite at Goswick provides a fairly perfect setting. Former schoolmaster John Gregson runs this friendly establishment.

If you don't fancy a night under canvas, then take a left at the end of the track by the cottages, and head along the track through the golf course. Go left again, taking care on the level crossing, and you will soon find yourself passing the tiny hamlet of Cheswick. You now head back to the coast, through Cocklawburn Nature Reserve above the last of the great Northumbrian sand dunes. Rare plants flourish along this stretch, and in the spring it is ablaze with colour. It is also home to one of the biggest colonies of grayling butterflies in the country.

Once beyond the reserve you find yourself sandwiched between the fast rail line and the cliff, on a muddy track that the local farmer's cattle cannot fail to turn into a quagmire in the rain. There's just over 2km of this - and it can be very hard work - before you descend into Spittal, on the outskirts of Berwick.

Follow the road through Tweedmouth and past the dock area, and then either: 1) cross the old bridge pushing your bike (it's one-way), into the town itself (this brings you into the Quay Wall area, and the fascinating lower ramparts).

Or: 2) carry on round the Route 1 sign-posted system and over the higher, newer bridge, which takes you - sharp left - along the river and up Tweed St, past the station.

15. Goswick		Back to
Beachcomber Campsite		Goswick, TD15 2RW, provides a fairly perfect setting. Former schoolmaster John Gregson runs this friendly establishment.
T		01289 381217
E		johngregson@micro-plus-web.net
Pitches		50
Cost per night		£4-£6
EM		No
Drying facilities		Yes
Distance from C&C		400m

Beachcomber, since changes were recently made, is now bang on the route. Situated behind the dunes, this tremendous site overlooks Holy Island and is the nearest one to the tourist Mecca. Hot showers - everything is included in per person charge. Except for horses: if you want to switch saddles and leap on a beast there is a charge. There is an eating area and a shop provides basics and food.