Castles galore.

Amble to Seahouses
I didn't leave Amble until nearly ten this morning. The initial part of the ride was beside the River Coquet, it was very pretty, lots of birds and yet another castle, Warkworth, in the background. Once over the river the cycle route took a sharp turn up a short steep hill, pushing the bike was the only practical option. Once up the hill there was a horrible stretch of farm track, loose gravel and potholes, I was convinced that falling off was quite probable, fortunately my prediction was wrong and I made it to the metalled purpose made cycle path to Alnmouth.
I had planned to cycle to Alnwick to see the Castle and gardens but looking at the map I thought there were too many hills involved. I decided instead to go to Seahouses and stay for two nights to enable me to fit in a trip to the Farne Islands and hopefully spot some Puffins. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to see a Puffin or even two, so let's hope tomorrow fulfils that wish.
I stopped for lunch today at Craster, for those of you who don't know, it is a tiny fishing port, renowned for its smokehouse producing, amongst other things, kippers. I had lunch in the pub garden, a juicy crab sandwich and a rock shandy and a spectacular view of Dunstanburgh Castle. The route certainly delivers on the castle front.
Most of the afternoon ride was along quiet country lanes through classic English countryside. The weather was a bit blustery and I did get hailed on, but I rode into Seahouses just before four o'clock. I was overtaken by a group of MTB riders as I came into the town, one of whom asked me if I was moving house? Very funny!
I think I rode about thirty miles again today, I really do need to sort out my  bike computer.