06/05/19 - The Red Lion at Alnmouth

Distance - 4.5 Miles
Geocaches - 1
Walk Inspiration - 100 Walks in Northumberland, Walk 31

A nice little varied walk for a Bank Holiday Monday, where the weather was traditionally bracing.

Start at the Beach Car Park, where all the dogs in the North East are out for exercise.

Guide dog in training Joy had a whale of a time.  The golden beach looked Caribbean but felt Baltic.  A case of keep moving to keep warm.

Family Mapp and Guide Dog Joy.   We haven't gone on holiday by mistake

When the golden sands turn to rock, we head inland through the golf course. 

When the sand runs out, head inland

At the end of the golf course's drive, we are presented with a view of the River Aln as it meanders it was down to the sea.   The notice boards promise such exotic wildlife as otters.   I am too busy taking snaps of new born sheep that I almost fail to catch the heron.

Looking down on the Aln

Heron.   Honest,

Nice final section of walking along the Coastal Path from Alnmouth Bridge, looking at the estuary moored boats and then refreshment can be found in the village.

Picking up the Northumberland Coastal Path at the Bridge

There looks like a few choices for the Mappiman dollar, but we were never going to miss out on a 2019 Camra Good Beer Guide Tick.

A Northumberland Pub Tick

The Red Lion is a classic looking coaching inn, where dogs are welcome as long as they are dry.   To meet this requirement, towels are available in the porch.   This is something I have never seen before.

As its a bank holiday, we failed to get inside seating but this meant that we could explore their wonderful beer garden, offering further views over the estuary.

Fine Beer Garden View

The English on Holidays.   Others were in the garden.

Beer wise, it was a Red Ale - Allendale Brewery's Curlew's return. 

Perfect condition, with a deep colouring and continued lacing right till the end of the glass.

Enjoyed right up until the point it started raining.