This area covers from Cheswick Sands (just north of Holy Island) in the north to Druridge Bay in the south. As such, it omits parts of the county of Northumberland. The area north of Holy Island (around Berwick) is included with the Scottish coastline and the increasingly urban area to the south of Druridge (Blyth, Tynemouth etc.) is in the area to the south.
Northumberland boasts beautiful long sandy beaches, punctuated by more rocky coastline. However, it is the islands off the Northumberland coastline - Lindisfarne, the Farnes and Coquet - that draw sea kayakers to this area.
Holy Island Causeway: The sands and causeway between Holy Island and the Mainland are covered only momentarily at neaps, local high water being 45 minutes after high water at North Shields. At springs, the sands are covered from 2 hours and 15 minutes before to 45 minutes after high water at North Shields.
Holy Island: High water is 45 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields)
Bamburgh and Farne Islands: High water is 1 hours before high water at River Tyne (north Shields)
Craster: High water is 40 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields)
Alnmouth: High water is 25 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields)
Amble: High water is 15 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields)
Druridge Bay: High water is 10 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields)
North of Holy Island: Flow runs continuously in a easterly direction but weakly.
North of the causeway: Reports differ on the tidal stream here. All times given relative to high water at River Tyne, North Shields. It seems likely that the south-going stream turns south to cover the sands from around -4:00. Once the causeway covers (-2:15 springs), the west-going stream through the harbour runs north across the causeway, turning east along the coast of Holy Island. When the harbour stream turns at -0:45, the stream turns south. When the causeway uncovers (+0:45), the stream must again turn north to drain the sands.
East of Holy Island: The south going stream begins at 4 hours and 30 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north going stream begins at 1 hours and 50 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Holy Island Harbour: The east going stream begins at 45 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The west going stream begins at 5 hours and 10 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.
Between Holy Island and The Farnes: The south south-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 50 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 40 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Outside Longstone, Farne Islands: The south-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 30 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 30 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The south-east going stream reaches a speed of 3.5 knots at springs. The north-west going stream reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs. Turbulent water can often be found around Knivestone, including overfalls.
Staple Sounds, Farne Islands: The south-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 45 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The flow reaches a speed of 4 knots at springs.
Inner Sound, Farne Islands: The south-east going stream begins at 4 hours and 45 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north-west going stream begins at 1 hours and 45 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The south-east going stream reaches a speed of 2.4 knots at springs. The north-west going stream reaches a speed of 2.6 knots at springs.
Between Craster and Seahouses: The south going stream begins at 4 hours and 30 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north going stream begins at 1 hours and 30 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs.
Between Amble and Craster: The south going stream begins at 4 hours and 40 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north going stream begins at 1 hours and 20 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The flow reaches a speed of 1 knots at springs. See also information for Coquet channel/road.
Amble Harbour Entrance: The east going stream begins at at high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The west going stream begins at 6 hours before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The flow reaches a speed of 3 knots at springs.
Coquet Road and Channel: The south-east going stream begins at 5 hours and 15 minutes before high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The north-west going stream begins at 45 minutes after high water at River Tyne (north Shields). The stream is not strong in the 'road' between the island and Pan Point, but it runs strongly in the channel to the south west of the island and across North Steel, a drying ledge of rock to the north of the Island. When Hauxley Point rocks are uncovered, the tide runs south east and north west, but runs more north-south when they are covered.
This coastline offers few options if conditions are poor - it all faces one direction and offers little shelter to the east.
Coquet Island: Landing is not permitted on the island as it is a RSPB bird sanctuary.
Holy Island harbour: (NU 129 417) g There is an agreement to allow paddlers to drive to harbour to drop boats and kit, before parking in a pay and display carpark (access otherwise restricted). May need to seek permission from harbourmaster or Lindisfarne Centre. Unsure if there is a charge. Also consider contacting nature reserve to let them know plans.
North of Bamburgh: (NU 178 355) g Following the road north of Bamburgh, there are lay-bys on your right. The last before the beach ends has the shortest walk. Arrive early on sunny bank holidays or in the summer. There can be large surf.
St Aiden's Dunes, Seahouses: (NU 208 332) g Long walk, bring trolley. Surf likely.
Seahouses harbour: (NU 221 321) g Fee for launching and for parking.
Beadnell Haven: (NU 233 295) g Path 50m to beach from road. Parking just to the north on the left hand fork of the road.
Beadnell Beach: (NU 235 287) g Large pay and display car park. Long walk to the sea at low tide.
Newton Steads: (NU 236 261) g Pay and display car park 100m from the beach.
Low Newton: (NU 241 246) g Possible to drop boats at the end of the road near the beach. Pay and display car park 300m back up the road.
Dunstan Steads: (NU 245 225) g Parking along the road. 200m carry from the road end to the beach.
Craster: (NU 258 200) g Slipway into the drying harbour, small charge to launch. Very limited parking on nearby streets - probably better to leave the car in the village car park 200 m up the main road.
Howdiemont Sands: (NU 262 156) g Parking at the end of the road - pay at honesty box at Low Stead farm. Short carry to beach.
Boulmer: (NU 266 139) g Small car park by the beach
Alnmouth Beach: (NU 251 106) g Large car park by the beach.
Warkworth Dunes: (NU 257 065) g Car park (picnic site), 350m carry to the beach.
River Coquet, Amble, The Braid: (NU 261 049) g Parking close to slipway
Amble Harbour: (NU 270 049) g Steps down to the water at the end of the quay. May be slippy and a little awkward - take care! Various car parks nearby, as well as vendors of ice cream and fish and chips.
Amble Links: (NU 279 040) g Small car park 80m from the beach
Low Hauxley: (NU 286 033) g Car park a short walk from the beach.
Togston Links: (NU 281 015) g Small car park close to the beach. Further parking at the end of the road just to the north. There is roadside parking and a ramp to the beach a little further south.
Druridge Bay Country Park: (NZ 273 996) g Some small pull-offs near the end of the road, the closest being around 60m from the beach. Larger country park car park 150m from the beach, with another car park nearby.
Druridge Bay: (NZ 276 961) g Roadside parking, 200m carry to beach.
Farne Islands: On a fine day, the trip out to the Farnes is a great paddle. The easiest launch points are likely Harkess Rocks and St.Aidan's Dunes - arrive early on a weekend to get a parking space, although there are other options in between. Tidal streams through the Inner sound seem to vary with location, with less flow evident between Harkess Rocks and Megstone. However, you will need to keep an eye on your drift during the crossing. There is a fee to be paid to join the crowds of tourists on Inner Farne (the warden at the landing site on the north east side of the island will provide directions on where to land). However, the island is worth a visit to see the Terns and Puffins at close quarters. The Terns aggressively defend their nest sites and have sharp beaks - it is advisable to west a sturdy hat. Venturing beyond Inner Farne is a little more committing, with stronger flows across Staple Sound. The only other place to land is near the lighthouse on Langstone - a great spot for lunch. Tidal streams run through the passages between the islands and any swell will break on the many reefs along the chain. Be aware that thick fog can come in rapidly off the North Sea reducing visibility to a few metres - have a plan to navigate home should this occur!
Coquet Island: The paddle out to and around Coquet Island is a worthwhile, if short, trip. There are a number of options to launch on the beaches to the south of Amble. Starting or finishing in Amble harbour is also a possibility, but be aware of the strong stream in the harbour entrance. If you can work with the stream and deal with the slippery steps up the quay, Amble does make a great stop for lunchtime fish and chips. Rocky ledges extend a long way out from the headland just south of Amble - these can necessitate a long paddle round. Tidal streams are evident around Coquet Island, but these are never especially strong. The Island itself is a nesting colony for Terns and Puffins and is home to a profusion of highly inquisitive seals. Landing on the island is prohibited, and paddlers should take care to avoid disturbing wildlife.
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