19th January 2011
The day had started dull and overcast with some light rain and any plans we had for going anywhere were quickly shelved. However around 1130hrs the day suddenly brightened so I left Edith at home to go for this short walk at Half Moon Bay and across the Barrows. A familiar walk to regular readers of the webpage but no less beautiful and one big saving on petrol.
It is only 5 -10 minutes walk from home down to Half Moon Bay where my path will follow the coast to Heysham Village.
After a dull and overcast start to the day it was nice to have the sun back although the breeze meant there was a bit of a nip in the air.
Having crossed the fields I entered what was once the old Heysham Head site. This was a great place in the 1950's and 1960's although I suppose by the standards of today's Theme Parks it would be dull. The section I am about to walk across was later an International Go Kart racetrack but now is under the care of the National Trust as are the Heysham Barrows where I am headed.
I must have walked across here 100's of times yet each time reveals a different view.
Today Humphrey Head and Hampsfell across the bay are the only link with AW but other days the Southern Fells will be revealed in all there glory.
Behind me lies industrial and commercial Heysham with the 2 Nuclear Power Stations towering over Heysham Harbour and the base of the Morecambe Bay Gas field.
Many moons ago the beach below me was an official nudist beach. Not surprisingly it never really took off!!
The wall ahead marks the once boundary between the Barrows and Heysham Head.
Passing through the wall onto the Barrows I made my way down to Throbshaw Point..
....which is a popular place for the anglers. I'm not too sure if the two guys who have just arrived realise that the tide is on the ebb and they will have to follow it out as the tideline recedes.
As the tide recedes the shorebirds walk the beach searching for tasty morsels...
They are in the main Oystercatchers.
Now at the far end of the Barrows and a look up the bay towards Morecambe with Arnside Knott in the centre.
It's just a short walk up to St Patrick's Chapel.
And it's a fine viewpoint and a favourite for many.
The Stone Graves.....thought to be around 11th Century....Black Sabbath fans will recognise them from the CD cover on " The Best of Black Sabbath "
St Patrick's Chapel.....thought to date from the 8th or 9th Century and a Grade 1 Listed Building.
A walk through Chapel Woods showed the daffodils peeking out....
....whilst in the churchyard the snowdrops were flowering.
St Peter's Church overlooking the bay....The church as we see it now dates from the Saxon period (8th century) but the original church was probably Celtic (6th century).
Main Street, Heysham Village
Walking back to Half Moon Bay I passed the old entrance to Heysham Head. The archway, now filled in used to be the original entrance.
Walking back down to Half Moon Bay a decision as to be made.
Do I stop here which I can highly recommend or do I go and see my Daughter-in-law who lives nearby for a brew. Based on cost I'll let you guess which won. ;-)
Return to Local Pictures Return to Home Page