Trip 4: Driftwood Campsite,
Kilnsea, Spurn Head.
I rang the site before we left because there were flood warnings for Kilnsea. John said they were normal and although there are high tides we will be OK.
The journey took us over the Humber Bridge but it was not as windy as we expected. Our route headed along the Humber and through the dock lands before heading out into the countryside. At Easington we turned and headed for Spurn point.
The site is a small C&CC CS site with 5 pitches. It is not more than a big garden with a toilet and shower room , electric, water and Elsan points. We were met by the owner John who showed us where everything was.
It stared to rain and the wind was very strong so we quickly set up and sat inside until the rain eased.
We went for a short walk but it turned out to be a bit longer. The wind was upto about 30mph so when we got to the gate stopping people driving onto Spurn Point we turned around.
We stopped at the Crown & Anchor to take on refreshments.
The landlord welcomed us, I told him how we were worried about the flood warnings, he gave us details of the last high tides and what the locals were saying. We had a couple of drinks and watched the tide come in. Apparently since the 2013 tidal surge Spurn Point is Britain’s newest island. During the spring high tides it becomes isolated from the mainland.
Tonight we had curry for tea. After eating I went back towards the pub to get some pictures and to my disappointment the sea was not crashing onto the road, but it was nearly hitting the top of the sea defences.
Day 2:
Our goal today was to walk the 3 miles to the end of Spurn Point. On the way we came across an information board near the pub. It shows the history of the Holderness area. Hidden history and long gone villages, all researched and collected by a group of volunteers.
We set off to walk to the end of the spurn. It is about three miles, starting with walking along the beach.
Then there is a proper track to the RNLI station. There are plenty of distractions along the way , the lighthouse was not open but is now a museum with each floor a different theme.
We found some strange webs in bushes which turned out to be brown-tail moth caterpillars. Their hairs can bring on a rash that can need a Dr appointment.
There is a wealth of old military buildings to find and there are plenty of information boards and sign posts to help.
The gun emplacements were interesting along with the searchlight positions, and the site of the parade ground.
We eventually walked right to the point or end of Spurn point. We found some picnic benches sheltered from the wind and we ate our packup before heading back home.
We found a shed full of oyster shells and scallop shells, then we found the info board that explained how Yorkshire Wildlife Trust had introduced oysters and scallops to the estuary to replace the native population that had been decimated by over fishing.
We passed some highland cattle that wear gps collars that decide where they graze. The cows know where they cannot graze, if the gps collar makes a sound they have to turn around, as an extra measure if they ignore the sound the collar gives a weak electric shock, but they are well trained. The cows are familiar with the collars and stay within the gps boundaries set by the YWT. They are used to keep the gorse and heather under control and their wide horns help to keep the paths open for the public.
After a great walk, which was 10 miles by the time we reached the pub , our legs had almost stopped working.
Day 3:
We started by walking to one of the wetland wildlife car parks and we followed the path around the wetlands before coming to the coastline.
We found a WW1 Sound Mirror, which was used to ‘listen’ for Zepplins during the 1914-18 war.
Instead of following the footpath we decided to walk along the beach. We were soon at the site of a coastal battery. There is an huge amount of concrete scattered over the beach but the caravan park is still losing land to the sea.
We spent some time looking around and by now is was getting warm so we stopped and shed a few layers of clothing before heading to the pub.
We had decided to have lunch at the Crown & Anchor. Sue had a hot beef sandwich with chips,mushy peas and gravy, I went for the Yorkshire pudding wrap with beef,carrots,peas, 7 roast potatoes and gravy.
The portions were immense and I struggled to eat all the Yorkshire wrap. The food was brilliant, filling and very reasonable at £8.50 each dish. We decided to have just a sandwich tonight, we are still full from lunch.
It has been a great three nights here at Driftwood campsite. I think we will use it again as an early spring break.
Iona’s Travels 