Walk Summary
A nature extravaganza with estuary birds guaranteed. Seals and Basil the fox are a potential. Easy beach and road walking. Many interesting historic sites. A walk that has everything.
Date: 29/09/2021
Length: 8.11 miles
Height Gain: 5 m
Terrain: Flat. grassy paths, beaches, lightly used roads.
Navigation: Good. The main issue is not to be caught out by the tides (see notes on map)
Start: Kilnsea Car Park, Kilnsea
Route: Kilnsea, Spurn Point
Map: OS292 Withernsea And Spurn Head
Weather: Sunny, windy
Walkers: Nun
Gallery
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Godwin Artillery Battery
Captain's Log
Kilnsea
You know it's going to be a great walk, when the first point of interest is only a 100 yards from the car park. The Godwin Artillery Battery is massive. It was opened in 1915 and held two 9.2 inch guns. It was equipped with a new gun and searchlights during the Second World War. The sea has claimed it now.
Spurn National Nature Reserve is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT). Their Discovery Centre is only a 10 minute walk from the car park. It has a cafe and you can arrange to go on one of their 'safaris' down to Spurn Point on their ex-military truck. The trip also includes entry to the lighthouse. They are very helpful with information and advice.
Since you have water on either side, it is very difficult to get lost on this walk. The main point to remember is that Spurn is actually an island. A storm in 2013 washed away part of the peninsula so that on some high tides, Spurn Head itself becomes an island. You need to organise a walk so that you don't become stranded.
Washover Area
Washover Area
Many birds use the estuary and land (too many to mention). Due to ground nesting birds, dogs are not permitted beyond a certain point (near to where the Washover Area starts). YWT have also erected a fence along the spine of the Washover Area (people keep to the sea side) so that people don't disturb the birds.
The Washover Area is quite extensive. There is actually a sentry-like box to sit in if you do get stranded on the island side. I'm not sure I'd like to sit in it for many hours though; better to get your planning right.
A YWT Safari Going Across Washover Area
I did find it a little unusual having a vast amount of water on either side of me as I walked across. Once I'd got across I started along the single track road. A couple of times I had to get off the road when a landrover came past. I presumed they were RNLI staff. Spurn Head has the only full-time RNLI staff in the UK. The staff accommodation isalso on Spurn Head.
Approaching Spurn Head
The view seaward side is restricted from the road by the dunes. In retrospect I'd have chosen to walk along the seaward side beach to Spurn Point and then come back along the road (I did the reverse). Even so, at one point on the road I did get the opportunity to look out to sea and see a seal pop up its head.
The island widened out a bit as I progressed and I followed a track that diverted off the road into the estuary side shrubbery. I came across a hide that offered good views on to the estuary.
Spurn Seal
The lighthouse is located before the RNLI houses. As I approached it a huge ship entered the estuary and gave me the impression it was actually sailing on land.
As I approached the end of the island military type ruins started appearing. Spurn was obviously a strategic location during both world wars and the scale of the buildings and armaments is much in evidence. There are many notice boards giving details and history of the locations.
Spurn Lighthouse
Spurn's Basil The Fox
Basil The Fox
Near to the lighthouse a fox suddenly appeared out of the undergrowth 30 metres ahead of me. We both looked at each other. After he saw I wasn't a threat, he became more relaxed. In the end, he jumped out of the undergrowth and walked past me on the other side of the road.
Spurn's Basil The Fox
This apparently is Basil The Fox. A wild fox that has taken up residence on Spurn Head. Google 'Basil Fox Spurn' to get the latest information. He has become a mascot for the RNLI team. There's even some video of him getting some dog biscuits for Christmas.
Spurn Radar Station
Spurn Point
After passing the RNLI accommodation, I came across a tall building. There is a notice saying that the building had been used by the coastguard/estuary authorities. Apparently all this is now controlled from Goole although there are still working radars from this building. The path to Spurn Point itself took me through along a trail through bushes until at last it broke out on to the beach. I walked further on until I could walk no further. What amazed me was the speed of the water exiting the estuary. It was almost dizzying. Admittedly, the tide was going out, and there was a strong offshore wind, but I was impressed by the sheer volume and speed of water. Later I read that the Humber drains 20% of the land surface of England, and so maybe I shouldn't have been surprised.
Bull Sand Fort
The last item of military item can be seen offshore, the Bull Sand Fort. It was built to protect the estuary during the First World War. It could accommodate 200 soldiers and so is quite a construction. It was modernised for the Second World War. Apparently it was sold for £117,000 in 2018. I'd say that was a bargain if can accommodate 200 people, although I bet none of the rooms are en-suite.
Bull Sand Fort
Humber Estuary Storm Cloud
Stormbringer
It was time to head back and so I decided to walk along the beach on the seaward side. The seal I'd seen earlier, or one who looked very much like him, popped his head up now and again above the waves. It had turned out a magnificent day with blue skies and sun. I got to the start of the Washover Area where a row of large sea barrier blocks had been placed. The tide was coming in, blocking a beach walkaround, and so I had to scramble over them to get to the Washover Area. I didn't find it a problem but it might be tricky for some.
At the other side of the Washover Area I met a couple who were gradually walking their way around England's coastline. They were doing it in stages, rather than all at once. They appeared to have done the majority of it. We discussed the options of making your way from east to west once they got to Berwick. The Southern Uplands Trail seemed to be the best option.
As we spoke we watched a huge storm cloud form further down the estuary. We could see that it was belting it down with rain, but it was all very localised. Everywhere else was still blue skies and sun.
Fortunately it wasn't coming my way and I was got back to the car park dry.
This was a walk that had everything: wildlife, historic sites, dramatic landscapes and, of course, Basil The Fox. What more can you ask?