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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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?