For those in the know, the best kept secret in Northumberland is the stunning stretch of coastline north of Bamburgh between Belford and Beal with its unsurpassed views of Holy Island, stretching out from the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve all the way up to rock pools of Cocklawburn Beach and the sweeping bay of Cheswick Sands.
Just one mile from the tidal causeway that gives access to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the tiny hamlet of Beal sits perched atop a hill in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty surrounded by a patchwork of rolling countryside and pristine golden sand beaches that are home to grey seals and a fantastic array of bird life. With its name deriving from the old English for ‘Bee Hill’, Beal was once the buzzing site of honey production for the Lindisfarne monks, who used the amber nectar to make a fortified wine – better known today as Lindisfarne Mead.
Being so close to the causeway, trips across to Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle, which you can see from your Crabtree & Crabtree holiday cottage, are a prerequisite when staying in Beal and the surrounding area – just beware of the twice daily tides that sweep across the sands to cut the mysterious island off from the Northumberland mainland. While Bamburgh, Alnwick and Berwick-upon-Tweed are within easy distance if you want to experience a bit of culture, to pay a visit to one of the area’s many historic castles or to sample local fare in one of many excellent local pubs and restaurants.
For walking, Beal is ideally positioned. Stroll along the Northumberland Coastal path exploring the miles of beaches and hidden coves or travel a little further afield and lace up your walking boots for a hike in the Cheviot Hills, a walk along St. Cuthbert’s Way or join The Devil’s Causeway – a Roman road that starts at Port Gate on Hadrian’s Wall and extends to the mouth of the river Tweed at Berwick-upon-Tweed.
