The coastline at St Abbs is very special. The walk to St Abbs Head undulates high above a rocky coastline and a mecca for seabirds and crashing waves. A short coastal path to the south leads to the fine bay at Coldingham. Between the two lies the fishing village of St Abbs.
The walk is split in to two. The main part heads off north from a path just outside St Abbs and towards St Abbs Head. The walk is magnificent, wonderful coastal scenery, plenty of sea birds and a fine lighthouse. The lighthouse is perched on the large outcrop of St Abbs Head. Different to the coast further south in Northumberland the cliffs here are high and steep. They hide little coves and is more reminiscent of the finest bays in Cornwall.
The fishing village of St Abbs has a lovely working harbour. The village itself is small with rows of whitewashed cottages, it only really misses a traditional fisherman’s pub. Whilst in St Abbs I do strongly recommend taking the coastal path to the south of the village and the 2 mile round trip to Coldingham Bay/Beach. It is a lovely sandy bay best seen from Pudding Hill on its south side. Return via the old hotel above the bay accessed by the steep path.
Every year till the age of 9 (I think) our family holiday was taken at the Haven. The Haven was then a hotel above Coldingham Bay (now apartments) and every day I clearly remember taking the steps up and down from the hotel to the wonderful beach. We rented a beach hut (they are all still there) for the week and played in the water come sun or rain. Part of the entertainment was an old wooden rowing boat kept afloat by an inflated tyre. It was all great fun. The memories flood back when I return proving that the oldest ones are often the clearest. My dad’s ashes are scattered above the harbour at St Abbs.
The factual details on this walk include bott the visit to St Abbs Head and Coldingham Bay (as is the GPX file). Both loops should be walked and if you have not the time on your first visit….come again!
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