I love visiting the Northumberland coast, particularly the areas around Amble, Low Hauxley and Cresswell Beach. Those of you that have looked at my coastal photographs know that I prefer to stand looking out to see where there is no sense of location. My photographs try to capture the mood of the sea without any distracting features.
However, at Amble and Low Hauxley it is impossible to ignore the island out to sea with it’s distinctive lighthouse and profile.
I scheduled my usual winter week in Northumberland a week earlier than normal to pick up the best tides. This meant I couldn't stay in my favourite cottage but I found a delightful place in Low Hauxley which was only 100m from the beach. There were building works across the way which could have been a nuisance but weren’t at all. In fact the chaps working there couldn’t have been more helpful when I needed help clearing snow and de-icing my car.
I very much enjoyed my week in Amble as I was able to take full advantage of the tides. High tide fell in the afternoons which mostly coincided with sunset. There were a few evenings when there was no light but there were also some that were magical and I felt so privileged to be able to watch the day draw to a close.
At the start of December I finally returned to Northumberland for a week of coastal and seascape photography. After my trip to Whitby was summarily cancelled I was definitely ready for some wading about the shoreline with my camera and pink wellies.
Druridge Bay is often overlooked by photographers visiting the Northumberland coast as they prefer to visit the well known locations around Bamburgh, Holy Island and Craster. However the beach at Druridge is worthy of closer attention as it is a diverse and interesting location. It has fabulous wet sand which holds reflections well and the waves are relentless. They are also deceptively high and you have to be very watchful of frequent rogue waves.
