Flamborough

North Yorkshire's finest cliffs, rock pools and wildlife

The area around Flamborough represents one of the finest areas in the UK of white chalk cliffs and the only one in the north of England. As a result it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for both geology and biology. It is a natural chalk landscape with fauna and flora, and home to large colonies of sea birds like Puffins and Gannets, although in October only the domestic species will be resident.  You might spot seals bobbing in the water and there are also resident birds of prey who hunt along the cliff top.

The walk will take in both the cliff tops and the beach and rocky areas down to the waters edge. North Landing is one of the few places where boats can be brought out of the water, so there are opportunities to photograph these as foreground interest whilst the tide is reasonably high. Anyone who arrives early will be able to see this from the car park.

With high tide around 9 am, we will judge the walk depending on the state of the sea. We are likely to start with a clifftop walk to Thornwick Bay - about 15 minutes, taking in the cliff top views. This will allow photos of the arches, stacks and geos with the sea hopefully active. Long exposures and long lens details can work well here depending on the weather.

On arrival at Thornwick Bay we should be able to get the best of the receding tide, cliff arches, wave cut platform and rock pools. The pools are particularly interesting since there is an established series of strata that are being eroded together with erosion of a wave cut platform. All provide some very interesting photographic opportunities including abstracts. Erractic boulders are also present, showing contrast with the bleached white of the chalk. There will be the opportunity to walk out to Thornwick Nab, a large promontory with some interesting geology as long as conditions allow.

Low tide is around 3pm, giving plenty of opportunity to explore before we have to come off the shoreline. Depending on the conditions of the sea and how people are getting on we may walk back and then further around the cliffs to Queens Rock - a prominent sea stack. 

The aim is to be back in the car park around 3pm. After that there is an option for members to do their own thing, or to stay on and witness the sunset (around 17.50). Being east facing the sunset opportunities are not great but there are a few spots that can offer opportunities and I am happy to point these out. One option is to walk, or probably drive, to Flamborough Lighthouse where there are more frequented locations such as the 'drinking dinosaur' stack and arch. Once dark the lighthouse is active with a beam shining out to sea to warn ships of Flamborough Head.

In October you are likely to be facing very variable weather. Regardless of the forecast, good footwear, windproof clothing, hats and gloves are essential. Whilst the cliff top path is reasonably flat, there are steep slopes and steps to the beach. This is extremely uneven in places and of course wet, so walking boots and or wellies are good to have. Your camera bag needs to be weather resistant and I would recommend bringing a plastic bag or plastic shower cap to protect your camera. 

A tripod is very useful for longer exposures, with a set of filters. Wide angle to telephoto lenses are all good options to include. Participants are asked to bring their own drinks and a packed lunch.