DANES DYKE
DANES DYKE
Danes Dyke is between Bridlington and Flamborough. Run by the East Riding Council, it is now a 148 acre nature reserve with a footpath going down a fairly steep, although not too long slope through woodland to the beach at the bottom. Danes Dyke acquires its name from the ancient ditch and bank earthwork which runs through the reserve and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of national importance. The earthwork was constructed as a defensive feature to protect the 5 square miles of land lying to the east. Despite its name, the Dyke is prehistoric in origin and Bronze Age arrowheads were found here during excavations.
We particularly like Danes Dyke. There cliffs are white, chalk cliffs and the beach is white stones at the top then sand when the tide is out. There is something about the light here in the afternoon, the way it reflects off the white cliffs and stones maybe, but I always find it a very tranquil spot.
There is a car park at the top which also has a picnic bench. We often pick up fish and chips en route from our favourite fish and chip takeaway, 149 Fish and Chips in Bridlington, and eat them on the picnic bench before walking down to the beach. The fish and chips are particularly tasty and you can even phone ahead to order them ready for collection.
The beach has never been very busy when we have been there, The Child likes it as he gets to lob loads of stones into the water to see which one makes the biggest splash, The Dog likes it as she gets to partake in her favourite pastime which is chasing a tennis ball and me and The Husband like it as everyone is getting a bit of exercise in the fresh air in beautiful surroundings, following a very tasty lunch. We have also recently learnt that Danes Dyke is good for chalk fossils, in particular sponge fossils, so this ties in well with our newfound interest in fossil hunting.
Useful Information:
The car park at the top is a pay and display car park with toilet facilities. Danes Dyke is open every day of the year. The path down to the beach is surfaced. There are coast paths which run from the beach to Sewerby (1.5km) or Flamborough South Landing (1.5km).
Links:
Danes Dyke: www2.eastriding.gov.uk/leisure/countryside-and-walks/places-to-visit/local-nature-reserves/find-your-nearest-local-nature-reserves/?entryid87=101264
149 Fish and Chips: (149 Marton Road, Bridlington, YO16 7DJ Tel:01262 678378) 149fishandchips.co.uk/